About Paul

Paul was one of seven children raised in Moab Utah, by parents who instilled in each of them a strong work ethic. His mother was a stay-at-home mom and his father was a civil engineer and excavation contractor. Cozzens Engineering would engineer a project, then execute the dirt work using heavy equipment. When Paul was ten years old, his father was paralyzed after contracting viral encephalitis. From his wheelchair, Paul’s father taught him how to operate heavy equipment and other skills such as welding, surveying, carpentry, and concrete work..

The responsibility Paul was given at a young age helped him gain the confidence and skills he needed to face the future with confidence. Paul’s woodworking teacher, made a lasting impact on Paul and he fell in love with woodworking during high school. He graduated in 1980 and moved to Cedar City to attend SUSC. With a half-tuition scholarship and a few bucks in savings, he hoped to find a job. Employment was secured at a local company, where he gained valuable training and learned about manufacturing and installing millwork. This employment allowed Paul to put himself through school, as his parents forbade him from applying for any government grants. In 1981, Paul served a mission for his church in Australia. Following his mission, Paul returned to school and work in Cedar City.

Soon after his return, he met Mary Coles. They were married in 1984. Paul and Mary started their own cabinet shop in 1987. They have been blessed with three wonderful sons and two beautiful adopted daughters from China.

Paul and Mary love Iron County and enjoy being involved in the community. Paul became involved with the Happy Factory over 20 years ago and has served as president of the Happy Factory board of trustees for the last 13 years. Paul is honored to be numbered among the many Iron County volunteers who have made and shipped over 1.6 million toys to disadvantaged children around the world. The Happy Factory volunteers also manufacture wooden steam shovels to aid handicapped children in their rehabilitation.

Paul served as District chair for the Cedar Breaks District of the Boy Scouts of America for three years.

Paul served on the Cedar City Planning Commission for a year before serving two terms on the Cedar City Council and is now seeking a second term on the Iron County Commission.

Paul has taken an active role in addressing the serious challenges Iron County faces with regards to current and future water needs of the Valley. When he ran and won a seat on the Cedar City Council 10 years ago, his goal was to get Iron County out of the Lake Powell Pipeline Project for fear that it would bankrupt the municipalities and the county. At a proposed cost of $450 million amortized at 2% was a billion dollars for a pipeline from Quail Creek reservoir to Iron County, treatment of the water would come at a considerable added cost. Some estimates for power alone were as high as $10 million dollars per year to pump the water to our valley. Thankfully Cedar City, Enoch, and Kanarraville councils voted to opt out of this project. As a former board member on the CICWCD and now liason to the Groundwater Management Plan Committee, Paul continues to work with community partners on a three-tiered approach to water: importing new water, recharging the aquifer, and conservation. Water rights have been secured in the west desert valleys of Pine and Wah Wah. This will be a fraction of the cost of the LPP and will not require treatment. This water issue is extremely critical as the aquifer is being overdrawn by approximately 7000 acre feet per year. Iron County is very attractive to new businesses and residents and will continue to see increased growth. It is crucial that the commission has the vision and ability to keep up with that growth in the coming years.

Paul’s diverse background, work ethic, experience, and three decades in the private sector—running a business, meeting deadlines, making payroll, and managing other demands—gives him a unique perspective and a common-sense approach to solving issues and challenges in Iron County.

Paul has a proven track record serving in public office, he loves Iron County and would love to serve you on the Commission. He would appreciate your vote. Thank you.