samhill | 7:20 a.m. Sept. 20, 2007
"...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.
EMresident | 7:26 a.m. Sept. 20, 2007
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.
Lehi Resident | 7:54 a.m. Sept. 20, 2007
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.
Comments continue below
Mc | 7:56 a.m. Sept. 20, 2007
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.
DBG | 8:09 a.m. Sept. 20, 2007
@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.
Zac Case | 8:18 a.m. Sept. 20, 2007
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.
Another EM Resident | 9:04 a.m. Sept. 20, 2007
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.
DBG | 9:04 a.m. Sept. 20, 2007
@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?
Outsider | 9:38 a.m. Sept. 20, 2007
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!
DBG | 10:01 a.m. Sept. 20, 2007
@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.
Kenny Astro | 10:16 a.m. Sept. 20, 2007
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.
Mike Smullin | 10:43 a.m. Sept. 20, 2007
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.
Mike Smullin | 10:44 a.m. Sept. 20, 2007
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.
Yet another EM resident | 10:56 a.m. Sept. 20, 2007
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.
DBG | 11:47 a.m. Sept. 20, 2007
@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.
Dean of Ed. | 12:05 p.m. Sept. 20, 2007
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.
Reader | 12:35 p.m. Sept. 20, 2007
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.
Eagle Mountain Insider | 1:04 p.m. Sept. 20, 2007
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.
DBG | 1:24 p.m. Sept. 20, 2007
@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.
MGM | 1:28 p.m. Sept. 20, 2007
@ 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?
DCJones aka ConnectDots | 1:30 p.m. Sept. 20, 2007
DBG... go ask the Direct Telecom employees, and the firefighters if that is the case. Not being able to park without incurring a fee. You will find it true.

Look at the County land records... make sure you look under Robyn Carbonell... Walden transferred most of his land down here to his wife in her maiden name. You will see that Walden continues to sit on land that won't make him the immediate cash residential building does.

Walden is behind this... case in point the first Meet the Candidates Evening at the Elementary. The Monday before the Evening fliers go out saying there is a Meet the Candidates at Walden Park... Sponsored by the Pioneer HOA... Seen the flier.

Have it from a source within the Walden Mansion the very same day as the Meet the Candidates Evening...The reason for the second at the park the same evening was to "confuse those out here, and people cannot be in two places at the same time."

Come to find out, after doing some digging, it wasn't the Pioneer HOA (Which Walden is President and sole administrator of overseeing the management company Fieldmaster) but was sponsored by the Walden clan...
DBG | 1:33 p.m. Sept. 20, 2007
I think it is interesting to note that while Eagle Mountain plays politics just like Rocky does, it's unfair to single out a city.

Also, it is important to note that the MAJORITY of the City Council has been elected from the City Center a good portion of the time. I highly doubt these individuals would intentionally harm the city because any votes affected them as well.

Personally, I think it comes down to a jealousy or rivalry issue because the Ranches look so much nicer than the City Center. The politics have always been "North vs South." So the problem seems to be from the few individuals who are complaining without regard to understanding the complexity of the situation. I was on "that side" when I first learned about politics in Eagle Mountain, however, I have been able to research and look at the opposite side. More often than not, those that "complain" are far from the truth.
Simon | 1:34 p.m. Sept. 20, 2007
We need to get out and vote people!
Another Resident of EM | 1:42 p.m. Sept. 20, 2007
Eagle Mountain Insider:

Yes I do want more proof; please provide it. If there is any truth at all to what you're saying, many people / media outlets would be interested in it.
Eagle Mountain Insider | 2:38 p.m. Sept. 20, 2007
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.
what | 3:34 p.m. Sept. 20, 2007
Eagle Mountain? Oh, yeah! That's the place out in nuclear waste land!
Outside opinion | 3:38 p.m. Sept. 20, 2007
To Mark Madsen above-The fact that you think that Mr. Walden giving Linn Strouse a loan on the pretense that later she owed some political favor back to him should be tolerated and somehow considered ethical is just sick. Do you really think a government agency should operate that way? It's just wrong to think that anyone owns anything out there. Mr. Walden gets his return by having a positive development atmosphere and having people move out there. To think that he deserves more than his normal real estate return is just sick. Sure he should make a profit - that's good business. But should he be entitled to ownership of City officials opinions and actions? Your kind of thinking is simply unethical and wrong. Until people stand up and demand that relationships like those you advocate are eliminated, Eagle Mountain will continue to be in the news for unethical practices.
DBG | 4:18 p.m. Sept. 20, 2007
@DCJones

I am aware of your political motive. What makes Daybreak or rather Kennecot development any different than Walden? Ther eis NO DIFFERENCE. He owns the land, so what. His original intention was to sell water rights but that didnt work out so he decided to develop. What's wrong with that? Yes, he owns roughly 7,000 acres of land there. That's what developers do, develop.

-Direct Communications parking-so what? That's private property. He COULD be more friendlier about it. But there is nothing illegal going on here. What if I put in a private parking lot and charged parking? The city doens't own the land.

-What's wrong with transfer of land? I do that under my wife for monetary situations. Is that wrong?

-"Alternate" Meeting-CORRECTION: The flyer may have been sent by the Pioneer HOA, but the HOA paid nothing for it. Sen. Madsen was behind this. How do you separate Madsen THE VOTER vs. Madsen the Lawyer for Walden? Stop looking at appearances and seek the truth. Secondly, what HOA is truly an HOA while the subdivision is in development still? NONE! Of course, the builder will manage the HOA UNTIL the subdivision is done.

DBG | 4:36 p.m. Sept. 20, 2007
@Mark Madsen (the fake)

There was nothing wrong for Strouse to accept the loan from John Walden. Ther eis nothing illegal about it. It was only HER failing to report it. Had she reported it, it wouldn't be at this.

Lifferth is a Narcisistic Personaly Disorder. Research it you'll know why he does what he does, doesn't matter who he tramples. It had nothing to do with Walden. Unless you can prove it.

See, all I see is "hot air" coming from people who really don't bother to care to find truth. That, in my opinion, is your own doing.
dude! | 4:51 p.m. Sept. 20, 2007
To Outside Opinion:

Ummmm... I'm thinking that wasn't really Mark Madsen. Aren't you?
DBG | 5:08 p.m. Sept. 20, 2007
@Outside Opinion

The loan wasn't initiated by Strouse to begin with. She approached Walden for it, to help finish the basement of her home.

@Mark Madsen (the fake)

Your logic is really wacky. Strouse (including Dave before he died) approached Walden. It was their own doing by not reporting it. What we don't know is we have not heard Strouse's side of the story. Was the check specifically to HER ALONE or was it with Dave's name on it? The way I see it, is if I asked m rich neighbor for a loan to do something for my house and get a substantial below market rate. There was NOTHING ILLEGAL on the Strouse's doing, other than failed to report that money. But we don't know if it was just her on the check or what. Can you separate The Strouses as a couple vs Linn Strouse the Councilwoman? There is a fine line here.
To: DBG | 5:33 p.m. Sept. 20, 2007
What I see is a lot of "hot air" coming from you. It seems from your several posts today that you know (or think you know) a lot about this subject. So as the resident expert why don't you reveal who you are? Are you afraid of backlash? Maybe you are Walden or Mark Madsen since you claim the earlier poster was a fake? You seem to be so invested and so offended by everyone else, I would like to know WHO exactly you are. Please reveal your identity.
DBG is Walden | 6:01 p.m. Sept. 20, 2007
enough said
DBG | 7:18 p.m. Sept. 20, 2007
@To: DBG

The rule applies equally. Reveal yourself. Me Mark Madsen? I know Madsen wouldn't post as as this fake person did. Madsen isn't that type of a guy. Besides, the grammer doesn't fit his style.

@DBG is Walden

Are you serious? That gave me a good laugh.

I just think its funny that DCJones (and the Coalition Four..err. three..err two depending what happens with Strouse want to claim certain rights (see avergeragejoecitizen.com) about th eConstitution which protect property. Seems hypocirtical on your part to say everyon has that right but Walden. Hmm...you tell me.

DBG | 8:41 p.m. Sept. 20, 2007
Me making "hot air"? I'm not the one coming up with conspiracy theories. I've seen enough to know what I'm talking about. I've been here through the Baily Bunch. I asked for Kelvin's resignation like many. Madsen's "I am a Republican!" speech at CC. I was furious at the thought of giving Bailey $25K. All the past accusations towards Paul Bond and John Neuman were all political. I even stood by Brigham when he ran for Mayor on election day.

So instead of picking little things, I've decided to take a few steps back to see the picture better. I've talked to several who live in the City Center. I don't see them on your side. It is people like you who make our politics so polarized. I don't buy into political rhetoric. I do look at both sides and come to my own conclusion.
Orinthal Simpson | 9:33 p.m. Sept. 20, 2007
OK DBG, I'll show you who I am and then you show me yours. First let me say that I'm a little pudgy, I have a southern style accent, I'm the watchdog of Eagle Mountain, I'm a computer guy, I moved from Cedar Pass to Highlands On The Green, my kid plays soccer and I protect the people that make me feel important. I don't take any bribs or kickbacks. My total reason for doing what i do is because it makes me feel important. You say I have a Narcisistic Personaly Disorder. They call me Dave, but you can call me Double Dipper because I did what Olsen did, but didn't get prosecuted. OK. Now who are you?
buy a home there | 9:53 p.m. Sept. 20, 2007
who cares about city officials... there are some lovely homes on the golf course at the Ranches... I'll still buy there
Helping Mike Smullin | 11:52 a.m. Sept. 23, 2007
I think Mike was getting a little excited and had a hard time fitting it all in under 200 words...

No, Mountain Meadows Massacre was not anywhere near the Cedar Valley. But I think he's getting at the broader picture- the role Cedar Valley History played in the Civil War and tension between Mormons and immigrants in the mid 1800's, primarily because of Camp Floyd. Camp Floyd and the build-up to a possible war with the Mormons was a tool used by southern politicians to draw federal resources away from the war in the south. The build-up of forces and supplies at Camp Floyd put Mormons on edge which had bearing in the poor decisions made in the Cedar City area, culminating in the MMM.
RPP | 9:01 p.m. Sept. 23, 2007
I am looking to move to Eagle Mountain. Should all of this controversy keep me from doing that? I 'd love any info I can get. Thanks
To RPP | 9:19 a.m. Sept. 24, 2007
I would stay away. We were looking at moving out there and the more we talked to people living there now, the more we realized there is a pattern of broken promises from the developers. Places where the city loaned money (or took out loans, can't remember) to build walking trails and street lights never got any of it. A lot of what you pay for a lot is going to pay for loans that were never used for the purpose they were given.
Mike Smullin | 9:27 a.m. Sept. 26, 2007
@MGM, Helping Mike Smullin: Thanks for your clarification. Can you prove this? I am interested in whatever you have.

We need more authoritative sources to reference Eagle Mountain information. Comments on a state-wide syndication is not the best forum for this information, which is often biased and lacking any references.

It is a shame the City website cannot provide that currently. It forces us to rely on our residents to dig up official documents and post them on independently owned/operated websites; it is the duty of the press.

DeseretNews.com is tickled pink with the traffic, but they should practice more responsible journalism. I have seen more professional news sites which display the IP Address and the GeoIP city/county/state translation of every commenter. That makes it difficult for people to post under multiple (fraudulent, stolen?) identities, which they will likely one day be sued for.

It would also tell us whether these names at the end of the post, for example, are really outside Eagle Mountain. Although it is possible to circumvent, very few of us would know how and actually feel the need to do so.
Mike Smullin | 8:52 a.m. Nov. 5, 2007
If you want history of Cedar Valley, You can start your research with going to your local library (Eagle Mountain, American Fork even BYU) and finding the book "Our Roots Grow Deep: A History of Cedar Valley, by Margery J Peterson". The accounts in this book have been from first hand interviews of Cedar Fort & Fairfield residents as well as from what was passed down to them from previous generations. Where your research leads you from there, well who knows. The info in the book is not ALL in chronological order, but it is easy enough to piece together.

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