Jean Arbuckle

At many of our meetings, people wonder why we all don’t have Dixie REA for our electricity in Washington City?  Dixie serves a specific area, south of the river.   They also serve certain areas in St. George City.  I don’t think they serve all of St. George either. 

HISTORY:  Many years ago, Washington City did not have their own power system.  We were served by Utah Power, and paying extremely high prices.  We formed our own power company and had a 10 year contract with Idaho Power.   When that contract ended, it was when power rates were sky high, especially in the west.  (remember California’s power trouble?)  No city will be able to have a 10 year contract again.  Even 5 years is hard to get.  We do pretty well, though.

DIXIE REA:  Some candidates say we should approach REA and have them buy us out.  The system doesn’t work that way.  If our citizens decide they want to sell our power system (must go to a vote of the people), then the sale must go out to bid, and we must sell to the highest bidder.   Who that would be, we don’t know.  Remember, ALL power companies can bid.  Once the buy, they can charge whatever they want to our citizens.  This is what I have tried to avoid for us.  I live above the river and pay the higher rates.  I  don’t want to pay even higher rates. 

I think a citizens committee to look into any and all possibilities to reduce our rates is a great idea.   I encourage this and will suggest it at our next council meeting.

When candidates make promises, be sure to question them.  Most are just stirring up your emotions and they don’t understand, or don’t even care,  all that has been done to help our citizens.  Too many lies and false promises are being told to our good citizens. 

I  have never lied and will always give you the straight truth.  Please vote September 15 for Jean Arbuckle.

My husband and I have been married for almost 45 years. We have 2 children and 4 grandchildren. We have lived in Washington City for 14 years. We moved here after I retired from Los Angeles Unified School District. I worked in special education for 5 years and then as an office manager for 13 years. I worked at a middle school with an enrollment of 2,300 students and handled the payroll for 150 employees. Some of my responsibilities included:    correspondence, budget, hiring/dismissing and evaluations of all clerical personnel, attendance records for all personnel, supplies and secretary to the principal.

After moving to Washington City, I became a member of the Planning Commission in 1997. I served on that Commission for 5 years, and as Chair for 2 years. I was elected to the City Council in November of 2001 and took office in January of 2002. I have also served on various other committees: Replacement Airport Task Committee, Milepost 13 Planning and Design, liaison to the Chamber of Commerce, Washington County Economic Development Council for affordable housing, Water District meetings and many homeowner meetings.

I enjoy travel, golf, working in my yard and reading a good book.

Councilwoman Jean Arbuckle
111 North 100 East
Washington City, UT 84780
jarbuckle@washingtoncity.org