The question I get asked the most is, “why are you running for mayor?” I have lived in 10 cities in my lifetime. Bluffdale is home. Jason and I plan to live here until we can no longer take care of ourselves. We love it in Bluffdale. We love the people, the location and the opportunities to be involved in the community. I have worked for the City for the past 6.5 years in emergency management, communications, business licensing, directing Miss Bluffdale and have had many other responsibilities. It has taken me years to build relationships inside and outside of the City. Inside the City with residents, business owners, churches and schools. Outside the City, in my emergency management role, with the State, Salt Lake and Utah Counties, UDOT, UTA, surrounding cities and our City legislative Senate and House representatives. To have a new mayor that has already started building these relationships will ensure that our City can continue to move forward. I want that for Bluffdale. I want to be able to make sure we have funding, economic growth, an advocate and a public relations liaison from day one in office.
When we moved to Bluffdale over 15 years ago, we were so excited to be involved with what was then called “Town Days.” Town Days has been a tradition in our City before our City was incorporated in 1978. Now know as “Old West Days” there is something for everyone. Jason and I have been volunteers for Old West Days every year. This year our family attended Monday-Night Out Against Crime, Tuesday-Sophia rode a horse at the Family Fun Rodeo, Wednesday-Kate went to Youth Night, Thursday-Jason showed off his 1555 restored Chrysler Imperial, Friday-Monster Truck show, Saturday-parade, games and fireworks. This event involved hundreds of volunteers and a lot of coordination. Our City events coordinator is the best there is!
Each year, we have enjoyed the events behind our home. The rodeo, motocross, monster trucks-it all is fun for the community. One year there was a circus in the arena and they had brought an elephant. We have also seen tragedy with life flight and emergency response. We are grateful for the hard work of those who maintain it. The current council has built in funding to update the arena.
In August, I visited our Bluffdale cemetery. The first burial was in 1890 (131 years ago). There is so much history in our cemetery. Jason and I love visiting cemeteries. Some of our most memorable visits have been to Normandy and Boston. We love Bluffdale and we hope to live here to the end of our lives. Jason and I got on a waiting list to be able to purchase burial plots (because there are not plots currently available). We were able to, after years of waiting, purchase two plots. Over the years I have attended memorial services here and driven by to see the beautiful flowers that are placed in memory of loved ones. At some point, when our public works building is moved-there will be an opportunity to expand our cemetery. If you get a chance, visit our Bluffdale cemetery and see what history you can find!
Jason and I are very proud of our son who joined the military. We miss him while he is serving. We also have grandfathers that served in World War II. We can’t imagine the heartache of the families who have lost someone while protecting those who cannot protect themselves. I spent some time at our Bluffdale Veterans Memorial to remember all those who have sacrificed so much. If you get a chance, take your family to read the names and to remember our heroes.
A city has many responsibilities. Bluffdale provides street lights, storm water drainage, garbage pickup, street maintenance, parks and drinking water. I strongly believe that public safety must be at the top of the list of services provided. As mayor, I will work closely with the City Council to plan for the future public safety needs.
As the Bluffdale Emergency Manager, I had the opportunity to work closely with Fire Chief James in creating exercises, written emergency plans, equipment inventory and applying for grant money.
Our fire department has future needs that we must plan for. As our city grows, and response times increase there will be a need for another fire station (in the south end of the city). Also, as call volumes increase, we will need to transition to more full-time fire department employees.
Our fire department has highly qualified professionals, but we must continue to support their training and advancement. Equipment must be kept up-to-date because the safety of every person is a priority. If my life or my property is in jeopardy, I want the fastest and most trained response possible. I know you do as well.
Bluffdale also has an excellent police force! Our contract with Saratoga Spring is a good option for us right now. We have been able to have officers, equipment, training and other resources dedicated to Bluffdale. I have met with the Mayor of Saratoga Springs, Jim Miller to ensure that our good relationship continues.
How can we as residents and business owners support our fire and police departments? During the unrest in 2020, residents brought cards, treats and words of encouragement to both departments. Let’s wave as we see our officers and fire fighters. Be courteous if you are pulled over or hear an engine approaching. Follow each department on Facebook to stay updated on what they are asking us to do.
I had an amazing opportunity to serve on a local school board for 5 years in Bluffdale. I learned during that experience how important our involvement really is. Bluffdale has so many incredible schools. We have 4 Jordan school District schools (2 Elementary, 1 middle school, and high school in Riverton), 4 charter schools and 1 private school. I have seen our parents passionate about their children’s education. As mayor, it is important to have relationships with all of these school boards and principals.
I visited our new water tank today. Bluffdale has done such a good job in planning for the future with infrastructure and for emergencies. I have worked for the past 6 1/2 years as the city emergency manager. I have had the opportunity to update and practice our robust neighborhood emergency plan. I have spent years helping people get personally prepared and their neighborhoods. We have a monthly meeting for every emergency section leader to plan together. I have coordinated CERT classes every spring and fall and we have participated as a city in exercises and drills.I was also able to get my amateur radio license! Our HAM radio club meets twice a month and practices every Sunday. Would you like to get more involved and learn more about our emergency plan? Call and ask me questions!
Bluffdale contributes $20,000 each year for our senior citizens to be able to be picked up and participate in the FREE activities. As mayor I will continue to support our senior citizen center and encourage all of our residents to take advantage of the free activities, classes, services and meals. I have never been so excited to have more birthdays! Help spread the word to your neighbors and those that you know in Bluffdale about the fantastic opportunities here! Visit @vote4natalie hall on Facebook to see the tour!
I have had the honor for the past 3 years to be the director for the Miss Bluffdale scholarship program. These women learn interview skills, how to fundraise, perform their talents and speak in front of large groups. They spend countless hours serving and representing our community. As Mayor, I will continue to support this program and encourage all of our future young leaders to participate.
We need each other. It takes everyone working together to make a community great. I am so grateful for all the support of Bluffdale neighbors for helping with my campaign. I could not do it alone. THANK YOU!
nataliehall4mayor.com 