Thursday, June 26, 2025

Support Your Police!

Did a ride along with one of our Hurricane Police Officers. I encourage everyone to take the opportunity to do so. I learned a lot and they work hard to cover a lot of ground during their shifts. I appreciate them so much! Thank you to my neighbor who put up with me for a couple of hours!




Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Farm Store

 Have you been to the new little Farm store up on Flora Tech Road? It’s pretty awesome! Text the number at the door and get a code that’s given. You then can go in and purchase your items. #farmersmatter



Meet and Get a Doggy Treat!


 

Fielding Some Questions....

 What inspired you to pursue a leadership role in local government?

As an educator, it is my job to lead young minds in making great choices.  I have been an active member of the Hurricane community since we pulled into our driveway four (4) years ago.  Giving back to the community has been a part of my soul even before we left Virginia. I have always tried to find a way to be an active player where I live. When issues were brought up in our neighborhood, I decided to “throw my hat into the ring.” Voices need to be heard and not put on the back burner to be answered later.  Transparency in our community needs to be at the forefront of all city decisions.  I feel as though our citizens are not getting the full story. 


Have you experienced something in your community that made you want to make a change? 

Growth in the Washington area is at an all-time high; 1,210% in the past 5 years is a little overwhelming and a culture shock to many. Property zoning encounters constant changes without room for the public’s opinion.  I think everyone should have the opportunity to speak their minds on the matter. Our citizens need opportunities to express themselves prior to the council and mayor putting forward actions without public input.


What do you love most about your city or town?

The people!  I have felt an enormous connection to the people here since we moved here from Virginia.  

I have two stories to share…

My husband arrived here in Hurricane before I did. I had to complete my teaching contract in Virginia before we moved.  His car was in storage here for we had visited several months before as we were looking for a home here.  My hubby posted on our local Facebook page asking how to find a taxi service or Uber to get him to his car to get it out of storage. He received a text within five minutes as a neighbor came and took him to his car. THAT is what this community is all about. We are all family.

Story #2-2023 was a tough year for us. My mother passed away in April and left us void of a really strong female presence.  In December of 2023, our family was in a head-on collision on SR9.  Our then 15-year-old son was shocked and upset.  A lady stopped, got out of her car, and hugged my son comforting him and saying, “It’s going to be okay.”  That one gesture still impacts him today.


What specific issues or challenges in your community do you want to address?

There have been many questions about affordable housing. One of the mayoral candidates wants to put a “cap” on the amount homes can be sold for or a percentage “lid” on the pricing.  I believe that philosophy goes against our choices and our freedoms.

While there are several basketball courts and other recreational properties, upon talking to our young people, the inconveniences of driving to St. George take away from participating in their own community.  

Our infrastructure is incurring massive growth.  What parameters are in place to ensure our safety on our roads? How are we going to conserve water as our city is overwhelmed with new construction?


Sunday, June 8, 2025

Meet Cindy's Family


Cindy and John met through a mutual friend at church in 2005. Needless to say, 6 months later the two were engaged to be married. In October of 2006 they said their "I dos" and two years later, they welcomed their son Matthew.

Cindy has been in education since her graduation from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1994, receiving her Bachelors degree in English and her Masters degree in Teaching. She completed in 2021 her degree to be a school administrator from Longwood University and in the summer of 2024, completed her degree for teaching talented and gifted students from UVU. Her mother was a middle school teacher and her grandmother taught in a one-room schoolhouse in Greene, Virginia.

Cindy's husband is a former robotics/technical engineer. He can fix anything in the house that she breaks. Their son Matthew, is currently a student (Senior in 2026) at Career Tech High School (go TITANS!) studying engineering as well.

Her family looks forward to meeting you in the community. Cindy walks every morning in her Dixie Springs neighborhood, so if you see her, please say hello!

Nepotism....what is it?

What is nepotism?  According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the definition of nepotism is the practice among those with power or influence of favoring relatives, friends, or associates, especially by giving them jobs.  Our current Hurricane City Council consists of five members, with additional input from the mayor for decisions concerning parks, planning, real estate development, business development, etc.  Did you know that two of the sitting members are related to our current mayor? Did you also know that our current city attorney is also related to her (mayor)?  


Where is the transparency in these selections?  I was never told any of this information when I was doing my research on electoral candidates! Isn’t there a code of ethics concerning conflict of interest?


Transparency should be the #1 factor in our city government. Were you aware that two weeks ago a meeting was called, without public input, about the new aquatic center in our city? The approval was pushed through without any of our knowledge. EVERY person who has a right to vote should be questioning the morals and ethical responsibilities of our current city government. 


This is my CALL TO ACTION!  A vote for me is a vote for transparency and change.  A vote for me is so the community members and people have a VOICE!


Saturday, June 7, 2025

Community Involvement

 Besides being an educator, Cindy regularly volunteers in her community. Her parents taught her well, especially in always "giving back."  She loves where she lives and proves it.



City Council Meeting June 19

 Our neighborhood has endured ENOUGH this year with blasting and destruction of property behind our homes. Join me as I speak publicly against those that voted for the abomination of the Dixie Heights subdivision. Where is the accountability?


Cindy Matejka is a dedicated and passionate educator with 29 years of classroom experience, known for her unwavering commitment to student growth, academic excellence, and community involvement. Throughout nearly three decades in education, she has inspired countless students with her engaging teaching style, empathetic approach, and belief in the lifelong power of learning.

A resident of Hurricane, Utah, Cindy is deeply rooted in the community she loves. She treasures the natural beauty of southern Utah and is a strong advocate for preserving the land and environment that make Hurricane such a unique and special place to live. Her love for the area is reflected in her everyday actions and her commitment to sustainability and responsible development.

Beyond the classroom, Cindy is an avid outdoor enthusiast. Her favorite pastimes include photography, walking, biking, hiking, and running—activities that not only promote a healthy lifestyle but also connect her to the stunning landscapes around her. Through her lens, she captures the serene and rugged charm of the region, often using her photos to raise awareness about conservation and local heritage.

Cindy’s life is a blend of service, creativity, and advocacy. Whether she's teaching, exploring the trails, or engaging with her neighbors, she exemplifies dedication to both education and the land she calls home.

Intolerable...

The one thing I will not tolerate is the questioning of my integrity as an educator.  I've been in education over 29 years, and you wil...