I wanted to address my position on a comment that has come up recently, as I feel there is some misconception. Some individuals may perceive that if a real estate agent were to serve on the City Council, it could create conflicts of interest.
There's a common misconception that "real estate agents" and "developers" are the same, but these are two completely different roles. While some "developers" may also work as "real estate agents," that IS NOT the case for me. I am a real estate agent, I am NOT a developer, and I have absolutely no ties to any developers (or builders) whatsoever.
Our elected officials need to have the best interests of the community in mind rather than just seeking personal gain. We need leaders dedicated to serving their constituents and making decisions that benefit everyone, not themselves.
As a candidate for St George City Council, I want to be clear that I will not accept any funding or campaign contributions from (active or current) builders or developers. I have already informed our Board of Realtors that I will not request or accept any campaign contributions. If elected, I will favor proposed community developments that align with current zoning regulations, what the people want, and what will make sense for the city.
New construction is NOT a conflict of interest as an agent. It's rare when I sell new construction homes, and my sales for new construction are approximately 5% of my total business (in all 16 years combined). When approving subdivisions or developments, Council Persons typically only have conflicts of interest if they have some direct involvement with the developer or if they intend to represent the proposed community exclusively. A Council Person approving a soda shop (or a car wash) and subsequently being a customer or having their child employed at the shop would not be considered personal interest. As long as all actions are transparent and ethical, there's no impediment to a Council Member making such decisions.
My experience in the real estate industry has given me a deep understanding of traditional neighborhoods and the desires of homeowners. This knowledge allows me to provide valuable insights into decision-making. My decisions will never be based on personal interests. While I can only speak for myself, I will not engage in unethical behavior, such as accepting bribes or offering favors to builders.
I appreciate your questions and concerns and will address any I receive. If you have other questions, do not hesitate to reach out.
