My name is James McFadden, I have lived in Washington Fields for almost eight years with my wife Shiela and our four children. Shiela and I have been married for 18 years and we truly love raising our family here. I'm a Marketing Systems Strategist and Product Promotion Expert with over 30 years of hands on experience in the Marketing and Promotions industry. I’m originally from San Diego, Califor
nia where I owned and operated two companies; Advanced Coating Concepts and ‘Perfect Garage’. After almost 10 years in the radio broadcasting industry as a DJ and live event promoter I returned to my roots as a specialty contractor due to the competitive nature of radio in the 90’s. As a specialty contractor I managed 28 employees and with my experience in Marketing I turned painting your garage floor into a 2 Million dollar a year product line for our company’s and played a significant role in the popularization of the concept throughout the U.S. Like many others, this came to an abrupt halt with the housing bubble in 2007. Shortly after moving to Washington City in August of 2007 I went to work at Baja Broadband, now TDS as one of the first DSR's they hired and I quickly became one of their top performers. After working for Baja Broadband for just over a year I left to launch the Senior Saver, a local discount guide with my then partner Kevin Fry. I was its creative designer and branding director for almost four years. In 2010 I introduced the PBR Bull Riders to the SunBowl as the event promoter and I also produced the WestX Western Festival in 2011 which was held out at the Washington County Fairgrounds. I currently cater to clients all over the U.S. and run 'What's Up Southern Utah', an online social media group on Facebook with over 2700 members; through What’s Up Southern Utah we pride ourselves on promoting fun things to do in Washington County. Right now my professional focus is centered on Online Image Development, Micro Social-Media Website Development, and more specifically, Marketing Systems for mid-sized companies. My expertise in Marketing is very diverse but I'd say my true passions are centered on Event Management, Fundraising, Product Development and Civic Promotion. Since moving to Washington City I have become very passionate as a community volunteer and civic leader. In 2009 I founded the Southern Utah Down Syndrome Association. I have a son who was born with Down syndrome and I love serving as an advocate for him. I helped Dixie State University establish DocUtah as a volunteer Team Captain over the Director workshops with Dr. Chase. I have flown to Washington D.C. three times as the Utah State Captain for the National Down Syndrome Society to lobby for the 'Able Act' which I’m excited to say was recently passed! In 2011 I was recognized as the ‘Parent of the Year’ by the Governor's Council for my advocacy efforts within the disabilities community and in 2011 I also published the Human Services Directory for Five County Association of Governments. In 2012 I was appointed by Governor Herbert to serve a three year term as a citizen board member on the Utah Developmental Disabilities Council and my name has been submitted by its director to serve a second term. In 2012 I also joined the St. George Exchange Club and by the end of the year I was elected to be the President Elect Elect. Then on July 1st of this year I was installed as the current Club President. Through the Exchange Club I'm honored to be a part of the many events and activities established by a long list of respected members who have served Washington County for over 40 years. Currently the Exchange Club facilitates the St. George Mayors Walk, The Iron Man Kids Fun Run, the Student of the Month program for graduating seniors, the Give Me Liberty Program with area school 5th graders, we have dedicated several Freedom Shrines throughout the county and recently handed out over 2000 flags at the Washington City Veterans Parade for our 'Give a Kid a Flag To Wave' Program; we also facilitate the Southern Utah Performing Arts Festival which has about 5000 students participating each year. I would have to say though, one of our proudest moments this last year was when we presented the City of St. George with a check for $100,000 to help with the St. George All Abilities Park which is slated to be completed before the end of this year and last January our Club was presented with the Spirit of Dixie award from the St. George Chamber of Commerce. What motivated me to run for City Council was this deeply rooted passion I have for creating opportunities to celebrate and a desire to expand my talents for promoting great causes and meaningful opportunities that others can enjoy and benefit from. I would consider it an honor and a privilege to apply my time and talents on the council to find ways to improve the success of the Washington City Rec Center. Right now it's estimated that the city is losing approximately $1m/year operating the center and I believe we can change that. There are also concerns regarding the success of the Green Springs Golf course and the future of the Boilers. There are many things the city and its citizens can do to bring more value and interest to the Golf Course. As someone who has played the course many times, it is by far one of the most enjoyable and beautiful courses in Washington County and a fan favorite of my Uncle Bill when he visited. I also believe it would be wonderful if we could truly beautify the boilers while maintaining the agreements that the water-rights holders are entitled to. I can see no benefit or justifiable reason to change or usurp those long standing rights. By honoring these rights, established long before this council or its current city employees were entrusted with the operations of the City, we are ultimately honoring those who have served our community for generations. There is an undeniable heritage and pride behind the history of Washington City and I believe this is something we can capitalize on. With my expertise and love for events and promoting fun things to do, I would love to see our Cotton Days celebration become Washington City's Jubilee of Tree's which by the way, raises hundreds of thousands of dollars for IHC every year. I'd love to see it turn into an event that would attract travelers from all over the country to visit and enjoy what Washington City has to offer; done properly and responsibly this one event could bring hundreds of thousands of vital tourism dollars to the economy for Washington City. There are so many ways and opportunities before us to increase the value, pride and respect for this great city by not just maintaining our great heritage but lighting it as a candle on a hill for all to see and enjoy. I sincerely hope the citizens of Washington City, who feel the same way I do, will show their support at the August 11th primary by voting James McFadden to represent them as a member of their City Council. Thank you...
