Michele Mecham Dugdale

Dear Friends and Neighbors:  Since the annexation of the west fields into Springville, I have been waiting for someone more qualified than I am to stand up as a representative for the new westside residents.  When I saw that no one, who is familiar with the special needs and conditions pertaining to this area, has chosen to run at this time, I determined that I must try to be that voice.  I greatly appreciate the damage control that the current administration is implementing concerning the west fields; however, I can foresee some problems that aren't being addressed yet.

My qualifications:  I am not a politician, but I am very teachable and with proper imput I can help formulate responsible solutions.  I promise I will serve you with all my abilities.  I graduated from Springville High School in 1968, obtained a college degree in humanities and raised four children.  I am currently married to Rick L. Dugdale, a former U. S. Marine and retired postal employee.  Together, we have combined a family of 21 natural and adopted grandchildren.  Presently, I co-own Provo Abstract Company, the oldest land title and escrow business in Utah County.  To this day we continue to stand by the high ethical and prudent fiduciary standards established by our founder, Arnold Mecham, my grandfather.  I am licensed by the State of Utah as an escrow officer. 

Since 1856, my family has been part of the labor force of Springville as blacksmiths, farmers, midwives and so on.  My great-great-great uncle, Jake Phillips, brought cement sidewalks and electricity into Springville City.  One of his finer apprentices, Grant Whitehead, has a building named for him.  Jake helped develop, build and manage the drainage company, Utah County Drainage District #1, which converted a muddy, stinking swamp west of Springville into the beautiful pastures and agricultural areas it is today.  The original company minutes from the early 1900's are still in my possession and are awe-inspiring reading.

If you moved here to get away from an earthquake zone, you have jumped out of the frying pan and into the fire.  According to the 2006 edition of the Utah County Atlas, Springville's eastside sits on a moderate hazard Liquefaction Zone, but the westside sits atop a HIGH hazard one.  In layman's terms:  When we experience the seismic event that would topple our present city offices, the damage to the west fields will be horrifying.  The earthquake's accompanying liquid movement will burst all the new pipelines being installed:  The water, sewage, and natural gas lines.  There are no earthquake-proof pipes available, but the damage can be mitigated by installing special "joints" that would allow the pipes to move with the earth.  I have been told that these fail-safes are not being used in the current building program. 

Provided the many faultlines running through Utah Lake do not cause major flooding to the west fields, the worst case scenario will involve natural gas and electric fires with no water to quench them and uncontained raw sewage running its own course.  We need to budget for these costs, both for installing the expensive, more-reliable pipes and for beginning a reparation fund for the citizens who eventually will be affected.  It is irresponsible and unconscionable to "wait" for the problem to happen, before we plan for it.

As to new building, the State of Utah has guidelines for implementing tax incentives to encourage "green building".  These are our vital resources being diminished, we have the right to mitigate the damage.  Springville should rezone the west fields into a lower density plan, allowing fewer homes per acre, so less infrastructure is needed.  Springville must raise the current hefty impact fees even higher and begin offering substantial impact fee breaks to residents who want to build energy and water efficient homes and commercial buildings.

My list continues, but you will decide if my voice shall be heard, by voting for me.  If not, I have given you something to think about.  Thank you.  Reach me at michele@pa1.info or POB 1069, Provo, UT  84603.