FREE
April 2024 | Vol. 10 Iss. 4
‘PROACTIVE RATHER THAN REACTIVE’ –
FORMER AND NEW WEST JORDAN COUNCIL MEMBERS AND RESIDENTS ADVOCATE FOR MORE CIVIC ENGAGEMENT By Rebecca Olds | rebecca.o@thecityjournals.com
S
teve Jones has lived in West Jordan since 1984 and he’s fought his own share of battles with the city council. That’s how he first started getting involved with city government. For most people it seems that to engage with city government, they have to feel wronged to participate. Boundary changes, high density housing next door or a troubling neighbor are just a few of the reasons people start getting involved. “Some topics are very emotional to some people — that’s part of our system,” Jones said. “They’re citizens, they should be able to speak their mind, and be able to get their feelings and emotions across.” But he cautioned, being “proactive rather than reactive” can lead to better outcomes. For Jones, his passionate topic was a storm drain problem that flooded his neighbors for close to 30 years. While the change wasn’t immediate — it took persistence and several times of going to city council meetings — Jones was able to see the storm drain fixed. By going to the meetings, he learned a lot about how the city government works, gained an appreciation for the complexity of issues and the council got to know him. Through council meetings, former Councilmember Chris McConnehey met Jones and the Bingham Creek Library’s Acting Manager, Ann Marie Barrett. He was on the Continued page 8 Former Councilman Chris McConnehey attends Jr. Fire Academy with his five sons and wife. (Photo courtesy Chris McConnehey)
page 4
Science is an art form
page 6-7
Thank You
Easter Egg Hunt
to our Community Sponsors for supporting City Journals
page 14
City Hall renovation