Mayor’s Message

Christmas Wish List

Dear Santa,

I’ve tried my best to be a good Mayor this year. Together with the Council, we’ve worked hard to put the needs and interests of those we represent as our top priority. We’ve made great efforts to be considerate of all those we interact with and to be supportive of private industry, even being recognized as the #1 Small City in America to Start a Business. (Maybe you and the elves should consider a second workshop location here)

We’ve labored consistently to tackle municipal challenges associated with water, power, and housing to name a few. We’ve developed positive relationships with others for the benefit of our hometown, which is quickly becoming better known for all the right reasons. Still it can be challenging at times, and we could really use a little “Christmas Magic” to help move things along. So, here’s a wishlist of three items that would greatly benefit the community right now:

A New Post Office

We have more than outgrown our current Post Office that was built back in 1995. We’re trying to coordinate some help with our Senators’ offices, but maybe you could go directly to the Postmaster General on our behalf - I mean you two have got to be the foremost experts on delivery. Our population has almost tripled since the Post Office was built and the current location is not adequate. The parking situation they’ve created deserves a lump of coal. The Post Office needs to move, expand, and modernize without delay in order to keep up.

More Grocery Stores

Two grocery stores are not enough for a city of our size, especially one like ours, that is committed to active and healthy lifestyles. A WinCo, Whole Foods, Sam’s Club, or Harmons would be great, really any store that offers fresh and convenient options closer to our neighborhoods, and that is actually in our municipal boundary. Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to easily pick up some hot cocoa on a cold night, or get some carrots and peppers for the reindeer without going too far out of the way?

A Hospital

This might be more of a “most every city has one, so why can’t we?” - but the truth is, we want and need one. What if you fell off a roof? What if grandma gets run over by a reindeer? What if Ralphy shoots his eye out? We came close about two years ago, even having plans submitted to the City, but a merger that ultimately didn’t happen paused progress. We’re hoping that SITLA will work with a new group to help bring a much needed hospital to the site near Exit 13, north of I-15.

I’m dreaming of a white Christmas this season. We would benefit greatly from a heavy snow pack in the mountains this Winter, followed by a gradual runoff into our reservoirs in the Spring. Meanwhile, I’ll keep working and praying for the welfare and prosperity of all who live here, and ask that you please don’t confuse Washington, UT with Washington DC, as we want to stay off the naughty list.

-Kress Staheli

Mayor

kress@washingtoncity.org