Election Day is on November 5^th and hopefully most of you have already mailed in your ballot. We are fortunate to have the choice of six highly qualified candidates for City Council, each of which I believe will do their best to represent the all of residents of the city, and to lead faithfully within the parameters established by Utah Code and City Ordinance. Sometimes it is painfully important to remember the second part of that statement. The City Council is not bound to follow the direction of the loudest voice in the room, or the voice with the most followers in carrying out their duties. They are however bound to lead within the rule of law established by State Code and Local Ordinance. We have been blessed with great City Councilmen and Councilwomen in the past and I look forward to working with the next generation of community leaders in the future.

The City Council is exploring changes to the monthly newsletter format from a paper copy delivered with the monthly utility bills to a digital format that would be emailed monthly to residents of the City. The digital format would allow the use of improved technology, color graphics and photographs to communicate with residents. It would also allow for more content and provide the opportunity to poll residents on important issues and questions facing the City in a timelier manner. A hard copy would still be available for residents upon their request but going digital could save the City thousands of dollars a year in postage costs and hopefully lead to improved two-way communication with residents. The City is reviewing options and should have additional information in the next few months.

Families and friends will soon gather throughout the City to celebrate Thanksgiving and offer thanks for the blessing and bounty we enjoy as citizens in this great land. Last Thanksgiving the Deseret News published a Proclamation of Thanksgiving offered by President George Washington in 1789. The words hit home with me and especially with the current direction of our federal government, I believe it is pertinent for all citizens to be reminded of our country’s first presidents’ words: “Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.”

I’m especially thankful for our veterans and wish all of them a very happy Veterans Day. I would hope every resident would reach out and thank a veteran, not just on Veterans Day, but every day whenever you encounter them. I’m also thankful for those servicemen and women currently serving and pray they will be protected and blessed. I offer thanks and prayers for their families at home this holiday season as well. If you know of a military family, reach out and thank them. I know from personal experience being away from your loved ones stationed in harm’s way during the holiday season can be extremely stressful and hard. Let’s let those families know this community cares and supports them.

I’ve said it before, Santa Clara is a wonderful place to live and raise families, I’m grateful for everything the community has provided for my family. Great neighborhoods in a beautiful setting, wonderful friends, high quality schools, churches, parks, and a growing economic base. Thanks to everyone involved for your efforts and good work making Santa Clara a better place to live. I hope this community will always show our gratitude for what we have, and I continue to pray this nation will recognize the blessings this great country has received and thank our Heavenly Father for the opportunities granted us as Americans.

Have a great Thanksgiving Santa Clara, enjoy some special time with your families during the holiday season and please remember to stay safe.

 Mayor Rick Rosenberg; mayor@sccity.org