Greetings,
It is a New Year; an opportunity to reflect on the past and to aspire towards a brighter future. Regarding the past, I want to extend my personal gratitude to our out-going council members Brent Vincent, Martin Green, and Filip Askerlund for their dedicated service to our community. From economic development to planning of festivals, from sitting on boards to cooking hotdogs for hungry baseball players, these individuals have committed their time and talents in our service. They deserve our sincere gratitude and they have mine.
I want you to know that I am very optimistic for the future of Santaquin City. While we have many challenges ahead, we have some tremendous talent coming onboard to our city council with Richard Payne, Keith Broadhead, and Matt Carr. These three will bring a renewed passion and fresh ideas to enhance what is great about our community and improve on thoseareas that need addressing. Benjamin Franklin once said “How few there are who have the courage enough to own their own faults, or the resolution enough to mend them.” Communication, customer service, transparency, and increased public involvement are all areas we need to improve upon. By addressing these areas and others it is my sincere hope that we will foster a renewed spirit of trust, respect, and cooperation.
Fellow citizens, change can only come through self-reflection, through honest listening, and
through a commitment to not succumb to the temptation of contention. I understand that in our community change needs to come from the top. I look forward to working with these good men coming on to our council, as well as the good men returning to our ranks, Council Members James Linford and Rick Steele, as we together establish new goals that will bring our community together.
In the spirit of the Christmas season and with the emergence of a fresh New Year, let me challenge each and every one of you to join me in this effort to foster peace…not disputation, to build each other up…not tear each other down, and to volunteer your service… not just your criticism. Yes, change can and will start at the top, but it must also start in the hearts and minds of every citizen of our community.
Again, I want you to know that I am available to discuss your questions and concerns on the second Tuesday of every month. Visits are made “by appointment only” from 6:00-7:30 PM in our new building located at 275 West Main Street. Appointments can be scheduled through Susan Farnsworth, City Recorder, who can be reached at (801) 754-3211×204. If unable to visit with me during the set times, please call the City Recorder & I will try to accommodate your time schedule.
Mayor James E. DeGraffenried
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