A Minute With the Mayor
By Brian McNary
Last Thursday, I sat down with our newly elected Mayor, Dan Catlin.
Dan came to Toquerville from Salt Lake County. He has been married 45 years, has two children and four grandchildren. He spent his early years in retail before being hired by the Utah Highway Patrol. He worked in various assignments for UHP including the port of entry, patrol, and executive protection. He retired after 20 years. Dan then embarked on various assignments here and abroad. He was a program manager for a private firm in Athens, Greece. He had additional assignments in places like Fort Bragg, White Sands, New Mexico, Hickam AFB near Honolulu, stints in Kadena, Japan and Osan AFB in South Korea.
Dan and his wife eventually landed in Toquerville in 2018. He worked on the Planning Committee and became the Planning Chair (2.5 years) before running for Mayor.
Dan had a few people ask him to run for Mayor. This as you may remember, came on the heels of various sudden departures including a former Mayor, a former city attorney, a few people on the planning committee, and a city manager. That kind of exodus gives one pause.
I think Dan Catlin will bring some honesty and stability to the City of Toquerville. I note that the public is now allowed to openly comment on items placed on the agenda as well as ask questions during a discussion. Prior to this change, a member of the public had no opportunity to speak in a timely fashion on an issue or raise a concern. I am glad to see that has changed.
Dan wants to keep the old townsite intact. Dan would also like to see residents re- engage at meetings with the council. The parkway project has a few items including skip lines (showing an indicated path) and guardrails that need to be completed. Speed limits are now uniform on the parkway. Going up that hill behind trucks is still going to be a 15 MPH pain in the backside for the foreseeable future.
The Toquerville Reservoir Recreation Committee has been filled.
On the twice surveyed issue of growth, Dan wants to be “all inclusive” and manage growth- both for existing residents and the ones now arriving. This includes commercial development and affordable housing. He’d also like to finish the Westfield Park now that some funds might become available.
When he’s not working for the city, Dan enjoys working with his tractor, riding his geezer glide, and playing pickleball. Maybe if Dan can get that park finished, he can give a few of us a pickleball lesson or two. May you have a blessed year and thanks for your time, Dan!