St. George mayoral candidate Aros Mackey who shares his vision for preserving the "Dixie spirit" while fostering economic growth and community leadership.

• Exploring St. George's unique position as the "800-pound gorilla" in Utah that handles more complex infrastructure and city management than nearly any other Utah city except Salt Lake
• Discussion of Southern Utah's pioneer heritage and the values that shaped the region: faith, patriotism, hard work, personal responsibility, and sacrifice
• Aros explains his background in intelligence, criminal justice, and his work combating human trafficking while running a private security agency specializing in executive protection
• Examination of the proper role of government with Aros describing himself as a "constitutional purist" who believes authority comes from the people

Visit votearos.com to learn more about the candidate's platform. Primary election ballots will be mailed starting July 22nd, with voting on August 12th.

👉 For more on the candidates, visit 
https://votestg.com/

[00:00] Introduction to 2025 Municipal Elections
[01:30] St. George: The 800-pound Gorilla
[03:15] Pioneer Heritage and Community Survival
[06:58] Defining Local Leadership
[13:30] Political Polarization and Adaptive Leadership
[24:30] Small Business Support and Economic Growth
[37:05] Term Limits and Career Politicians
[55:15] Candidate Platform and Closing Thoughts

Shavene Butler shares his journey from Arizona State University to Hurricane City Council candidate, discussing how his past struggles with addiction and legal troubles shaped his perspective on community service and second chances.

• Arizona native who found a fresh start in Hurricane with his wife Emily after reconnecting through Facebook
• Believes local government is where you can make the most impact for your community
• Wants to balance economic growth with preserving Hurricane's small-town character and beauty
• Concerned that many residents' children can't afford to live in Hurricane due to housing costs

Find Shavene Butler on Facebook under his name or his political page "Dems versus me." Make your voice heard in the 2025 municipal elections by visiting VoteSTG.com to learn about all candidates across Washington County.

[0:00:00] Introduction to 2025 Municipal Elections
[0:00:54] Meeting Shavene Butler
[0:06:21] From Privilege to Prison: A Personal Journey
[0:12:04] Finding Hurricane and a Fresh Start
[0:18:12] Running for City Council & Leadership Views
[0:23:14] Growth vs. Preservation in Hurricane
[0:30:20] Fighting Hunger and Serving the Community
[0:34:09] Election Information and Closing

Kevin Thomas, Hurricane City Council member, shares his journey in local politics from his early involvement with the Republican party to his current role serving the community of 26,000 residents. His unique perspective as both a home designer and elected official offers insights into the challenges of public service in a growing municipality.

• Motivated to run again after losing his 19-year-old son during COVID and witnessing policy impacts firsthand
• Led initiative to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and vacation rentals, later working to refine policies when problems emerged
• Believes the proper role of government is to "provide for citizens what they cannot provide for themselves"
• Advocates for balanced growth, opposing high-density development while supporting economic growth

👉 For more on the candidates, visit 
https://votestg.com/

[00:00:00] Intro and welcome
[00:04:22] From Hurricane to Return
[00:11:09] The Proper Role of Government
[00:18:14] Navigating Divisive Council Decisions
[00:27:19] Vacation Rentals: Policy Evolution
[00:30:46] Balancing Growth and Heritage
[00:37:50] Term Limits in Local Government
[00:42:38] Closing and Contact Information

Join Natalie Larsen for an honest and insightful look at what it really takes to shape a thriving community. In this episode, Natalie shares her journey from the planning commission to city council, revealing the behind-the-scenes realities of local government and her vision for St. George’s future.

Key Topics:
- From Planning to Policy: How Natalie’s early experiences exposed the need for smarter development pacing and heritage preservation.
- The Real Work of Local Leadership: Discover the “part-time” role that actually means reviewing thousand-page documents, site visits, and constant community engagement.
- Community Safety First: Natalie tackles the challenge of traffic safety—especially for pedestrians, drivers, and e-bike users—and discusses what it takes to create safer, more bike-friendly streets.
- Balancing Growth & Heritage: Learn how projects like Tech Ridge can deliver economic opportunity without sacrificing St. George’s unique culture and environment.
- Term Limits & Fresh Perspectives: Why Natalie supports term limits for local officials and the value of new voices in city government.

Natalie’s thoughtful, balanced approach to leadership is a must-listen for anyone invested in the future of Southern Utah. Whether you care about smart growth, public safety, or preserving community values, this conversation will leave you informed and inspired.

Get Involved:
Ballots mail out July 27th. The primary election is August 12th—your vote shapes St. George’s future!
Learn more at VoteNatalieLarsen.com or compare all candidates at votestg.com.

Listen now to hear how you can help build a safer, stronger St. George!

What if the skills that keep airplanes in the sky could help guide a city’s future? In this episode, St. George City Council candidate and veteran airline pilot Shane Losee reveals how his aviation expertise—rooted in data-driven decision-making, safety management, and continuous improvement—shapes his vision for tackling the challenges of a rapidly growing community.

From starting as an aircraft mechanic at SkyWest to leading flight operations at UPS and Southwest Airlines, Losee’s journey through the high-stakes world of aviation offers a fresh perspective on municipal governance. Discover how his experience translates into practical solutions for St. George’s growth, economic development, and environmental stewardship.

Key topics include:

• How aviation’s safety-first mindset can improve city management
• Strategies for balancing growth with community values
• The role of technology, aerospace, and robotics in St. George’s future
• The importance of listening, adaptability, and data over rhetoric in leadership

If you’re interested in how unique professional backgrounds can drive smarter, more resilient city leadership, this conversation is for you.

Listen now to gain new insights into the intersection of aviation and local government.

Connect with Shane at ShaneLosee.com or explore all St. George candidates at VoteSTG.com.

[00:00:00] Intro
[00:00:45] Shane Losee's Aviation Background
[00:08:36] Why Run for City Council?
[00:14:03] Proper Role of City Government
[00:22:15] Economic Growth vs. Quality of Life
[00:28:54] Leadership Philosophy and Term Limits
[00:42:57] Closing and Contact Information

Join us for an in-depth conversation with Michelle Tanner, family nurse practitioner and current St. George City Councilwoman, as she shares her vision for re-election and the future of St. George.

Michelle discusses:

• How emergency medicine shaped her leadership: Discover how triage and critical decision-making in healthcare translate to effective governance.
• Her stand against tax increases: Learn how she helped fully fund public safety—without raising taxes—through smarter budgeting.
• The water crisis and infrastructure: Get her candid take on federal land policies and the urgent need for local solutions.
• Affordable housing and property rights: Why she champions streamlining and deregulation over government mandates, and how she navigates tough land use decisions.
• Preserving St. George’s unique character: Hear about the “Dixie spirit,” individual liberty, and her commitment to principled, independent leadership—even when it means standing alone.

Michelle sets herself apart with a proven record of challenging the status quo and defending community values. Whether you’re a St. George resident or interested in local governance, this episode offers valuable insights into balancing growth, freedom, and the needs of a thriving community.

👉 Learn more about Michelle Tanner at michelletannerutah.com
👉 Explore all candidates at VoteSTG.com

[00:00:00] Intro
[00:05:23] Michelle Tanner's Platform and Experience
[00:09:53] Tax Increases and Budget Efficiency
[00:13:41] Water Challenges and Federal Land Issues
[00:19:29] Property Rights and Land Use Decisions
[00:25:44] Affordable Housing and Community Character
[00:33:08] Track Record and Leadership Philosophy
[00:37:49] Closing Thoughts and Contact Information

Southern Utah is booming—and so is the pressure on local leaders to balance growth with community values. In this episode, Hurricane Mayor Nanette Billings shares how she’s guiding one of Utah’s largest cities by area through rapid development, smart land use, and critical infrastructure upgrades—all while preserving Hurricane’s unique character.

Mayor Billings reveals the inside story on:

Reforming vacation rental rules to protect neighborhoods
Defending commercial land from high-density housing pressures
Proactively securing water rights and expanding power infrastructure
Why she believes in term limits and public service over politics
Whether you’re a Hurricane resident, policy enthusiast, or anyone curious about how fast-growing cities tackle tough choices, you’ll get practical insights into the real challenges and opportunities shaping Southern Utah’s future.

Tune in for a candid conversation on growth, governance, and what it takes to build a thriving community—now and for generations to come.

👉 For more on the candidates, visit 
https://votestg.com/

[00:00:00] Intro
[00:03:11] The Last-Minute Competition
[00:09:36] Dealing with Development Dust and Blasting
[00:16:47] Hurricane's Vision for Zoning and Growth
[00:28:47] Water Rights and City Planning
[00:35:14] Emergency Services and Tax Increases
[00:49:26] Term Limits and Public Service

What does it take for a small desert town to become a booming resort destination—and what challenges come with that explosive growth? In this episode, Ivins City Councilman Mike Scott, a candidate for re-election, pulls back the curtain on the dramatic transformation of Ivins, Utah, sharing his data-driven perspective on city planning, real estate, and the financial crossroads facing one of Southern Utah’s most desirable communities.

With a decade on the Ivins Planning Commission and a background in commercial real estate research, Scott offers rare insider insight into how small cities manage rapid population growth, shifting from quiet neighborhoods to bustling tourism hubs. Discover why developers are bypassing city plans for higher-density and commercial spaces in favor of resort projects, and learn how Ivins is preparing for a surge from 900 to 2,800 tourism accommodation units—despite having just 4,500 single-family homes.

Most revealing is Scott’s candid discussion on city finances and his bold proposal for an $860,000 property tax increase to fund essential infrastructure—a move that could make or break his re-election bid. If you’re interested in municipal economics, Western community development, or the real-world impact of tourism on small towns, this episode delivers actionable insights and honest debate.

👉 For more on the candidates, visit VoteSTG.com. Dive deeper into Mike Scott’s policies at mikescott4ivins.com. Don’t forget to subscribe for more conversations on growth, governance, and the future of Southern Utah.

What drives an ordinary citizen to step into the political arena? For Shad Johnsen a kitchen designer and 20-year Ivins resident, the answer lies in a genuine desire to serve his community after his wife overcame serious health challenges. "I'm not necessarily running against incumbents—I'm running for an opportunity," Johnsen explains, setting the tone for a conversation that reveals his thoughtful, balanced approach to local governance.

Johnsen brings a refreshing perspective to hot-button issues facing Ivins. On development—often a contentious topic—he strikes a middle ground: "I don't feel that Ivins is as resistant to development as some might think. What I see is people who fell in love with the area and don't want it to change." This understanding informs his approach to growth, seeking to preserve what makes Ivins special while addressing pressing needs like housing affordability.

As someone who works in the housing industry, Johnsen witnesses firsthand the struggles families face finding affordable homes. "My poor adult children are trying to find places to live—it's really hard for them," he shares, advocating for creative solutions including accessory dwelling units and streamlined permitting processes. He applauds SITLA's efforts to address affordable housing but acknowledges more collaboration is needed between cities, developers, and organizations.

Find Shad Johnsen here:
https://shadserves.com/

[00:00:00] Intro and welcome.
[00:05:42] Development and Housing Affordability.
[00:09:18] Infrastructure and Revenue Challenges.
[00:15:05] Water Conservation and Creative Solutions.
[00:21:53] Communication and Community Engagement.
[00:27:50] Police Support and Taxation Views.
[00:39:55] Closing Thoughts and Contact Information.

Born and raised in St. George as a fifth-generation resident, Bryan Thiriot brings a unique blend of deep local roots and extensive governmental experience to his City Council campaign. Having served as director of the Five County Association of Governments and executive director of the Dixie Metropolitan Planning Organization, Theriot has spent years collaborating with communities throughout Southern Utah on budgets, planning, and infrastructure development.

His fifteen years working with U.S. Senators in Washington D.C., Salt Lake City, and St. George have equipped him with valuable skills for navigating federal bureaucracies – expertise he believes distinguishes him from other candidates. "I feel like I'm the strongest candidate when it comes to federal agencies," Theriot explains, highlighting his accomplishments in securing resources and permissions for local projects.

Transportation stands at the forefront of Thiriot's platform, with strong advocacy for the Northern Corridor to alleviate east-west traffic congestion on St. George Boulevard. While acknowledging the city's transportation needs are growing with its population, he approaches development with measured caution. Living in his childhood family home on Main Street, Theriot values downtown's character and expresses concern about excessive high-rise developments changing the area's historic feel.

Water management represents another cornerstone of Thiriot's expertise. With personal experience filing for water rights and negotiating with federal land managers, he brings practical knowledge to one of the desert community's most pressing concerns. He points to untapped water resources on the county's west side that could help secure St. George's water future amid continued growth.

Looking toward future economic development, Theriot proposes exploring international airport status for St. George Regional Airport, potentially attracting direct international flights and diversifying the local economy. Throughout his campaign, he emphasizes continuing the legacy of "Vision Dixie" – creating opportunities for future generations while preserving what makes St. George special.

Ready to bring his record of accomplishment to City Council, Thiriot summarizes his candidacy simply: "When I say I do something, I do it, I commit it and I accomplish it." Will you support this vision for St. George's future? Primary election day is August 12th.