What happens when a dedicated educator from rural Virginia relocates to Hurricane, Utah and decides to run for city council? Cindy Matejka brings a refreshingly balanced perspective to one of Southern Utah's fastest-growing communities.
Having worked for Sesame Street developing internet safety programs and taught middle school for years, Matejka's journey to Hurricane was sparked by the challenges of COVID-19 and a desire to find a community with conservative Christian values. What her family discovered was a welcoming small town that her teenage son immediately recognized as "what I've waited all my life for" - but also a place experiencing growing pains as development rapidly transforms the landscape.
Matejka articulates the central tension facing Hurricane with remarkable clarity: how to achieve necessary economic growth without overwhelming longtime residents who cherish the city's rural character. She advocates for a measured approach to development, suggesting alternative funding mechanisms like government bonds and grants rather than relying solely on building permits and new construction. Her concerns about infrastructure, particularly traffic congestion on SR-9 and the limited police force (just three officers per shift), demonstrate her practical understanding of growth's real-world impacts.
What sets Matejka apart is her commitment to learning and listening. Whether attending planning commission meetings to understand proposed developments, completing a police ride-along to see public safety challenges firsthand, or reaching out directly to the mayor with neighborhood concerns, she embodies the "lifelong learner" mindset she cultivates in her students. This approach extends to her campaign style, where she avoids negativity and focuses on substantive issues despite the sometimes contentious social media environment.
For Hurricane voters seeking a thoughtful voice who can bridge divides between newcomers and longtime residents, Matejka offers a unique combination of fresh perspective and deep respect for community values. Listen to her full conversation to understand why this teacher believes city council is her next classroom.
Timestamps:
[00:00:00] Intro
[00:01:36] Cindy Matejka's Journey to Hurricane
[00:06:15] From Teaching to City Council
[00:10:40] Finding Balance in Community Growth
[00:19:48] Infrastructure and Public Safety
[00:26:23] Election Tensions and Final Thoughts
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