Toquerville mayor resigns in wake of recreation complex cancellation

In a file photo, Keen Ellsworth, then a Toquerville City Clouncil member, shares concerns over proposed water conservation measures, St. George, Utah, Nov. 9, 2021 | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News

ST. GEORGE — After news surfaced about his role as a paid consultant to the developers of a $65 million recreation complex proposed for his southern Utah town, Toquerville Mayor Keen Ellsworth has resigned.

In a file photo, Toquerville mayor Keen Ellsworth speaks at the State of the Cities luncheon, Hurricane, Utah, April 21, 2022 | Photo by E. George Goold, St. George News

In a special meeting last Friday, City Manager Afton Moore read Ellsworth’s resignation email, which was forwarded to her by City Attorney Heath Snow, to the City Council. Ellsworth’s resignation was effective Sept. 13. He was elected as mayor last November after running unopposed.

“I have just recently been offered a new career opportunity that I did not expect. It will demand far more of my time and attention, which will make it difficult for me to provide the time and attention Toquerville needs and deserves from its mayor,” Afton quoted Ellsworth as saying in the email.

The mayor’s decision to step down comes in the wake of a Sept. 7 meeting, at which the city announced that it was abandoning plans to develop a major sports park on 600 acres of adjoining land in Washington County. Moreover, Ellsworth informed the council at the meeting that he had a consulting contract with the would-be developers, which could be a conflict of interest.

Read the full story here: SLTrib.com.

Written by MARK EDDINGTON, The Salt Lake Tribune.

This article is published through the Utah News Collaborative, a partnership of news organizations in Utah that aims to inform readers across the state.

Copyright © The Salt Lake Tribune. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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