Updated Cedar City Municipal Elections 2025 Voter Information Guide

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About this guide:
This voter information guide has been created by Real Impact Cedar City. We are a local Christian volunteer organization that encourages citizens to be involved in the political process within our community, state and country. We’ve provided questionnaires to all of the Cedar City candidates appearing on the November 4, 2025 general election ballot for Iron County, Utah. Below is the compilation of their responses. This document is publicly available and we encourage you to share with the citizens of Iron County and the surrounding area.

We are a non-partisan group and our hope is that this Voter Information Guide will help citizens make more informed decisions in the election process. We strongly urge you to vote in person, or at least drop off your ballot at your designated polling station. Over 1,400 mail in ballots were disqualified in the 2024 Republican primary due to failures of the USPS. Please take this into account as you plan how you will vote.

Finally here are the (13) questions combined for the Mayor and City Council candidates. The candidates are listed in the order we received their responses. Ronald Riddle (CC), did not respond to our survey. Waldo D. Galan (CC) replied after our July primary voter information guide had been published. This voter information guide is the same as the primary with except of removing candidates that were eliminated in the Primary, and adding Waldo D. Galan’s responses for the first time.

CC = City Council M = Mayor

1. As municipal elections are non-partisan it would be helpful for the electorate to understand your general political philosophy. Please describe your political beliefs, and what experiences, values, or influences have shaped them?

R. Scott Phillips (CC): Growing up in a small rural town with six siblings, I understand the important values of family, small business, and hard work. My father and mother taught us the need for public service. It is part of being a good citizen of the community. Our geographic location, can-do spirit, love of family, and dedication to making our city a better place is what inspires me each day. I have the time and desire to commit to Cedar City and am focused on the future.

Phil E. Schmidt (M): I am a registered conservative republican. Values influenced by religion, family, and life experiences.

Steve Nelson (M): My experiences studying and applying politics—as a social science major at SUU, government and history teacher at Canyon View High School, and Iron County Republican Party Chair—have shaped the way that I view government. I believe passionately in the founding principles of the United States Constitution, and I have come to believe that the best form of government is the one closest to the people. I agree with James Madison that we should seek “first to obtain for rulers men who possess most wisdom to discern, and most virtue to pursue, the common good of the society.” I think that such leaders will exercise sound judgement to do what is best for those they serve, not what is best for them and their friends.

Kathy A. Long (CC): Kindness, compassion, several non-profit organizations, and working on the iron country care &share board.

Waldo D. Galan (CC): I have been a citizen of the United States for many decades. Prior to moving to the US, my family and I lived in Venezuela and Cuba. I saw firsthand what dictatorships looked like and the impact they have on society. In addition, socialism and communism require the continuous oppression of the citizens, under the unrealistic notion of “equality” and opportunity for all. It requires the rewriting of history to fit the regime’s narrative. It requires that all basic freedoms be taken away from every citizen and have those freedoms used as tools to control the population. After a while, when all private enterprise and lands have been “nationalized” and taken over by beurocrats, entities fail, food supply diminishes, and the entire population suffers. Agency is taken away and no other priority can take place of the regime. Ultimately, violence ensues, because the regime has to survive.
In all the world, there is not a place like the United States. Its constitution is truly inspired by God. The Bill of Rights and the laws of the land have enabled the greatest social experiment ever. Nowhere in the world, can this country be matched in the areas of freedom, balance of power, opportunity for those who seek after a better life, general sense of safety and security and overall welfare in life. I have traveled the whole world for business and personal travel. I have lived in societies, like Japan, Dubai and many other countries in South America, where progress has been made over the centuries of their existence, but all fall short of the US. I am a Republican and have been since before I became a citizen all those decades ago. I am a conservative person by nature. However, my conservative views are aligned with the values of the Republican Party, as long as they do not interfere with the God given freedoms afforded by the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Some factions within the Democratic Party and I dare say the Republican Party have lost sight of what makes this nation the greatest nation in the History of the world. I will, until my dying day support and uphold the values, rights and I dare say inspiration that made it so.

2. What is your vision for representing Cedar City? What do you hope to achieve, and do you have specific timelines?

R. Scott Phillips (CC): Cedar City stands at a defining moment. As we grow, we must do so with purpose—honoring our heritage while building a future that lifts every family, every business, and every voice. My plan is rooted in a deep love for this community and a belief in what we can accomplish together. Let’s shape a Cedar City that is vibrant, connected, and full of opportunity for all.

Phil E. Schmidt (M): To be fair, open, and transparent. To listen to the public, council with city staff and department heads, and work closely with city council. To achieve infrastructure repairs and improvements Public safety enhance quality of life. Roll up my sleeves and go to work.

Steve Nelson (M): It seems that most politicians run on specific issues and promises, but as Mayor I hope to be a public servant, not a politician. I don’t have any specific issues that I’m running on. Instead, I’m running for Mayor because I love our community. I have reached a time in my life where I have the time and experience that I believe enable me to be an effective representative of its citizens, and I hope to be someone that every citizen would feel comfortable approaching— knowing that I will always listen and try to understand their perspective.

Kathy A. Long (CC): infrastructure, attainable housing

Waldo D. Galan (CC): I relocated to Cedar City over 13 years ago. We were at the back end of a 7-year foreign assignment to Dubai and Puerto Rico when I decided to retire from my career, as an executive with Ford Motor Company of over 32 years. I loved Cedar and still do. I do believe though, that a broader understanding of the opportunities that lie before the future of the city, need a different and experienced business perspective. One that will strategically look at not only at the immediate needs of the population, but can articulate a studied and feasible future, where infrastructure, resources, culture, traditions, support entities, security and public policy align perfectly with a more robust and focused economic future. I feel confident that I can contribute significantly to reducing any and all knee-jerk reactionary decisions and policy making and turn our efforts more into a planned strategic execution of sound policies and actions that embrace the values and hopes of the entire population, and which will improve the overall quality of life of the residents of our great city.

3. What are your top three priorities for improving the lives of Cedar City residents?

R. Scott Phillips (CC):

1. Smart Growth & Economic Opportunity for All
   A strong local economy means good jobs, thriving small businesses, and opportunity for the next generation. I will continue to work fostering a balanced and diverse economy—from light manufacturing to tourism, from retail to innovation, from agriculture to transportation—so families can live, work, and grow right here in Cedar City. With thoughtful planning and support for entrepreneurs and industry alike, we can create a future of long-term prosperity.
2. Safer Streets, Stronger Neighborhoods
   Public safety is the foundation of a livable city. I will ensure our first responders have the tools they need to keep us safe—and I will go further, working to create a community where families feel secure walking their neighborhoods, where bike paths and trails connect us, and where our roads and sidewalks reflect pride and safety. A city built for people is a city built to last.
3. A Thriving Historic Downtown — The Heartbeat of Our City
   Cedar City’s strength begins at its heart. Our historic downtown should be more than just a place—it should be a destination. I will continue to champion initiatives that breathe new life into our city center, creating a vibrant, walkable hub where families gather, students connect, and tourists are inspired. By strengthening the connection between Southern Utah University and our downtown core, and investing in the arts, culture, and recreation that make us unique, we will build a community gathering place that reflects the soul of Cedar City.

Phil E. Schmidt (M):
Upgrades to water, sewer, roads, and recreation.

Steve Nelson (M):
Similar to my response to question 2, I don’t have any personal priorities. I simply want to represent what is important to the citizens of Cedar. As I go through the campaigning process and continue to speak with as many citizens as I can, I hope to identify their priorities and work to address them. So far I feel like the most common issues that I hear from people are growth, traffic, water/infrastructure, and recreation facilities.

Kathy A. Long (CC): better infrastructure, attainable housing, and economic growth

Waldo D. Galan (CC): We have a great many challenges in Cedar City. Some of these include long term water availability in connection with the growing needs of the population and industry. We have suffered greatly from two “perfect storms” over the last few years. The pandemic and the resulting chaos across all levels of the national economy and society and we have likewise suffered from too many years of high inflation and unemployment. Some resulting in a significant strain on the population. Almost 17.5% of the local population is considered to be below the poverty line. At current population estimates, this translates to roughly 7,500 people. This is a very large number of people and because of the aforementioned strain on society and the financial welfare of the population, this number is at risk of increasing much more. Policies that bring into Cedar City better and higher paying jobs is going to be my number one priority. Second and concurrent with this effort, the future needs of the basic infrastructure and services that society needs and will need into the future, have to be addressed now. Third, a careful revision of the operational budgets for the city has to be looked into, so as to ensure that we are not only taking care of the immediate needs but likewise prioritizing those future needs that will ensure the quality of life we expect, without taxing unnecessarily the population and businesses of the city.

4. What are your thoughts on housing affordability and availability in Cedar City? What changes would you suggest? How will you prioritize competing needs?

R. Scott Phillips (CC): Housing and housing affordability is a crisis across the country. Affordable and attainable housing is key to securing the fundamental belief we all hold dear–home ownership or perhaps the security of knowing we have a roof over our head. Utah is the ninth most expense housing market in the country. Government, development, and the private sector must come together and make sacrifices to create affordable housing. In our country the free-market and capitalism have been the driving force for economic prosperity for decades. We must all play a role in helping, by offering a hand-up solution rather than a hand-out. Volume of available housing will help drive down costs, but as our state, county, and city continue to grow, so does the demand for more housing, thus complicating the avenue to affordable housing.

Phil E. Schmidt (M): Affordability is controlled by current interest rates, housing markets, and cost of materials. Cedar city has several housing options from apartments, townhomes, twin homes, and single family homes.

Steve Nelson (M): I’ve spent more than 20 years as a Realtor, and have continually studied Cedar City’s housing market in order best serve those who trusted me to help them. The number one driver of housing prices is the principle of supply and demand. Compounded with national inflation, we have seen housing costs in Cedar City increase because the demand has outpaced the supply in our area. The best way to address housing problems is to reduce the regulation and bureaucracy of government so the market can react appropriately to market shifts.

Kathy A. Long (CC): it a process of supply and demand if people can afford the housing cost who are we to deny them that. Attainable housing thru government grants and bank loans, changing subdivision sizes to smaller lots.

Waldo D. Galan (CC): Housing affordability is a major issue in Cedar City. I like to look at this question as a part of a broader consideration. I see housing affordability as a symptom of a much broader issue which includes a combination of factors.
First is the average income per capita, which is estimated at $41,616. Second, the median household income is roughly $63,789 and as mentioned before, the poverty rate is at 17.32% of the total population, yet the average list price of homes in the most recent statistics is at $495,000. The math does not square with the reality of the acquisition power of the general population. Personal debt and family debt has been on the rise and people keep pushing debt into the future. Having said that, the real cause of the imbalance lies on the lower than needed job growth within the region. Affordability will improve as we bring new industries and more diverse sectors of the economy like High Tech, focused well paying salaries that come from capturing and transferring better paying sectors into our region. I have a plan that includes a wholistic approach to capturing these high paying jobs for our region. It includes a cooperative partnership with our local learning institutions, the Iron County School District, the Tech college and Southern Utah University. As we partner with these entities and custom facilitate the educational and training needs of these new industries, we can prepare our population to enter the marketplace locally with great paying jobs and facilitate permanence in our families regionally, confidence in the new industries to partner with the city and learning institutions to secure success regionally. This will take time, effort, compromise and significant effort and buy-in, but it will resolve the root cause of the affordability issue.
In the short term, I plan to work at the State Level with law makers and the Governor’s office to secure funding from the housing affordability initiatives and provide short term relief under the available programs, as part of our long-term solution to the issue. I will be an advocate for the people, the city and the developers and brokers in ensuring success in the form of affordability.

5. What do you see as the pros and cons of city growth? How can we define the ideal balance between city growth and maintaining the quality of rural life for residents?

R. Scott Phillips (CC): I believe we can have both. We have to fully understand the ‘character of our city’ and what values we treasure and when development comes, demand those values are part of the growth that occurs. We must preserve our neighborhoods and historic structures, while allowing new commercial and manufacturing activity to occur. Let’s meet the challenges of growth with unity, purpose, and action. Together, we can create a city that honors our past and paves the way for a brighter tomorrow.

Phil E. Schmidt (M): Cedar city is growing and with that growth comes growing pains. Public safety, schools, infrastructure, recreation, shopping, etc. We must learn from the past and prepare and protect our future.

Steve Nelson (M): I believe that measured growth is a good thing. If we want to have a city where our kids can receive an education, find work, and stay, we need to grow. Of course, with growth, comes change, which we don’t always like. Based on the discussions I have been having with hundreds of Cedar residents we are currently not getting this balance right. People express their concerns in a variety of different ways but it all boils down to this: we fear that we are losing the things that have made Cedar a great place to live and raise a family. We live in an incredible place, and people are going to continue to want to come here. Property owners have a right to develop and use their property, so growth is going to continue. We need to come together as a community and decide how to harness that growth so it will be well planned and thoughtful to ensure we keep what makes Cedar great. I feel that I’m uniquely qualified to bring people together and tackle this issue. As a realtor and developer who wants to be proud of what I leave behind, I have spent decades studying how to build communities not just subdivisions. I am prepared to lead the hard discussions that will be necessary to find solutions to this problem. We have got to figure out how to address affordable housing needs without creating large, cheap, high density townhome/apartment developments that risk turning into crime ridden blight over time. We need a vision of what we want our community to look and feel like in 10, 20 & 50 years and then stick to that plan as developers do their important work in our City.

Kathy A. Long (CC): Con: increased traffic Pro: increased sales taxes increased property taxes.

Waldo D. Galan (CC): In the many places I have lived within the US and abroad, communities have found a balance between managed, purposeful and intentional growth and safeguarding the values and quality of life that characterizes Cedar City. The city that I love and chose to be my last place of residence. It takes a significant amount of envisioning with willing partners, each with a single defined purpose, which is to ensure that the growth is healthy, balanced and funded to maintain the values and quality of life that is important to many of us. What we cannot any longer afford is to wish that growth would not come without proactively being engaged in the process. The danger is greater wishing it to go away than to embrace the concept of growth with purpose and strategy.

6. When Iron County residents show strong support or opposition to a proposed development or policy, how will you represent your constituents? For example, plans for a local jail were highly contested but expressed concerns were ultimately dismissed by our elected County Commission.

R. Scott Phillips (CC): Policy and the rule of law must always be considered in any decision which elected officials face. However, we are elected to represent the citizens of our community, and their voices deeply matter. Many times it is the vocal minority who are the loudest voices. I will work to protect all of the citizens I serve. Livable and walkable neighborhoods, schools, parks, trails, downtown development and safety all work to make our community stronger. I will listen and work for the best solution for the entire city.

Phil E. Schmidt (M): It is important to council with residents and staff. To way all measures and to do what is best overall for the majority of the people. I believe the new jail is in an acceptable location.

Steve Nelson (M): What sometimes feels like strong support or opposition may be only a very well organized loud minority. In situations when actual support or opposition can be measured, like in a bond vote, then elected officials should, of course, support the will of the people even if they disagree with the majority.

Kathy A. Long (CC): good out weighs bad, personal property rights the needs of the many to to be taken into account.

Waldo D. Galan (CC): Any issue brought before the City Council and those that affect our City at large, needs to have a well thought-out process of evaluation, considerations of the impact on the population and society at large and depending on the size, scope and potential impact to the values of the community (safety, economic impact, infrastructure utilization, zoning and many other aspects), will need to be evaluated and validated through open dialog with the citizenship and those potentially affected. Transparency in these cases is essential. Dialog is a must. Consideration of all voices is not negotiable.

7. Should emergency power declarations by elected officials (city, state or federal) override citizens’ personal rights and freedoms? Explain why or why not.

R. Scott Phillips (CC): If it is in the interest of public safety and health and well-being of the citizens, yes it should. However, I believe the best of all solutions is derived when you have open dialogue with the citizens you serve. Work to diffuse situations rather than make it and us or them.

Phil E. Schmidt (M): When and if an emergency situation occurs the public should head the warnings. It is the people’s choice to act however it can put first responders and others at risk if not heeded
Floods, hurricanes, fires, water rations ect.

Steve Nelson (M): While there may be a few situations that an emergency declaration may be valid to protect members of a society it is pretty hard for me to come up with what they might be. It also becomes a very slippery slope because once used those in power are more likely to find other reasons to use them. I believe that most people are good and when given honest accurate information will make decisions that balance what is best for themselves and their community. I agree with Ronald Regan when he said, “The 9 most terrifying words in the English language are, I’m from the government and I’m here to help”.

Kathy A. Long (CC): No because individual rights should always be a priority.

Waldo D. Galan (CC): I think that I have made my thoughts on freedoms and rights of the citizenship quite clear. Any emergency needs, as evaluated by experts and elected officials and subsequent declarations by those responsible through elected means and appointments under the law, must be consistent with the intent and specific rights and freedoms afforded to the citizens under the terms of the Constitution, bill of rights and State Law. There will always be those that will oppose any mandate from elected officials. That is their right. However, their desires cannot override the safety and security of the citizenship at large. Having said that, I insist that dialog and compromise are not bad words or mutually exclusive in reaching an understanding

8. Summarize your thoughts on the “water situation” in Cedar City. How will your policies balance the commercial, agricultural, and residential demands for water?

R. Scott Phillips (CC): Cedar City is diligently working to protect our water and find a proper balance. We have implemented a water conversation tier, encouraging citizens and businesses to conserve. We have increased water rates to more properly reflect the true cost of bringing water to the community. We are exploring additional resources to bring water to the valley. We do not have all of the answers at this point, but as a city we are working with multiple partners to make sure we have plenty of good, safe water for residential, commercial, and agricultural needs today, and into the future.

Phil E. Schmidt (M): The infrastructure for water in Cedar city needs to be updated. I would like Cedar city to join a partnership with the water conservancy district. This would help tremendously with water supply. I would like also to encourage more training and incentives for water conservation.

Steve Nelson (M): After the state issued a water management plan for our valley several years ago, water has been a very hot issue. Since then, very dedicated and focused leaders have made great strides in furthering Iron County’s water security. Our current Mayor and council have acquired safe yield (pre-1934) water rights, tested for new sources of water and instituted new water rates, so that those who use more pay more. In addition to these steps, I believe we should continue to explore how to better use our affluent (reclaimed) water, look into a partnership with the Water Conservancy District to develop new sources, and re-examine the relationship between the Cedar City, Enoch, and the Iron County Water Conservancy District. Currently, they all compete with each other for the same water rights, which drives up prices in the valley. I commend agricultural water users who continue to update their irrigation systems and crop choices to make more efficient use of their water.

Kathy A. Long (CC): I know that residential uses 25% of our water, agricultural uses 75% and commercial uses 15%. And many long flor the days of yore when agricultural was our main economic system, however, it’s no longer that way construction is currently 40% of our economy.

Waldo D. Galan (CC): I will confess that I am not a “water expert” as many proclaim to be. However, I do believe that a strategic rational, well throughout plan in concert with City, County, State and National experts can yield results, especially if we take a fresh look at the resources available, the infrastructure in place and the future needs of the population, industry and farms. What we cannot do is continue to spend funds generated through taxes and fees that yield little or no results. I am a firm believer in the principle that “if you do what you do, you get what you get” No more reactive costly actions. We need more strategic cooperative initiatives that have a much higher chance of success to meet the growing needs of our region.

9. What should the relationship between a city and the private sector in terms of economic development look like? How is Cedar City doing in this area?

R. Scott Phillips (CC): Cedar City should help provide an avenue to encourage and support economic development. We currently have a strong mix of manufacturing, retail, transportation, tourism, and commercial development helping to keep our economy resilient. We do not want to become depend on one industry, as we have done in the past, should economic tides shift. Our city is well-balanced to withstand economic turmoil. Cities should play a major role in recruiting, and working with the private sector to provide opportunities for economic development.

Phil E. Schmidt (M): The city and the private sector need to be good partners. Both need each other. Cedar city could improve in this area. They have a reputation of being hard to work with.

Steve Nelson (M): Government generally hinders economic growth by confiscating private sector resources and increasing costs through regulation. As a matter of principle, I believe that we have far too many laws designed to protect us from bad actors. Instead, they should focus on punishing bad actors when they actually do harm. That being said, the reality is that municipal governments across the nation provide tax incentives to recruit business in order to stimulate economic development. Unless this practice is made illegal everywhere, then we as a city need to compete in the existing market. In this process we must be very strategic in what we are incentivizing. For example, if we already have a growing economy, we should not be giving away tax incentives to anyone that asks for them. Instead, we should identify the types of business that would most significantly add to the quality of life in Cedar City and only go after those types of businesses. For example if we recruit a factory to Cedar that pays higher than the median wage you could argue that it is good. However, the profits that company makes all go to the community in which the corporate offices of the company are located, not into our community. If instead we recruit owner operated business that would have their corporate offices located in Cedar we benefit from the jobs created by the company and the owners of the company also circulate the profits in our area, not just in the things they personally buy but in the charitable ways most successful owners give back to the communities they live in.

Kathy A. Long (CC): I think we are doing well because our economic director is aware that our city needs jobs with higher paying salaries.

Waldo D. Galan (CC): As a businessman, running for public office, I am obviously convinced that the relationship must be almost symbiotic. One cannot survive longer term without the other. Vision, planning, compromise, cohesive and cooperative efforts are the only keys to success. Some will argue against this, but longer term, true businesspeople, large or small, understand that a cooperative alliance is much more fruitful than operating in a vacuum and espouse conflicting directions. Dialog, understanding and negotiated WIN/WIN SCENARIOS ARE NOT IMPOSSIBLE.

10. It appears that the residents of Cedar City have a growing demand for government services and facilities. For example, there is interest in new bike routes, parks, basketball courts and pickle-ball courts. However, through recent events & elections, voters have also made it clear that they do not support new tax increases. How will you balance these competing desires? How do you propose to communicate the short-term and long-term cost of these amenities to the residents as they are considered for Cedar City?

R. Scott Phillips (CC): All short and long-term expenditures and capital projects are discussed in open public meetings each week in the Council Chambers. I urge all residents to attend whenever possible and learn what is taking place in your city. Decisions regarding expenditures of tax dollars are always discussed and voted on in open. We have plans for new parks, trails, road projects, etc. which are and will be shared with the public. The Mayor’s monthly digital and printed newsletter shares major topics in front of the city for consideration.

Phil E. Schmidt (M): It is great to have nice facilities for the people, however these all come with a cost. This does not all have to come from the city. Private donations, grants, community fund raisers can all help. Also being agreeable to new businesses coming to cedar city can really help with additional sales tax revenues.

Steve Nelson (M): The residents of Cedar City have always expected access to recreational facilities and services. However, in recent years, the population of the City has grown far faster than the City has added facilities. Before we add any new facilities we should look closely at what our city staff need to make sure the facilities we do have are cared for and maximized to their fullest potential. Once that is accomplished, we should identify what kinds of facilities are most important to the community and then incentivize developers to put them in. In my experience in development, I have discovered that developers are often willing to work with city governments to provide recreational facilities if city governments are willing to maintain them after installation. I do not believe in large capital expenditures for recreational facilities unless the community votes for them through a bond.

Kathy A. Long (CC): Some of those amenities should be paid for using impact fees. Taxes have not increased in cedar city in 30 years it may be time to increase them.

Waldo D. Galan (CC): We do have a major problem in Cedar City with green space, recreational facilities and parks. This is a major legacy issue that will not be easily solvable. Some private business people have shown a desire to somehow contribute. However, compromises and costs have not facilitated much success. There are many alternatives to funding these projects. First, we must develop a plan. This plan has to be succinct and embrace the needs and wants of the population, especially in the new areas of the city. Within my vision of attracting new businesses to the city, is a negotiated portion of the plan where new industries will fund upfront green spaces and parks, or portions thereof, in consideration of long-term incentives provided by the city. This will significantly mitigate the need for additional taxes in some or most cases. Strategically, I have seen this approach work in many emerging markets and we can consider, going forward, Cedar City as an emerging market full of opportunities for many companies in a variety of sectors.

11. How do you plan to reduce government spending waste and fraud in Cedar City? Please provide examples.

R. Scott Phillips (CC): I don’t plan to reduce government fraud in Cedar City, because in my opinion we have none to reduce. We operate very efficiently for all of the services and amenities Cedar City provides to its citizens.

Phil E. Schmidt (M): By reviewing the budgets and working closely with staff. Reviewing city contracts and make adjustments where necessary.

Steve Nelson (M): While I am not aware of any specific accusations of waste or fraud against the city, I have experience starting and running numerous successful business. I have the skill set needed to dig into how the city is functioning and make adjustments as needed to ensure that city funds are used correctly and efficiently.

Kathy A. Long (CC): There has been no proven fraud in cedar city. We should bow to the demands of our citizens.

Waldo D. Galan (CC): I believe in a robust, well thought-out and auditable budget and spending process. Every dollar collected by the city must be accounted for. Every contract, every expenditure must be auditable before it is awarded. Discipline in requesting bids, specific conditions, parameters, terms, expectations and deliverables throughout the contract must be clear and non-negotiable when an RFQ is issued. Bids are confidential and no changes after award can be tolerated. All contracts must include a “right to audit” clause. I will not get into specifics, other than to say that improvement can be achieve and full accountability is not impossible.

12. State Mandates: The State of Utah has mandated the construction of a new Chlorine Water Treatment Plant, which is expected to cost Cedar City approximately $15 million. How will you communicate this mandate to our residents and manage such a significant debt? Should the residents of Cedar City have a say in their own water quality control?

R. Scott Phillips (CC): We have budgeted $15M in the 2025-26 fiscal year budget. We would likely bond for a project of this size, but it has yet to be determined. It may be partially funded through the general fund and partly through a bond. We have our finance department seeking the best options at this time, assuring we meet state standards.

Phil E. Schmidt (M): Cedar city must comply with the chlorine mandate however I believe we can reduce this cost considerably if we join with the water conservancy district. This is one of my main concerns and is one of the reasons I am running for mayor.

Steve Nelson (M): In general I believe that individuals should have the right to decide what they put in their own bodies. Unfortunately, water quality is controlled by the State of Utah with oversight from the EPA. The referenced Chlorine water treatment plant has already been approved by the current City Council. To cover the costs for this and other water projects, the City has taken on significant debt that we will all be paying for in the future.

Kathy A. Long (CC): Impact fees should pay for most of this or we could bond, but the mandates have to be taken care of.

Waldo D. Galan (CC): I have lived and worked in many lands and cities, where water is not fit for consumption when it is dispensed through the normal aqueduct system. This is due to lack of structure, explosive growth without planning and investment and plain inefficient and ineffective administrators and managers of the systems. In the US, the expectation is that the water is 100% potable and free of contaminants and impurities. This is true in our large cities and small towns. It is a given. We cannot, under any circumstances, permit our water to be compromised due to lack of understanding and funding. I have first-hand experience with the effects of bad water. I have suffered from Typhoid Fever as a result of unclean water. I have suffered long term stomach disorders because of bad water. I have seen children die in places like Asia, South America and the Middle East from lack of pure and safe water. We must not ever compromise the integrity of the system. Having said that, we must ensure that investments in safe water are rational, sustainable and effective. Again, transparency is essential.

13. Federal Mandates: What are your thoughts on the U.S. government implementing a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC). Do you believe it will impact the residents of Cedar City?

R. Scott Phillips (CC): I do not have enough information on this matter to share an opinion.

Phil E. Schmidt (M): I am not a big fan of digital currency however if implemented it will effect all.

Emily Rhodes (M): CBDCs are a national issue, but if implemented, they could impact local commerce and privacy. I’ll ensure Cedar City stays informed, protects resident interests, and supports local businesses through any financial transition.

Steve Nelson (M): This is an issue that I have not researched in enough detail to express an opinion on it, but I would be interested to learn more about it.

Kathy A. Long (CC): It may impact them, but I’m not sure how it will affect them.

Waldo D. Galan (CC): I do not support a 100% migration to digital currency and yes, it will affect us all.