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Eagle Mountain residents not amused by officials' antics

"...a majority of residents randomly stopped on the city's streets said they don't pay attention to the city's officials or vote."

With a population as apathetic as that, especially with all the evidence of governmental negligence, ineptitude and downright corruption, is it any wonder that all those negative attributes exist?

Maybe it is a collective mentality of wanting to "get away from it all" that contributes to the collective behavior of not voting. Whatever the cause, the negative results of an apathetice populace seems to be a clear result of not taking the obligation to vote seriously.

I hope this is a lesson we all learn when it comes time for us to cast our votes.

If you want honest officals, then don't vote for CC or mayoral candidates that have ANY connection with developer John Waldon and Eagle Mountain Properties. He may donate to their campaigns but then he will find a way for them to OWE him. He does nothing without a purpose. All those former officals with problems have in some way been tangled with and supported by Waldon I'm surprised the paper has not connected the dots yet. He made a promise to an earlier mayor, "One day I will own this town.". And if the residents don't wake up, he will. He is one councilmember and a mayor away.

It's very hard to change current states when apathy has such control over the populous that they refuse to vote! If things are that terrible then GET OUT AND VOTE, that's a great way to make change happen!!! And get out and get to know your community. If people with such low ethics and abilities have been and most likely will continue to be elected then it's obvious that the city's residents do not know each other at all. Get out and talk to each other about the candidates, not only their platforms but who they are, where they live, get to know these people as people so competent decisions can be made. I'm proud to say that I have met and talked with the majority of Lehi's CC and Mayoral office and did so BEFORE the election.

I wouldn't want to live in a town where people react to these kinds of problems by turning the other way and not voting. Apathy breeds corruption.

@EMresident

Can you provide evidence that Walden is behind this? The truth is, many residents lack the understanding regarding how this city was created and the contract that it entails. The city cannot afford to "strong-arm" Walden due to the fact the city relies upon Impact Fees for the majority of their revenue. Until Eagle Mountain can obtain alternate sources of revenue (commercial base) the city will continue th epath it is. It will belly over if they attempted to "strong-arm" now. It will also impact The Ranches residents too given that the city provides utilities to them.

It is sad to see that there was a low turn out for voting. Only if people would care and come out and vote, then a change can be had.

These awful antics, I believe, is scaring good folks from EM politics. We currently have a very honest and bright mayor that stepped up when he was needed but it's hard to keep these kind of people. He isn't going to run again and frankly, we don't have any other good options running. Why vote, when you only have bad options? I think this is what folks in EM are thinking and it is probably what is fueling the apathy. I don't think we've seen the end of corruption and bad politics in EM and we won't until someone who actually represents the mind and will of the community, which is by and large very bright, honest, and reasonable, steps up and runs for office. Of course, at least as far as the mayoral postion is concerned, it is already too late for this election.

I personally will not vote for anyone that is supported by Walden. He is a bully and as EMresident says, does everything with a purpose. One example is he sells land, but keeps a small portion around the property, so to get lines to the property you must pay an outrageous amount to him to have water, sewer, and power. He also owns a dirt piece across from the firestation that is unkept, and eye sore, but yet won't let any employees of surrounding businesses to park there without paying some type of fee, or forcing them to buy the land. I think the city should declare eminent domain on the land, and take it from him and make it city parking. EM residents, vote, and vote for those who are not backed by Walden and housing developers.

@Zac Case

You could always find a write-in candidate. Some residents have discussed that option. Why don't you do it if you don't like the choices?

I've spent a good deal of time in Eagle Mountain, speaking with public officials on the CC and PC. EM is experiencing growing pains to be sure. However, the city is hard up for a tax base, and hopefully the proposed commercial development will ease the desperation for funds.
If you want something done, in regard to corrupt officials, go talk to your city officials with petitions. And for crying out loud, go and vote!

@Outsider

Very well said.

@Another EM Resident

Can you substantiate yoru claim? Show proof that htis is what is happening? I've said ti before, Gestalt Psychology applies very well: Is it a vase or two faces? Perception may lead someone to beleive one way, but the reality is, it isn't what you are thinking. Talk to the officials and ask questions. That is your duty as a registered voter. If you want accountability, stop complaining and start asking questions. Be involved. Otherwise, you have no grounds for complaining.

It all makes sense when you link this story with all the previous stories of polygamists running things down there in Eagle Mountain. Anything they touch turns to crapola.

Ways you can get involved:

* Attend City Council meetings on the first and third Tuesday of every month. Work session is at 4pm and Policy session starts at 7pm.

* There you will meet candidates. Talk to them. Ask them questions. Watch their reactions and listen to the sincerity in their voices. Ask them where you can learn more about what they are saying.

* VOTE! WE ONLY HAD 19% OF REGISTERED VOTERS COME TO THE PRIMARIES! I know many of you are disgusted, and an alarming number of you are even afraid, but you do not lay down to evil... Sticking your head only makes problems worse. Come elect the candidate who will best represent you.

That was, "sticking your head in the sand only makes things worse." (Maybe a deseretnews.com moderator can fix that for me?)

Oh, and one other important way you can get involved:

* Work to uncover not only the political history of Eagle Mountain, but the pre-em history of cedar valley. Did you know this was a site of Pony Express? Camp Floyd? Mountain Meadows Massacre? Centuries-old petroglyphs / rock art? Houses are going up so fast out here, that the Utah Rock Art Research Association (URARH) is complaining we are literally building right over it. This could be a major source of tourism and income to bring the city out of debt! It needs to be found and preserved.

DBG- The proof is there. I can get you several file boxes full of proof if you would like to research the issue of Walden's influence instead of rehashing psycho-babble 101.

People don't vote here because they can't be bothered, consider non-accountability a part of forgiveness or don't feel like they have any compelling choices. It is sad. Yes, EM is dealing with "growing pains", but when is the last time you saw Saratoga Springs in the paper for corruption? It is right next door and just as young of a city.

EM seems to draw big, incompetent fish into our little pond. I do ask questions, I do search for ethical leaders. I don't like the incestuous nature of EM politics.

@Yet Another EM Resident

You might be surprised to know I don't live far from you. I know quite a bit than you would acknowledge. But there is no proof. Make it as you wish, but there's nothing there.

It's all about perception. If you hate it so much why are you still here? Nobody is making you stick around.

Bad seed, bad tree, bad fruit. Most of the problems EM is experiencing is due to the inability to attract those with valid political experience. Eagle Mountain's politicians have a lot of good intentions, but that usually leads to... Find some experienced and knowledgeable candidates and things will change.

I agree. Just ignoring the problem allows these people on the city council to run rampant with their own corrupt games. You as residents can make a difference. Demand that these mayors and councilmembers serve ethically or you, with your votes, will get rid of them.

You want proof of Walden and Co.'s control? How about Linn Strouse giving her council packet to Mark Madsen and having him mark it up the way she should vote on each agenda item? How about David Lifferth actually making cell phone calls to Mark Madsen (who's sitting in the audience) DURING council meetings asking how to vote on issues and asking for speaking points? How about massive campaign contributions, gift offers, and OFFERS OF JOBS to almost every council member (Linn's is the only to be made public) and previous mayors? How about invites and acceptances by council members and previous mayors up to Walden's cabin in Park City? Want more proof????? I'll be happy to provide it.

@Eagle Mountain Insider

Is that illegal? That's not proof. Those are just accusations.

Do you know what the conversation was between Lifferth and Madsen (first hand, otherwise its hersay)?

Are the gifts illegal? As long as they are reported they are legal.

Job offers? The only one I am aware of is Madsen dumped Miller to work for Walden. Madesn is a staunchy property rights advocate (so was his grandfather). Is that wrong?

None of your allegations prove anything. They are just that--allegations.

Sounds like you are jealous.

@ Smullin: Mountain Meadows Massacre is not even close to EM. That was down near St. George.

@ Astro: The Salt Lake Valley was established by polygamists, as well as Nauvoo, Provo, Muslim countries, etc.

Zac Case is right, but we do need to be more proactive and get together to find out who will be a good candidate or nominate one of our own. Zac, feel like running for office?