Kanab City Council candidate profiles

Scott Colson

What made you want to run for public office in Kanab?

Several years ago, I had the opportunity to interact with the local government and the process involving Land Use Ordinances. The interaction did not go as I had planned. I took this as an opportunity for growth. I became engaged in the process of government and was eventually appointed to Kanab City Planning and Zoning Commission. I have learned how important it is for all citizens to become engaged in government.

Why do you feel you are qualified for the position?

I have spent the last several years on the Kanab City Planning and Zoning Commission. I have been involved in the laws that govern our city and how they impact our residents. I have learned the importance of listening to opposing viewpoints. I have worked to develop the ability to be as impartial as possible when acting as a governmental agent. I strive to consider all the information and make the best decisions for Kanab.

What do you think is the most important issue facing Kanab right now, and how would you address it if elected?

I think Land Use Ordinances are one of the biggest issues facing Kanab currently. These laws dictate much of what can occur within city limits. They limit what businesses can exist and how they operate. They dictate how you can use your personal property and residence. These laws can impose greatly on the freedoms and liberty of Kanab. I think it is critical at this time in Kanab’s history to remember the purpose of government. I will work diligently to preserve the freedoms and liberty of Kanab and not surrender them easily for short-sighted goals. I will work to promote and apply decision making based on principles, not situations.

Are you in favor of seeing Kanab grow, or would you like to restrict growth through proper planning and zoning channels?

I do not believe it is the responsibility or role of government to dictate growth. I am not in favor of government creating and imposing laws they unnecessarily regulate. I think traditional zoning models have shown to be more generally detrimental than beneficial. I believe proper planning encourages creativity and diversity. Less regulation allows for this to happen. I strive to consider how the health, safety and welfare of the citizens are impacted by every law that is proposed. Next, I weigh how the existing laws should be fairly applied to all citizens. This is how I will strive to promote and encourage positive growth.

Are you for or against the proposed golf course being proposed by the Kane County Water Conservancy District?

Kanab City has not been asked to contribute any funds to the proposed golf course. The proposed golf course is not within city limits. The water shares that will be used do not belong to the city. With this information, Kanab City has no ability to make any decisions regarding the proposed golf course. I hope that Kanab City will have the opportunity to be involved in decisions regarding the golf course in the future. My personal opinions are mixed on this subject. I will look forward to getting more information as it is available in the future.

What else would you like to say to the residents of Kanab?

The message I would like to share is to get involved in local government. There are many ways that citizens can get involved. Volunteer for appointed boards and positions. Run for office. Comment at public meetings. Visit with city staff and administrators. Vote during elections. It is vital to this incredible experiment in freedom that, We the People, take personal responsibility in our government. Do not allow for the disconnect that is often felt at the national level to occur in our own community. We all have something to contribute.

April Crofts

What made you want to run for public office in Kanab?

I decided to run for public office in Kanab because I love our small town and community values and wanted to be a voice for the people. I want to help preserve our small town values and heritage and even though we are growing, I feel that it is possible to keep our small town spirit and community support for each other.

Why do you feel you are qualified for the position?

I feel I am qualified for the position of city council because I have lived and worked in this community for about 25 years. I am not a politician but a mother and resident who is vested in the best interests of Kanab. I was the school board secretary for the Fredonia Moccasin Unified School District for eight years and also the pharmacy technician for Kanab United Drug for the original owners Ed and Joyce Bush and also the current owners Dave and Kelly Shakespeare. Through the years I have gotten to know many people and I will always put the best interests of our residents, families and local businesses first.

What do you think is the most important issue facing Kanab right now, and how would you address it if elected?

After talking to several residents and businesses, the biggest issues that Kanab is facing right now are growth, lack of employees and infrastructure. I feel Kanab City is working hard on infrastructure and water development and we need to continue with their current plan because in my opinion they are doing a great job.

Are you in favor of seeing Kanab grow, or would you like to restrict growth through proper planning and zoning channels?

We are blessed to live in such a beautiful place where people come to vacation, which means growth is inevitable. We need to try and direct growth in a way that will maintain the small town feel and welcoming nature of Kanab. The reason people fall in love with Kanab that I have talked to is because Kanab residents are so welcoming and friendly and we have that small town charm. I don’t want Kanab to become just another city or just a tourist destination. I feel very strongly that when decisions are made, the residents, families and local businesses need to always come first before we look at whether or not it will bring in more tourism. The family roots and ties to this community, whether you have lived here for generations or have moved here recently are the most important aspect of what makes kanab “Kanab”. We need to encourage developers to build more affordable single-family homes for our younger families to be able to stay here and raise families of their own. We also need to encourage industry to come here not just tourism businesses, so we have a diverse community where people can afford to live.

Are you for or against the proposed golf course being proposed by the Kane County Water Conservancy District?

From my understanding, the proposed golf course is not a city council proposal and is a water conservancy proposal. I feel I need a lot more information than what I have to even form an opinion and would like to talk to a lot more people regarding this.

What else would you like to say to the residents of Kanab?

I think we need to stick together as a community like we always have, no matter our differences and backgrounds. The people here are what make Kanab such an amazing place to live and we just need to work on good communication and more community involvement.

Chris Heaton

What made you want to run for public office in Kanab?

My love for Kanab runs deep as I have many roots here and my wife and I felt like now was the proper time to run for city council. I have always enjoyed Kanab, whether it was growing up here, or currently, as we are here to raise our family in this great community. I feel that Kanab is a unique and special place, and I have the time and gained experience to help give back to our great town. I hope to continue to be involved to make sure Kanab stays a wonderful and safe place to raise families.

Why do you feel you are qualified for the position?

I feel that I have a lot to offer if elected. I am currently on Planning and Zoning for Kanab City, and have been for the last four years; two of which I have served as the chair. I feel I also have gained a lot of experience and knowledge being on several other local boards and committees that have given me the opportunity to gain proper experience working with various other commission members and board members, as well as my experience as a local cattle ranch owner. Owning and operating a small business, partnered with my dad, has helped me gain a lot of valuable skills that help qualify me for this race.

What do you think is the most important issue facing Kanab right now, and how would you address it if elected?

I feel updating our infrastructure as we grow and replacing / maintaining our existing will be extremely important in the years to come. I have been really impressed with the vision that our current mayor, city council, and city staff have had as they have planned for the future. Namely adding two plus miles of new water main, two new water tanks up on the hill, improving our fire station and adding the curb gutter and sidewalk down main street. If elected, I would work to continue to make infrastructure improvements a priority.

Are you in favor of seeing Kanab grow, or would you like to restrict growth through proper planning and zoning channels?

I, like many others, would love Kanab to stay small and to be like it was when I was growing up. However, I find this would be hard to legislate. There are several examples of towns in the southwest where they have restricted growth and those towns have turned into resort communities. By restricting growth, new development will not come in and it will cause existing prices to continue to climb. Which in turn would out-price the locals. I do not want this to happen here in our town. I also do not want us to grow at a rate that would have us competing with St. George and putting a strain on our infrastructure. Responsible growth is ideal.

Are you for or against the proposed golf course being proposed by the Kane County Water Conservancy District?

From the beginning I have had some concerns with the proposed golf course, some of those concerns have since been resolved. To my understanding, there are still several moving parts with the proposed golf course; mainly SITLA still hasn’t decided who is going to be getting their respective land. Until there is more concrete information available, I do not feel I can take a stand for or against the proposed golf course.

What else would you like to say to the residents of Kanab?

As we all know, Kanab is an incredible place and I feel proud to call this my home. It’s an incredible place to grow up, to raise your family, to relocate and retire in, and as many know - Kanab is an incredible place to vacation. There is so much that makes Kanab special like our red cliffs, our main street and the sunsets just to name a few. But ultimately, our community members are what make this little town so great. Our community is full of the best of the best, where we know our neighbors, serve the elderly and those in need, and respect and back our law enforcement. If elected I would work hard for Kanab, by respecting and listening to all points of view. Please get out and vote.