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South Jordan Journal

South Jordan City Council

May 29, 2015 02:38PM ● By City Journals Staff
By Chris Rogers

A few topics have been on my mind recently due to questions from residents:

Elections:  A Few Good Candidates

“A public office is not a job, it is an opportunity to do something for the public.” —Franklin Lane

Three council seats are up for election– Districts 1, 2, and 4 -- and we are in need of good people.  Only Councilman Newton (District 2) has confirmed that he is running for re-election.  Council positions are a four-year term, requiring attendance at two monthly meetings and a love for the city.  

Mayor Alvord stated that “[o]ur nation was founded by a group of everyday people who were committed to an ideal, that all men are created equal. In order for our democracy to work, we need good people to step up to the plate and truly represent their neighborhoods.” 

Registration is the first week of June with a deadline of June 8 by 5:00 p.m. You must declare in-person with the City Recorder at City Hall.  Must be a U.S. citizen, 18+ years, registered to vote, a resident of your district, and a resident of the city for 12 months prior to November 2.  

Daybreak City?  Not Anytime Soon

One of the rumors I have heard for years is that Daybreak would eventually form its own city.  Not to burst any bubbles but Daybreak will probably never break off from South Jordan. The representatives from Kennecott Land (owners of Daybreak) slightly chuckle whenever they hear this rumor.  Daybreak does not have the desire, nor sufficient commercial tax base, to generate enough revenue, and is firmly connected to city infrastructure. A breakoff is cost prohibitive that would lead to skyrocketing taxes for Daybreak residents.

Daybreak’s Oquirrh Lake

Let me dispel another rumor and declare:  Yes!  South Jordan has a contractual obligation to take over control and maintenance of part or all of Daybreak’s Oquirrh Lake, despite comments to the contrary. The agreement was signed on July 9, 2007 by then-Mayor Kent Money, City Manager Ricky Horst, and City Attorney John Geilmann on behalf of the city – long before everyone currently serving was on the council.  All the relevant documents can be found here:  http://www.sjc.utah.gov/recreation/parks-oquirrhlake.asp.

This agreement means that you will eventually see changes around the lake and any city-controlled portions of the lake will be open to the general public and not just for the exclusive use of Daybreak residents.  Of note, the city will most likely not take over the entire lake and would only be financially responsible for its share of the lake maintenance.  By my estimate, this process will take about 1-2 years to complete as both sides work through the transition.

Happy Summer!

It’s a great time to be living in such a vibrant, neighborly, economically prosperous community as South Jordan. 

My door is always open – feel free to contact me if you have a question or concern about the city.  My cell phone number is 801-252-5163 or [email protected].  I wish you all well and happy summer!