Close races, good turnout mark 2019 Municipal Election
By Nelson Phillips · Staff writer · Nov. 13, 2019
If there’s one lesson to be learned from the 2019 Municipal Election, it’s that people’s votes matter, as several races across the county were decided by just a handful of votes, and a three-way tie in Honeyville for two remaining council seats has that contest still undecided.
Brigham City
Incumbent Councilmember Alden Farr drew 1,569 (18.82%) votes to retain his seat. Not far behind was local optometrist Joe Olson, who garnered 1,524 votes (18.28%). Robin Troxell took the last remaining seat with 1,457 votes (17.47%), beating Eve Jones 1,415 (16.97%) by just 42 votes.
Ryan Smith took 1,235 votes (14.81%), followed by Sherry Phipps, who took 1,139 (13.66%).
“Since filling the vacant seat from former council member Brian Rex I’ve tried to represent the citizens and have voted on issues which hopefully have been for the best interest of the community,” said Farr, on his victory. “Going forward, I’m hopeful the mayor, with the support of the new and existing council members, will review the goals identified in 2018 and evaluate the best course of action to accomplish them and also identify future goals that are fiscally responsible.”
Robin Troxell believes the key to her winning was hard work, teamwork, and above all, listening.
“My family support was huge and we personally delivered over 2,000 flyers in every neighborhood, utilized social media and talked to as many people as possible in an informed and educated manner,” she said. “With medical cannabis on its way, I hope to have our law enforcement thoroughly trained to identify the difference between patients and unlawful use.” Troxell also hopes to work on Main Street revitalization, as well as increasing affordable housing options for Brigham City residents.
Brigham City had a voter turnout rate of 39.49%, with 3,295 of 8,344 eligible voters casting ballots.
Corinne
Irene Jensen took 108 votes (30.59%) to win a seat on the council, as did Kelly Donovan with 89 votes (25.21%) and Karen Caldwell with 80 votes (22.66%).
Trevor Cottam did not win a seat, falling just four fewer votes than Caldwell.
Corinne saw 40.23% of its eligible voters turn out, 140 of 348.
Honeyville
As it stands right now, Trevor Gardner is the only Honeyville candidate to have won a council seat, taking 348 votes (24.25%).
Tied for second and third place are Sharon Lorimer, Dale Milsap and Paul Groberg, with all three taking 234 votes each (16.31%).
David Forsgren received 223 votes (15.54%), and Kory Wilde 146 votes (11.20%).
If an anticipated recount doesn’t change the totals, Honeyville City will institute some sort of tie-break contest to fill the two remaining seats.
Honeyville had an extremely high voter turnout of 61.80%, with 550 of 890 eligible voters casting ballots.
Mantua
Sandie Russell garnered 205 votes (43.43%) winning a seat, along with William Hodgins, who took 138 votes (29.24%).
Kimberly Stokes received 129 votes (27.33%).
“I am extremely grateful to the people of Mantua who have placed their trust in me by voting for me,” said Russell in a statement. “I will work diligently to serve the people of Mantua by fulfilling all responsibilities with which I am entrusted. I will research and endeavor to understand the issues brought before the council, fairly consider all aspects and voices, and make decisions I believe to be in the best interest of the town and the community of Mantua.”
Mantua voters also approved—barely—a 0.3% sales tax levy to benefit the town’s roads, 147 (50.87%) to 142 (49.13%).
Voter turnout in Mantua was 54.80%, with 297 out of 542 voters casting ballots.
Perry City
In one of the least shocking results of the election, two incumbent Perry City Council members who were the only ones appearing on the ballot easily won re-election.
Nathan Tueller received 796 votes (35.07%), and Toby Wright 755 votes (32.26%).
Of the three eligible write-in candidates, Blake Ostler won the third seat with 317 votes (13.96%), edging out Brandon Hansen, who had 294 votes (12.95%).
Boyd Montgomery, a third write-in candidate, received 42 votes (1.85%).
Perry had 35.63% of its eligible voters cast ballots, 991 out of a possible 2,781.
If there’s one lesson to be learned from the 2019 Municipal Election, it’s that people’s votes matter, as several races across the county were decided by just a handful of votes, and a three-way tie in Honeyville for two remaining council seats has that contest still undecided.
Brigham City
Incumbent Councilmember Alden Farr drew 1,569 (18.82%) votes to retain his seat. Not far behind was local optometrist Joe Olson, who garnered 1,524 votes (18.28%). Robin Troxell took the last remaining seat with 1,457 votes (17.47%), beating Eve Jones 1,415 (16.97%) by just 42 votes.
Ryan Smith took 1,235 votes (14.81%), followed by Sherry Phipps, who took 1,139 (13.66%).
“Since filling the vacant seat from former council member Brian Rex I’ve tried to represent the citizens and have voted on issues which hopefully have been for the best interest of the community,” said Farr, on his victory. “Going forward, I’m hopeful the mayor, with the support of the new and existing council members, will review the goals identified in 2018 and evaluate the best course of action to accomplish them and also identify future goals that are fiscally responsible.”
Robin Troxell believes the key to her winning was hard work, teamwork, and above all, listening.
“My family support was huge and we personally delivered over 2,000 flyers in every neighborhood, utilized social media and talked to as many people as possible in an informed and educated manner,” she said. “With medical cannabis on its way, I hope to have our law enforcement thoroughly trained to identify the difference between patients and unlawful use.” Troxell also hopes to work on Main Street revitalization, as well as increasing affordable housing options for Brigham City residents.
Brigham City had a voter turnout rate of 39.49%, with 3,295 of 8,344 eligible voters casting ballots.
Corinne
Irene Jensen took 108 votes (30.59%) to win a seat on the council, as did Kelly Donovan with 89 votes (25.21%) and Karen Caldwell with 80 votes (22.66%).
Trevor Cottam did not win a seat, falling just four fewer votes than Caldwell.
Corinne saw 40.23% of its eligible voters turn out, 140 of 348.
Honeyville
As it stands right now, Trevor Gardner is the only Honeyville candidate to have won a council seat, taking 348 votes (24.25%).
Tied for second and third place are Sharon Lorimer, Dale Milsap and Paul Groberg, with all three taking 234 votes each (16.31%).
David Forsgren received 223 votes (15.54%), and Kory Wilde 146 votes (11.20%).
If an anticipated recount doesn’t change the totals, Honeyville City will institute some sort of tie-break contest to fill the two remaining seats.
Honeyville had an extremely high voter turnout of 61.80%, with 550 of 890 eligible voters casting ballots.
Mantua
Sandie Russell garnered 205 votes (43.43%) winning a seat, along with William Hodgins, who took 138 votes (29.24%).
Kimberly Stokes received 129 votes (27.33%).
“I am extremely grateful to the people of Mantua who have placed their trust in me by voting for me,” said Russell in a statement. “I will work diligently to serve the people of Mantua by fulfilling all responsibilities with which I am entrusted. I will research and endeavor to understand the issues brought before the council, fairly consider all aspects and voices, and make decisions I believe to be in the best interest of the town and the community of Mantua.”
Mantua voters also approved—barely—a 0.3% sales tax levy to benefit the town’s roads, 147 (50.87%) to 142 (49.13%).
Voter turnout in Mantua was 54.80%, with 297 out of 542 voters casting ballots.
Perry City
In one of the least shocking results of the election, two incumbent Perry City Council members who were the only ones appearing on the ballot easily won re-election.
Nathan Tueller received 796 votes (35.07%), and Toby Wright 755 votes (32.26%).
Of the three eligible write-in candidates, Blake Ostler won the third seat with 317 votes (13.96%), edging out Brandon Hansen, who had 294 votes (12.95%).
Boyd Montgomery, a third write-in candidate, received 42 votes (1.85%).
Perry had 35.63% of its eligible voters cast ballots, 991 out of a possible 2,781.
Unofficial final results - Totals include ballots counted through Nov. 8
BRIGHAM CITY COUNCIL
3 OPEN SEATS
ALDEN FARR 1,569 18.82%*
JOE OLSON 1,524 18.28%*
RYAN D. SMITH 1,235 14.81%
SHERRY PHIPPS 1,139 13.66%
EVE JONES 1,415 16.97%
ROBIN TROXELL 1,457 17.47%*
Registered Voters 8,344
Ballots Cast 3,295
Voter Turnout 39.49%
CORINNE CITY COUNCIL
3 OPEN SEATS
TREVER COTTAM 76 21.53%
KAREN CALDWELL 80 22.66%*
IRENE JENSEN 108 30.59%*
KELLY D. DONOVAN 89 25.21%*
Registered Voters 348
Ballots Cast 140
Voter Turnout 40.23%
GARLAND CITY COUNCIL
3 OPEN SEATS
LINDA BOURNE 300 31.02%*
KEVIN L. STAY 136 14.06%
JOSHUA MARBLE 277 28.65%*
JAMES MUNNS 254 26.27%*
Registered Voters 1,011
Ballots Cast 402
Voter Turnout 39.76%
HONEYVILLE CITY COUNCIL
3 OPEN SEATS
DAVID FORSGREN 223 15.54%
SHARON LORIMER 234 16.31%
DALE JAMES MILLSAP 234 16.31%
KORY L. WILDE 146 11.20%
TREVOR J. GARDNER 348 24.25%*
PAUL C. GROBERG 234 16.31%
3-Way Tie for 2nd and 3rd
Registered Voters 890
Ballots Cast 550
Voter Turnout 61.80%
HOWELL TOWN COUNCIL
2 OPEN SEATS
JOSHUA DALE ANDERSON 66 38.50%*
REX NESSEN 57 32.39%*
BYRON TUCK 32 18.18%
DAKOTA TUCK 21 11.93%
Registered Voters 129
Ballots Cast 91
Voter Turnout 70.54%
MANTUA TOWN COUNCIL
2 OPEN SEATS
KIMBERLY M. STOKES 129 27.33%
SANDIE RUSSELL 205 43.43%*
WILLIAM HODGINS 138 29.24%*
Registered Voters 542
Ballots Cast 297
Voter Turnout 54.80%
MANTUA 0.3% SALES TAX INCREASE FOR ROADS (PROP 9)
YES 147 50.87%*
NO 142 49.13 %
PERRY CITY COUNCIL
3 OPEN SEATS
TOBY K. WRIGHT 755 33.26%*
NATHAN TUELLER 796 35.07%*
Write-In Totals 719 30.66%
Write-In: Blake W. Ostler 317 13.96%*
Write-In: Boyd Montgomery 42 1.85%
Write-In: Brandon Cole Hansen 294 12.95%
Not Assigned 66 (Votes for Mickey Mouse, Santa Claus, etc.)
Registered Voters 2,781
Ballots Cast 991
Voter Turnout 35.63%
PLYMOUTH TOWN COUNCIL
2 OPEN SEATS
BURKE N. UDY 20 9.76%
DIANA UDY 36 17.56%
PAUL C. MARSHALL 92 44.88%*
SUZANNE MAHONEY 57 27.80%*
Registered Voters 184
Ballots Cast 113
Voter Turnout 61.41%
TREMONTON CITY COUNCIL
3 OPEN SEATS
CONNIE J. ARCHIBALD 728 24.83%*
RICHARD (RICK) SEAMONS 746 25.44%*
LYLE C. VANCE 898 30.63%*
SCOTT DAHLE 560 19.10%
Registered Voters 3,535
Ballots Cast 1,199
Voter Turnout 33.92%
Candidate profiles and election information
The Box Elder News Journal issued a request for candidate information to those who are running for city council in local municipalities.
Among providing brief biographical information, candidates were asked to respond to the following questions:
1. Why are you running for office? Is there a particular issue you want to address as a city council person, and what is your proposed approach/solution?, and
2. What are the two-three biggest issues you see facing the city, what are your perspectives on those issues, and how would you approach them?
Following are responses from candidates. Not all candidates provided information. Those candidates who did not respond are listed at the end of each municipalities’ section.
BRIGHAM CITY
Eve Jones
Eve Jones was born and raised in North Logan, and has lived in Brigham City for the last 32 years, where she likes to hike, read, keeps bees, and raises chickens. She and her husband, Randy, have lived in Logan, Texas, Germany, China, but have always returned to Brigham City.
Jones received her Bachelors of Science in civil and environmental engineering with a minor in math from Utah State University. She has worked as a civil engineer, and most recently, was a math professor at USU Brigham City. She recently ended her term on the Dean’s Council at USU Brigham City.
Jones also served on the Brigham City Planning Commission for 10 years, including a year as the commission chair. She served on the city’s recycling committee to study recycling in Brigham City, which resulted in getting a recycling program added to the public works.
Jones manages the three rental properties she and her husband own in Brigham City.
“I have had experience with the way the city works as well as private industry, and the education community,” Jones wrote in a response to a request for information.
Jones said her specific focus as a council member would be to work closely with the city’s trails committee with the end goal of having a comprehensive trail map and marked trails around and throughout the city. However, she said she brings a lot to the council table with her knowledge of engineering, years of teaching, and experience on the planning commission.
“I enjoyed being on the planning commission and want to keep serving Brigham City through being on the city council,” Jones wrote.
Jones said issues facing the city that she is most interested in include the proposed recreation center, affordable housing, and bringing more jobs into the city “to keep the community growing and healthy.”
Jones said her support for a recreation center is due a “deteriorating” senior citizen center and a need to relocate it. Additionally, the recreation department, now housed in the Bunderson Center, needs a new home and citizens need a place where rooms will be available to use for groups such as clubs and non-profits, and a place to exercise.
“A recreation/community center could meet all those needs,” Jones wrote, adding that she’d like to be involved in finding a solution to be adequate “but would not break the bank. “
Jones wrote that affordable housing is another issue facing the city as housing prices have gone up dramatically in the last several years. Between prices and availability, many are finding it difficult to buy a home.
“We need to look at how to increase the availability of this type of [affordable] housing,” Jones wrote.
Jobs are important to keep a community from going stagnant, Jones wrote, and supporting small businesses as well as giving large companies incentives to move to town are both important to keep the job market growing.
Ryan Smith
Ryan D. Smith (a.k.a. the T-shirt guy) has lived in Brigham City for the past 14 years along with his wife and four children.
Ryan graduated from Bear River High School and then served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in San Bernadino, California.
When he returned, he attended Bridgerland Applied Technology College and completed his licensure as a journeyman electrician. After eight years of electrical work, Smith chose to realize his aspiration of entrepreneurship and he opened his garment decorating business, Cover Up.
The business, currently located on Main Street in Brigham City, started in Tremonton. It expanded to Brigham City 15 years ago. Smith attributes the success of the business to hard work, dedication, time and mainly a supportive community.
Smith has plenty of experience managing budgets and making difficult decisions about expenditures, which Smith feels can be a valuable asset on the city council.
“Understanding the importance of the need for maintaining a strong infrastructure requires the right economic balance to ensure the success of small communities,” Smith wrote in a response to a request for information. “This means taking a look at where our future power will come from, ensuring citizen’s safety, balancing the needs of our youth and older citizens with the right amount of facilities to create a high quality of life.”
Smith is confident his experience as a business owner, as well as from other leadership opportunities, will contribute to his success as a city council member as he works with other council members and the mayor making important decisions that will affect Brigham City today and in the future. Although the economy is strong now, Smith wrote, that can change, and decisions need to be financially responsible to prepare for that.
“Brigham City is a wonderful place to live, raise a family, and work,” Smith wrote. “Most of the great things about Brigham have come because of past decisions from city councils. I would be honored to have the opportunity to sit in council and keep that trend going. I appreciate the hard work that our current city council has put in for its citizens and would love the chance to serve.
“I feel it is a privilege to be considered as a city council candidate. If voted in I will work hard to continue to make Brigham City a great place to be! Thank you for your consideration.”
Alden Farr
Alden Farr, his wife, Cheryl, with their four children moved from Bountiful, Utah, to Brigham City in 1993 after Farr accepted a position with Brigham City Corporation in the power department as an energy conservation specialist.
Prior to the move, Farr spent 11 years working for Utah Power & Light and during that time he completed his undergraduate degree from University of Utah in Communication. After five years with the city, Farr changed career paths and became a financial advisor. He is currently affiliated with Raymond James Financial Services in Brigham City.
Farr said his 16 years of experience in the electric utility industry and 21 years in financial services provides valuable experience as the city looks to the future for its power needs and to help the city remain fiscally responsible.
Farr, an incumbent, hopes to continue working on goals identified in a strategic planning retreat held in the spring of 2018. Some of the areas highlighted were: economic development; power and water sources; and maintaining current assets to include: water, sewer, roads, and city buildings.
While the city wants to promote economic development, Farr wrote in a request for information, much of the development that occurs is driven by those wanting to do business in a community. Developers look at the population of a city and its proximity to other cities or towns. If developers see an opportunity they will pursue it.
“Other times they may want or need incentives to develop a project in a city or town to make it a viable project,” Farr wrote. “At that point the city has to review the proposed business and decide if it makes financial sense to provide incentives or not.”
Another issue facing the city is securing future electric power resources at a reasonable cost. Farr noted the nuclear power project the city is considering that looks “very promising.” The council has also talked about building a gas-powered generation facility in town to handle spikes in demand for power in the summer months, or to supply emergency power in a natural disaster. This would occur several years from now.
Farr wrote that building city facilities has been a topic of much discussion. He believes more citizen involvement is needed, as is working more closely with other cities, the county, and school district, to identify potential opportunities for cooperation.
“The city put to vote a couple of years ago for a senior center with other facilities included in the bond,” Farr wrote. “It was overwhelmingly rejected. I think Brigham City officials and other surrounding cities should work with county leaders to consider building a new county senior center since all county residents would share in the cost and benefits from the services provided.”
Farr said user data, such as participation numbers, could be used to determine the viability of such a project. Also, looking at how other counties and cities handle their older population could provide insight as the city moves forward to address “a growing concern.”
Farr said if the city has to address the need for additional gym space for sports programming, a possible solution is to see if there are any opportunities when the school district builds a new elementary in the area.
“Since the new school will probably include a small gymnasium for activities and serving lunch, the city could help share in the cost to build a larger gym which would provide greater community access for minimal cost compared to building a new building,” Farr wrote.
“We live in a great community and I believe there is a good group of people to represent you.”
Robin Troxell
Robin Troxell has lived in Brigham City her entire life, and is currently raising her five children here.
Working in the fields of health and administration, she has gained extensive experience in management, administration, community planning and development, and budgeting services with a variety of available resources.
Working as health administrator for Tribal government, she developed a working knowledge of grant writing, public policy and contracting with service providers. She also has experience working with different levels of government on a number of boards and committees, including as chair of the Utah Indian Health Advisory Board for six years, and on the Governor’s Emergency Planning Committee, as well as local emergency planning committees.
Troxell said she is running for city council for three reasons. First and foremost, “I love Brigham City and love the diverse backgrounds we all come from,” Troxell said, adding that she has many family members in the area and hopes that her children and grandchildren will live here, too. “My parents instilled a great sense of community and the role each of us play in making it successful. I am truly vested into its continued success and know I can play a part in that.”
Secondly, Troxell said that her professional experience and success gives her the knowledge and abilities needed for a council position.
“I can bring my strengths and governmental knowledge to the table and utilize my empathic, approachable, responsive, collaborative and non-partisan working style to every effort before me,” Troxell said.
Lastly, she simply has motivation and time to “ensure that Brigham City remains a place that all of us want to call home.”
Troxell said she will be careful, thorough and efficient with every issue, and will work to understand the heart of issues by gathering necessary information and researching and coordinating with the community. She will strive to be fully informed when deciding on issues.
“I will always be honest and open about the difficulties the city is facing and transparent in my decision-making process,” Troxell said.
Toxell said some of the biggest issues facing Brigham City include a changing economy. How citizens do business is affecting many cities and towns, and Brigham City “needs to consistently look at the financial responsibility that comes with providing services to its residents.” She said some things might look good on the surface, but might not be a sustainable long-term solution.
“I know that we can accomplish our goals while still being fiscally responsible,” Troxell said, adding that coordinating with other cities and towns could reduce costs; innovation, information and resource sharing, clear and comprehensive planning, and good communication will help all cities in the area be more efficient.
“Possible cost sharing on infrastructure and services provided to citizens can be a valuable resource to cities like Brigham City,” Troxell said.
Finally, she said the city needs to show trust in property owners and give them back their rights by removing unnecessary ordinances and regulations that only create undue financial burdens for them.
“We can find ways to better support the growing, economic, development challenges and affordable housing problems that are starting to grow in the city,” Troxell said. “We can remove barriers and unnecessary financial burdens when supporting our local businesses.”
Sherry Phipps
Sherry Phipps and her husband, Lee, moved to Brigham City in 1984, where they raised their two sons.
Phipps said she loves the city’s small-town feel, even though there are enough businesses to take care of most needs, and she feels safe walking in city. She said she is “grateful for the local police department who works hard to keep it this way as well as the friendly people who live here.”
Sherry is frugal, and has learned to effectively budget limited funds in her household and avoid debt. Whenever she owes money, she always pays it off as quickly as possible.
As the treasurer of a small company in California, she assisted the owner while guiding the company through a difficult time when their largest customer declared bankruptcy. Phipps said the lessons she learned through that experience will carry over to her duties on the city council.
Phipps recalls a building on the Intermountain Indian School property that a local family leased and started a popular roller-skating rink. It was also used on winter evenings for indoor soccer. The family lost their lease when the city decided to tear down the gym; the business closed because of a decision made by city council.
“It’s ironic the city wants to increase property tax to build another gym,” Phipps wrote. “Unlike the skating rink, this one would be run by the city and compete against the private sector.”
Phipps said that once built, there will be additional costs for upkeep and staffing. In 2016, Phipps wrote in opposition of a proposed bond for a senior/rec center that was included in a voter information guide. Over 70% of the citizens voted against the bond.
Phipps is not opposed to all city-sponsored recreation. She wrote that parks are a benefit to the community, proving open space where people can play and relax.
Phipps has concerns about the city’s practice of transferring money from the utility fund to the general fund. “It lessens the transparency of where money is going,” she wrote. While not an expert on electricity, “it’s important that money paid for power needs to be available when there’s a breakdown in the system.” Maintaining the city’s infrastructure is one of Phipps’ priorities.
Phipps said private property rights are essential to liberty, particularly if it doesn’t impact neighbors’ rights. She is committed to keeping this at the forefront in matters brought before the city council.
Phipps has studied economics in addition to accounting. She wants Brigham City to be a place that welcomes private business, and she will strive for a level playing field that allows business to compete and thrive.
Phipps wrote that the municipal election is important.
“Government closest to the people has the greatest impact on our personal lives,” she wrote, and hopes voters will give her the opportunity to be their voice on the city council.
Brigham City candidates also running:
Joe Olson
HONEYVILLE
Sharon Lorimer
Sharon Lorimer was born in Tremonton and raised on a dairy farm. She and husband, Lee, have lived in Honeyville for the last 18 years, where they have raised their five children.
Lorimer earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Utah State University. She said her education and experience as an accountant—as well as overseeing her family’s finances and budget—qualifies her to address Honeyville’s needs by allocating money wisely for improvements, such as for parks and roads.
“I work hard and have learned to balance and organize different tasks and schedules,” Lorimer wrote. “When given an assignment I go above and beyond. My values and standards will be at the forefront of every decision.” Lormier also notes that she has reorganized and overseen the city's youth council.
Lorimer said that public service, such as on a city council, is a privilege, not a right.
“I am not seeking any personal gain from serving on city council,” Lormier wrote, adding that ordinances should be applied to all, equally, with no exceptions. Such “is of critical importance for the city to thrive.”
Lorimer’s candidacy platform includes:
· Equitable application of city codes and ordinances
· Beautification and maintenance of the public areas
· Maintaining agriculture, open spaces, and small town feel
· Holding developers accountable for all improvements
· Ensuring responsible development and growth
· Representing concerns of the citizens of Honeyville
· Maintenance and improvement of roads
Lormier said the biggest issue facing the city is inconsistency in application of city ordinances, which has had serious financial consequences.
“It is the elected officials’ responsibility to make sure the codes are followed,” Lorimer wrote. “Instead of money being spent on things that would make our city better, it is spent fixing problems. Instead of moving forward there are continual problems and altercations in council meetings. Citizens deserve to have tax money spent on parks, roads, and recreation areas, not on fixing problems and resolving personal agendas.”
Lorimer wrote that not holding developers responsible for required improvements is another serious issue.
“For instance, there are drainage issues that should have been paid for by the developer before houses were built,” Lorimer wrote. “Problems have been brought to the city council’s attention and they vote to protect the developer. In this situation, the escrow money was given back to the developer.”
The city has resolved to use city funds to fix the drainage problem and avoid a potential lawsuit, due directly to the actions of the council.
There are legitimate concerns about conflicts of interest with some on the city council, Lorimer wrote, and “we continue to elect council[members] that want to develop and they cut corners allowing developers to bypass ordinances.”
“Honeyville will continue to grow but we don’t need to be the next Brigham City,” Lorimer wrote. “It is fine to develop your land if it follows the cities [sic] ordinances. We can be a small city like many neighboring cities—Corinne, Garland, Fielding, or Bear River City—We all knew what was here when we chose to move.”
David Forsgren
David Forsgren grew up on his family farm in West Corinne where he said he learned many life skills and the value of good hard work and ethics.
Forsgren graduated from Box Elder High School and joined the Army Reserves, and later began working for a consulting engineering firm. He worked as a construction engineer technician for the State of Utah Department of Transportation. After enrollment in many college courses he worked as an estimator/project superintendent. He retired from that after 30 years, but continued working as a construction project superintendent for a local construction company, retiring after 45 years, “with a successful career in the construction/engineering field,” Forsgren said.
Forsgren and his wife, Yvonne, lived in Brigham City for 10 years before moving to Honeyville, where they have lived for the past 48 years and raised five children. He said they have been actively involved in the community and their church.
“We have seen many changes and great improvements in the city,” Forsgren said. “Honeyville is a wonderful place to live and to raise families.”
Forsgren said the city council needs experience, which he can provide.
“I have been actively involved in the city government of Honeyville, either as a councilman or as the mayor for over 30 years, and have been involved in, and knowledgeable about, what has transpired here over these many years,” Forsgren said. “I have the experience and skills necessary and understand the workings of the city and what it takes to manage city business and that is why I am running for city councilman. I care deeply about our community and what happens here and the quality of life we all want to continue to enjoy. I bring much experience, knowledge and dedication to our city.”
Elected officials and other city leaders need to have a good understanding planning and zoning and of the city’s master plan to be effective leaders, Forsgren said, and continued that they also need to have knowledge of what has been accomplished, and must be responsible in every action they take to achieve the best results for all citizens.
“I have this understanding,” Forsgren said. “Vote for David Forsgren for city council. Thank you.”
Dale Millsap
Incumbent Dale James Millsap has lived in Honeyville since 2010, but is a long-time resident of the area. He lived in Bear River City as a young man, and while in high school, he worked at Crystal Springs, on a local farm and dairy, and for The Leader newspaper.
He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Argentina, and taught English in Russia. He received an engineering degree from Utah State University.
Millsap is married to wife, Angela, and together they have eight children which they raise on a small farm where they work hard together.
“We enjoy the friendliness, kindness, and work ethic of the residents of Honeyville,” Millsap said.
Professionally, Millsap has worked as an engineer and project manager for 20 years. He has worked at a small hydraulics and pneumatics company, in the oil and gas industry, and in the automotive safety industry. He said he is “very comfortable in the world of engineering, construction, permitting, laws, and regulations.”
Millsap has served on boards or committees for the following organizations: Leadership Academy of Utah, Box Elder Mosquito Abatement District, Box Elder County Republican Party (vice chair), and Center for Documentary Expression and Arts.
Millsap said he is guided by the idea that the protections of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness guaranteed within the nation’s founding documents are not just vague ideas. “We must be constantly vigilant that our government, even here at the municipal level, protects those freedoms and ensures that the rights of some citizens are not favored while the rights of others are infringed,” Millsap said.
Millsap, an incumbent, said he has tried to approach every issue objectively and with logic, and that he is seeking re-election because, “I want everyone to be well-represented” by Honeyville City.
Millsap said he believes in limited, transparent government at every level; people should know what is happening in the city, and they should know why.
“We have an obligation to limit the scope of government to be no bigger or more intrusive than it absolutely needs to be,” Millsap said.
He said his only agenda is to treat everybody with equity and respect.
“We should show the residents of Honeyville that we work for them and want to serve them, rather than serving our own interests,” Millsap said. “Sometimes we disagree on important issues–of course it is okay to disagree—but we need to learn to disagree with respect.”
That can be difficult when emotion takes over and offense is taken where none was intended.
“I will continue to work hard to keep the focus on reasonable, objective problem-solving,” Millsap said.
One goal Millsap would like to see accomplished is a review and update of the city’s municipal code, which hasn’t been done in many years.
“We continue to face issues, including lawsuits, because we have not addressed the inconsistencies and inadequacies within the code,” Millsap said. “We have to recognize that the planning commission and the city council are the gatekeepers of this code and should make it a top priority to know the code, address any problems within it, and anticipate the challenges that come with growth and administration of the city as we move into the future.”
Dealing with the code properly and working together to meet the needs of all residents is the city’s best chance at “maintaining the small-town agricultural atmosphere that we love.”
Millsap said as the city has faced issues, one of the biggest obstacles to finding solutions has been a “significant struggle in engaging in healthy discussions” about the issues. That has hindered making sound decisions to address them.
“When we engage in a constructive dialogue and seek to understand the various perspectives of the stakeholders, it is much easier to make wise and informed decisions, and everyone is much better served,” Millsap said. “If we can apply that same approach...we can better live the town creed of ‘Unity, Honor, Equity.’” Millsap said he works well with other people, even when there are strong differences of opinion.
One of the issues facing Honeyville is managing significant growth while still preserving the property rights of all citizens.
“If we effectively manage the growth and plan for the future, we have the best chance of maintaining the values we hold dear for decades to come,” Millsap said.
Honeyville City candidates also running:
Kory L. Wilde
Trevor J. Gardner
Paul C. Groberg
MANTUA
Sandra Russell
When Sandra Russell and her husband, Craig, moved to Mantua nearly 35 years ago, they knew they had found a beautiful, peaceful place to live and raise their family. They raised their three children in Mantua, who also “loved Mantua and the friendships and experiences they shared.” Russell said her children and 11 grandchildren still love visiting Mantua.
Sandra Russell earned her bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University, and a master’s degree in education from Weber State University. She retired last year after teaching for more than 30 years at the university, high school, and middle school levels.
“I loved working with youth and the experiences I enjoyed while teaching,” Sandra wrote in response to a request for information. “I still enjoy hiking, biking, kayaking, rappelling, water skiing, and cross country skiing whenever I can.”
Russell has significant experience in leadership and responsibility. She served more than 14 years as department head in two different schools, in which role she oversaw department finances, curriculum selection and coordination, and scheduling. She is currently a member of the Mantua Planning and Zoning Commission, as well as a member of the board of directors for Karl G. Maeser Preparatory Academy in Lindon, Utah, and as a service missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, overseeing the Mantua Maple Hill Campground.
“My number one goal as a member of the Mantua City Council is to preserve the quality of life we enjoy here in Mantua,” Russell wrote. “We can achieve that goal through careful planning that allows for development while still protecting open spaces and the natural beauty around us.”
Russell said the “explosive” growth the town is experiencing is the most pressing issue facing the community.
“As we experience that growth, we must find the means to provide for the needs of our community without overburdening our new or our established residents,” Russell wrote. “ We must develop and provide water sources, roads, and other necessary infrastructure while also developing and maintaining parks, trails, and other community areas. Most importantly, we must provide for the safety and security of individuals and families within our town.”
Mantua Town candidates also running:
William Hodgins
Kimberly Stokes
PERRY
Boyd Montgomery
Write-in candidate Boyd Montgomery, 78, has lived in Perry since 1999, after Norm Haladay spent most of that year completing the construction of Montgomery’s home. He currently owns multiple properties in Perry.
Montgomery is a high school and technical school graduate. He retired from federal employment and military service after 30 years, has lived, and traveled, all over the country, and even outside the U.S.
Montgomery said he was on the crew of five or six people who installed the Sprint cellular phone system in Northern Utah and helped maintain it for a couple of years. He has also worked with the public in retail sales. For about six years, he also owned and operated Crystal Limousine Service in Box Elder County, but served customers from Ogden to Idaho.
In a response to a request for information, Montgomery wrote he “would be called a Jack of all trades and managed to master several of them along the way.”
Montgomery and his wife, who passed away Jan. 19, 2019, were married in the Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They were married for just days short of 55 years. They raised five children, and “have lost count of grandchildren.” Montgomery became a great-grandparent a few years ago. Montgomery cares for a disabled child, who has recently been diagnosed with Leukemia.
He also served on the Perry City Board of Adjustments.
Montgomery said he’s running for office because he “would like to see the seniors [citizens] of Perry better represented.” Also, he said he questions certain expenditures, both past and planned.
“There have been projects put on hold and others that have lower priority allowed to get done, and I would like to know why and how some changes can be done,” Montgomery wrote.
Other issues Montgomery said he thinks need to be addressed include project prioritization and completion, and the growth and/or expansion of necessary facilities.
Brandon Hansen
Write-in candidate Brandon Hansen is a third-generation and 40-year resident of Perry City, a “great” community that raised him, and where he’s farmed “a lot of this land.”
Hansen is married with four children, ages 20, 10, 6, and 4, and is currently the information technology director at Whitaker Construction. He has worked in information technology for more than 25 years. He has attended some college, but does not have a degree.
As a third-generation resident of Perry City, he said he has “unique perspective” on the history of the city, and loves how the “community has grown and how we’ve kept our strong heritage.” Over the last 20 years, he has played roles in developing ordinances and agreements.
“I’d like to continue working with the council on supporting growth and protecting that heritage,” Hansen wrote in response to a request for information. “The skills I use in my current job applies to working on the city council. Working in information technology I’ve worked with million dollar budgets, contracts, and government policies.”
Hansen said he is running for office partly because he now has the time to do so, after a reduction in his commute has given him more free time, and also because of the departure of former council member, James Taylor, which “disrupted the diversity” of the city council.
“James Taylor has lived 30+ years in Perry and I believe that the council seat should keep this diversity,” Hansen wrote. “Having someone on the council that has known Perry’s past will help protect the spark that makes this community special.”
Hansen said growth is the biggest challenge facing the city.
“I would like to work on a balanced approach where we can bring commercial in that will boost our sales tax revenue and keep Perry residents’ taxes and utilities from increasing,” Hansen wrote. “Working with the city manager as a council, I’d like to keep the course that the current elect has proposed, work on the issues as they’re presented by the city staff, and continue to represent the residents of Perry.”
Perry City candidates also running:
Toby Wright
Nathan Tueller
Blake Ostler
Ballot measures
Mantua sales tax for roads
As part of the town’s ongoing efforts to fund road development, projects and maintenance, voters will be asked whether or not the town should implement an increase of 0.3% to the town’s sales tax rate.
Proceeds from the sales tax increase could only be used for roads, as authorized by state law. According to a town council discussion about the subject earlier this year—when the council approved a 24% property tax increase, also to be used for road projects—The proposed increase would bring in an estimated $30,000 in additional revenue
The town currently gets about $100,000 in sales tax, mostly through internet sales.
Voting information
Registered voters in those municipalities holding elections for municipal offices have already had ballots mailed to them. Below are deadlines and other election information.
Tuesday, Nov. 5: Municipal General Election. Residents may register to vote at polling locations by casting a provisional ballot. There will be a regular polling location at Utah State University Brigham City.
Additionally, each city holding an election will have staff on hand at city offices during regular polling hours to assist voters if a provisional ballot is needed, as well as drop boxes.
Ballots were mailed Oct. 15, and must be postmarked before Election Day to be valid.
The following municipalities canceled their elections: Bear River, Deweyville, Elwood, Fielding, Portage, Snowville, and Willard
Ballot drop boxes are available during regular business hours at the following locations:
Box Elder County Clerk’s Office
1 S. Main Brigham City, Utah
Brigham City Offices
20 N. Main Brigham City, Utah
Corinne City Offices
2420 N 4000 W Corinne, Utah
Honeyville City Offices
2635 W. 6980 North, Honeyville
Mantua Town Offices
409 N. Main, Mantua
Perry City Offices
3005 S. 1200 West, Perry
BRIGHAM CITY COUNCIL
3 OPEN SEATS
ALDEN FARR 1,569 18.82%*
JOE OLSON 1,524 18.28%*
RYAN D. SMITH 1,235 14.81%
SHERRY PHIPPS 1,139 13.66%
EVE JONES 1,415 16.97%
ROBIN TROXELL 1,457 17.47%*
Registered Voters 8,344
Ballots Cast 3,295
Voter Turnout 39.49%
CORINNE CITY COUNCIL
3 OPEN SEATS
TREVER COTTAM 76 21.53%
KAREN CALDWELL 80 22.66%*
IRENE JENSEN 108 30.59%*
KELLY D. DONOVAN 89 25.21%*
Registered Voters 348
Ballots Cast 140
Voter Turnout 40.23%
GARLAND CITY COUNCIL
3 OPEN SEATS
LINDA BOURNE 300 31.02%*
KEVIN L. STAY 136 14.06%
JOSHUA MARBLE 277 28.65%*
JAMES MUNNS 254 26.27%*
Registered Voters 1,011
Ballots Cast 402
Voter Turnout 39.76%
HONEYVILLE CITY COUNCIL
3 OPEN SEATS
DAVID FORSGREN 223 15.54%
SHARON LORIMER 234 16.31%
DALE JAMES MILLSAP 234 16.31%
KORY L. WILDE 146 11.20%
TREVOR J. GARDNER 348 24.25%*
PAUL C. GROBERG 234 16.31%
3-Way Tie for 2nd and 3rd
Registered Voters 890
Ballots Cast 550
Voter Turnout 61.80%
HOWELL TOWN COUNCIL
2 OPEN SEATS
JOSHUA DALE ANDERSON 66 38.50%*
REX NESSEN 57 32.39%*
BYRON TUCK 32 18.18%
DAKOTA TUCK 21 11.93%
Registered Voters 129
Ballots Cast 91
Voter Turnout 70.54%
MANTUA TOWN COUNCIL
2 OPEN SEATS
KIMBERLY M. STOKES 129 27.33%
SANDIE RUSSELL 205 43.43%*
WILLIAM HODGINS 138 29.24%*
Registered Voters 542
Ballots Cast 297
Voter Turnout 54.80%
MANTUA 0.3% SALES TAX INCREASE FOR ROADS (PROP 9)
YES 147 50.87%*
NO 142 49.13 %
PERRY CITY COUNCIL
3 OPEN SEATS
TOBY K. WRIGHT 755 33.26%*
NATHAN TUELLER 796 35.07%*
Write-In Totals 719 30.66%
Write-In: Blake W. Ostler 317 13.96%*
Write-In: Boyd Montgomery 42 1.85%
Write-In: Brandon Cole Hansen 294 12.95%
Not Assigned 66 (Votes for Mickey Mouse, Santa Claus, etc.)
Registered Voters 2,781
Ballots Cast 991
Voter Turnout 35.63%
PLYMOUTH TOWN COUNCIL
2 OPEN SEATS
BURKE N. UDY 20 9.76%
DIANA UDY 36 17.56%
PAUL C. MARSHALL 92 44.88%*
SUZANNE MAHONEY 57 27.80%*
Registered Voters 184
Ballots Cast 113
Voter Turnout 61.41%
TREMONTON CITY COUNCIL
3 OPEN SEATS
CONNIE J. ARCHIBALD 728 24.83%*
RICHARD (RICK) SEAMONS 746 25.44%*
LYLE C. VANCE 898 30.63%*
SCOTT DAHLE 560 19.10%
Registered Voters 3,535
Ballots Cast 1,199
Voter Turnout 33.92%
Candidate profiles and election information
The Box Elder News Journal issued a request for candidate information to those who are running for city council in local municipalities.
Among providing brief biographical information, candidates were asked to respond to the following questions:
1. Why are you running for office? Is there a particular issue you want to address as a city council person, and what is your proposed approach/solution?, and
2. What are the two-three biggest issues you see facing the city, what are your perspectives on those issues, and how would you approach them?
Following are responses from candidates. Not all candidates provided information. Those candidates who did not respond are listed at the end of each municipalities’ section.
BRIGHAM CITY
Eve Jones
Eve Jones was born and raised in North Logan, and has lived in Brigham City for the last 32 years, where she likes to hike, read, keeps bees, and raises chickens. She and her husband, Randy, have lived in Logan, Texas, Germany, China, but have always returned to Brigham City.
Jones received her Bachelors of Science in civil and environmental engineering with a minor in math from Utah State University. She has worked as a civil engineer, and most recently, was a math professor at USU Brigham City. She recently ended her term on the Dean’s Council at USU Brigham City.
Jones also served on the Brigham City Planning Commission for 10 years, including a year as the commission chair. She served on the city’s recycling committee to study recycling in Brigham City, which resulted in getting a recycling program added to the public works.
Jones manages the three rental properties she and her husband own in Brigham City.
“I have had experience with the way the city works as well as private industry, and the education community,” Jones wrote in a response to a request for information.
Jones said her specific focus as a council member would be to work closely with the city’s trails committee with the end goal of having a comprehensive trail map and marked trails around and throughout the city. However, she said she brings a lot to the council table with her knowledge of engineering, years of teaching, and experience on the planning commission.
“I enjoyed being on the planning commission and want to keep serving Brigham City through being on the city council,” Jones wrote.
Jones said issues facing the city that she is most interested in include the proposed recreation center, affordable housing, and bringing more jobs into the city “to keep the community growing and healthy.”
Jones said her support for a recreation center is due a “deteriorating” senior citizen center and a need to relocate it. Additionally, the recreation department, now housed in the Bunderson Center, needs a new home and citizens need a place where rooms will be available to use for groups such as clubs and non-profits, and a place to exercise.
“A recreation/community center could meet all those needs,” Jones wrote, adding that she’d like to be involved in finding a solution to be adequate “but would not break the bank. “
Jones wrote that affordable housing is another issue facing the city as housing prices have gone up dramatically in the last several years. Between prices and availability, many are finding it difficult to buy a home.
“We need to look at how to increase the availability of this type of [affordable] housing,” Jones wrote.
Jobs are important to keep a community from going stagnant, Jones wrote, and supporting small businesses as well as giving large companies incentives to move to town are both important to keep the job market growing.
Ryan Smith
Ryan D. Smith (a.k.a. the T-shirt guy) has lived in Brigham City for the past 14 years along with his wife and four children.
Ryan graduated from Bear River High School and then served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in San Bernadino, California.
When he returned, he attended Bridgerland Applied Technology College and completed his licensure as a journeyman electrician. After eight years of electrical work, Smith chose to realize his aspiration of entrepreneurship and he opened his garment decorating business, Cover Up.
The business, currently located on Main Street in Brigham City, started in Tremonton. It expanded to Brigham City 15 years ago. Smith attributes the success of the business to hard work, dedication, time and mainly a supportive community.
Smith has plenty of experience managing budgets and making difficult decisions about expenditures, which Smith feels can be a valuable asset on the city council.
“Understanding the importance of the need for maintaining a strong infrastructure requires the right economic balance to ensure the success of small communities,” Smith wrote in a response to a request for information. “This means taking a look at where our future power will come from, ensuring citizen’s safety, balancing the needs of our youth and older citizens with the right amount of facilities to create a high quality of life.”
Smith is confident his experience as a business owner, as well as from other leadership opportunities, will contribute to his success as a city council member as he works with other council members and the mayor making important decisions that will affect Brigham City today and in the future. Although the economy is strong now, Smith wrote, that can change, and decisions need to be financially responsible to prepare for that.
“Brigham City is a wonderful place to live, raise a family, and work,” Smith wrote. “Most of the great things about Brigham have come because of past decisions from city councils. I would be honored to have the opportunity to sit in council and keep that trend going. I appreciate the hard work that our current city council has put in for its citizens and would love the chance to serve.
“I feel it is a privilege to be considered as a city council candidate. If voted in I will work hard to continue to make Brigham City a great place to be! Thank you for your consideration.”
Alden Farr
Alden Farr, his wife, Cheryl, with their four children moved from Bountiful, Utah, to Brigham City in 1993 after Farr accepted a position with Brigham City Corporation in the power department as an energy conservation specialist.
Prior to the move, Farr spent 11 years working for Utah Power & Light and during that time he completed his undergraduate degree from University of Utah in Communication. After five years with the city, Farr changed career paths and became a financial advisor. He is currently affiliated with Raymond James Financial Services in Brigham City.
Farr said his 16 years of experience in the electric utility industry and 21 years in financial services provides valuable experience as the city looks to the future for its power needs and to help the city remain fiscally responsible.
Farr, an incumbent, hopes to continue working on goals identified in a strategic planning retreat held in the spring of 2018. Some of the areas highlighted were: economic development; power and water sources; and maintaining current assets to include: water, sewer, roads, and city buildings.
While the city wants to promote economic development, Farr wrote in a request for information, much of the development that occurs is driven by those wanting to do business in a community. Developers look at the population of a city and its proximity to other cities or towns. If developers see an opportunity they will pursue it.
“Other times they may want or need incentives to develop a project in a city or town to make it a viable project,” Farr wrote. “At that point the city has to review the proposed business and decide if it makes financial sense to provide incentives or not.”
Another issue facing the city is securing future electric power resources at a reasonable cost. Farr noted the nuclear power project the city is considering that looks “very promising.” The council has also talked about building a gas-powered generation facility in town to handle spikes in demand for power in the summer months, or to supply emergency power in a natural disaster. This would occur several years from now.
Farr wrote that building city facilities has been a topic of much discussion. He believes more citizen involvement is needed, as is working more closely with other cities, the county, and school district, to identify potential opportunities for cooperation.
“The city put to vote a couple of years ago for a senior center with other facilities included in the bond,” Farr wrote. “It was overwhelmingly rejected. I think Brigham City officials and other surrounding cities should work with county leaders to consider building a new county senior center since all county residents would share in the cost and benefits from the services provided.”
Farr said user data, such as participation numbers, could be used to determine the viability of such a project. Also, looking at how other counties and cities handle their older population could provide insight as the city moves forward to address “a growing concern.”
Farr said if the city has to address the need for additional gym space for sports programming, a possible solution is to see if there are any opportunities when the school district builds a new elementary in the area.
“Since the new school will probably include a small gymnasium for activities and serving lunch, the city could help share in the cost to build a larger gym which would provide greater community access for minimal cost compared to building a new building,” Farr wrote.
“We live in a great community and I believe there is a good group of people to represent you.”
Robin Troxell
Robin Troxell has lived in Brigham City her entire life, and is currently raising her five children here.
Working in the fields of health and administration, she has gained extensive experience in management, administration, community planning and development, and budgeting services with a variety of available resources.
Working as health administrator for Tribal government, she developed a working knowledge of grant writing, public policy and contracting with service providers. She also has experience working with different levels of government on a number of boards and committees, including as chair of the Utah Indian Health Advisory Board for six years, and on the Governor’s Emergency Planning Committee, as well as local emergency planning committees.
Troxell said she is running for city council for three reasons. First and foremost, “I love Brigham City and love the diverse backgrounds we all come from,” Troxell said, adding that she has many family members in the area and hopes that her children and grandchildren will live here, too. “My parents instilled a great sense of community and the role each of us play in making it successful. I am truly vested into its continued success and know I can play a part in that.”
Secondly, Troxell said that her professional experience and success gives her the knowledge and abilities needed for a council position.
“I can bring my strengths and governmental knowledge to the table and utilize my empathic, approachable, responsive, collaborative and non-partisan working style to every effort before me,” Troxell said.
Lastly, she simply has motivation and time to “ensure that Brigham City remains a place that all of us want to call home.”
Troxell said she will be careful, thorough and efficient with every issue, and will work to understand the heart of issues by gathering necessary information and researching and coordinating with the community. She will strive to be fully informed when deciding on issues.
“I will always be honest and open about the difficulties the city is facing and transparent in my decision-making process,” Troxell said.
Toxell said some of the biggest issues facing Brigham City include a changing economy. How citizens do business is affecting many cities and towns, and Brigham City “needs to consistently look at the financial responsibility that comes with providing services to its residents.” She said some things might look good on the surface, but might not be a sustainable long-term solution.
“I know that we can accomplish our goals while still being fiscally responsible,” Troxell said, adding that coordinating with other cities and towns could reduce costs; innovation, information and resource sharing, clear and comprehensive planning, and good communication will help all cities in the area be more efficient.
“Possible cost sharing on infrastructure and services provided to citizens can be a valuable resource to cities like Brigham City,” Troxell said.
Finally, she said the city needs to show trust in property owners and give them back their rights by removing unnecessary ordinances and regulations that only create undue financial burdens for them.
“We can find ways to better support the growing, economic, development challenges and affordable housing problems that are starting to grow in the city,” Troxell said. “We can remove barriers and unnecessary financial burdens when supporting our local businesses.”
Sherry Phipps
Sherry Phipps and her husband, Lee, moved to Brigham City in 1984, where they raised their two sons.
Phipps said she loves the city’s small-town feel, even though there are enough businesses to take care of most needs, and she feels safe walking in city. She said she is “grateful for the local police department who works hard to keep it this way as well as the friendly people who live here.”
Sherry is frugal, and has learned to effectively budget limited funds in her household and avoid debt. Whenever she owes money, she always pays it off as quickly as possible.
As the treasurer of a small company in California, she assisted the owner while guiding the company through a difficult time when their largest customer declared bankruptcy. Phipps said the lessons she learned through that experience will carry over to her duties on the city council.
Phipps recalls a building on the Intermountain Indian School property that a local family leased and started a popular roller-skating rink. It was also used on winter evenings for indoor soccer. The family lost their lease when the city decided to tear down the gym; the business closed because of a decision made by city council.
“It’s ironic the city wants to increase property tax to build another gym,” Phipps wrote. “Unlike the skating rink, this one would be run by the city and compete against the private sector.”
Phipps said that once built, there will be additional costs for upkeep and staffing. In 2016, Phipps wrote in opposition of a proposed bond for a senior/rec center that was included in a voter information guide. Over 70% of the citizens voted against the bond.
Phipps is not opposed to all city-sponsored recreation. She wrote that parks are a benefit to the community, proving open space where people can play and relax.
Phipps has concerns about the city’s practice of transferring money from the utility fund to the general fund. “It lessens the transparency of where money is going,” she wrote. While not an expert on electricity, “it’s important that money paid for power needs to be available when there’s a breakdown in the system.” Maintaining the city’s infrastructure is one of Phipps’ priorities.
Phipps said private property rights are essential to liberty, particularly if it doesn’t impact neighbors’ rights. She is committed to keeping this at the forefront in matters brought before the city council.
Phipps has studied economics in addition to accounting. She wants Brigham City to be a place that welcomes private business, and she will strive for a level playing field that allows business to compete and thrive.
Phipps wrote that the municipal election is important.
“Government closest to the people has the greatest impact on our personal lives,” she wrote, and hopes voters will give her the opportunity to be their voice on the city council.
Brigham City candidates also running:
Joe Olson
HONEYVILLE
Sharon Lorimer
Sharon Lorimer was born in Tremonton and raised on a dairy farm. She and husband, Lee, have lived in Honeyville for the last 18 years, where they have raised their five children.
Lorimer earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Utah State University. She said her education and experience as an accountant—as well as overseeing her family’s finances and budget—qualifies her to address Honeyville’s needs by allocating money wisely for improvements, such as for parks and roads.
“I work hard and have learned to balance and organize different tasks and schedules,” Lorimer wrote. “When given an assignment I go above and beyond. My values and standards will be at the forefront of every decision.” Lormier also notes that she has reorganized and overseen the city's youth council.
Lorimer said that public service, such as on a city council, is a privilege, not a right.
“I am not seeking any personal gain from serving on city council,” Lormier wrote, adding that ordinances should be applied to all, equally, with no exceptions. Such “is of critical importance for the city to thrive.”
Lorimer’s candidacy platform includes:
· Equitable application of city codes and ordinances
· Beautification and maintenance of the public areas
· Maintaining agriculture, open spaces, and small town feel
· Holding developers accountable for all improvements
· Ensuring responsible development and growth
· Representing concerns of the citizens of Honeyville
· Maintenance and improvement of roads
Lormier said the biggest issue facing the city is inconsistency in application of city ordinances, which has had serious financial consequences.
“It is the elected officials’ responsibility to make sure the codes are followed,” Lorimer wrote. “Instead of money being spent on things that would make our city better, it is spent fixing problems. Instead of moving forward there are continual problems and altercations in council meetings. Citizens deserve to have tax money spent on parks, roads, and recreation areas, not on fixing problems and resolving personal agendas.”
Lorimer wrote that not holding developers responsible for required improvements is another serious issue.
“For instance, there are drainage issues that should have been paid for by the developer before houses were built,” Lorimer wrote. “Problems have been brought to the city council’s attention and they vote to protect the developer. In this situation, the escrow money was given back to the developer.”
The city has resolved to use city funds to fix the drainage problem and avoid a potential lawsuit, due directly to the actions of the council.
There are legitimate concerns about conflicts of interest with some on the city council, Lorimer wrote, and “we continue to elect council[members] that want to develop and they cut corners allowing developers to bypass ordinances.”
“Honeyville will continue to grow but we don’t need to be the next Brigham City,” Lorimer wrote. “It is fine to develop your land if it follows the cities [sic] ordinances. We can be a small city like many neighboring cities—Corinne, Garland, Fielding, or Bear River City—We all knew what was here when we chose to move.”
David Forsgren
David Forsgren grew up on his family farm in West Corinne where he said he learned many life skills and the value of good hard work and ethics.
Forsgren graduated from Box Elder High School and joined the Army Reserves, and later began working for a consulting engineering firm. He worked as a construction engineer technician for the State of Utah Department of Transportation. After enrollment in many college courses he worked as an estimator/project superintendent. He retired from that after 30 years, but continued working as a construction project superintendent for a local construction company, retiring after 45 years, “with a successful career in the construction/engineering field,” Forsgren said.
Forsgren and his wife, Yvonne, lived in Brigham City for 10 years before moving to Honeyville, where they have lived for the past 48 years and raised five children. He said they have been actively involved in the community and their church.
“We have seen many changes and great improvements in the city,” Forsgren said. “Honeyville is a wonderful place to live and to raise families.”
Forsgren said the city council needs experience, which he can provide.
“I have been actively involved in the city government of Honeyville, either as a councilman or as the mayor for over 30 years, and have been involved in, and knowledgeable about, what has transpired here over these many years,” Forsgren said. “I have the experience and skills necessary and understand the workings of the city and what it takes to manage city business and that is why I am running for city councilman. I care deeply about our community and what happens here and the quality of life we all want to continue to enjoy. I bring much experience, knowledge and dedication to our city.”
Elected officials and other city leaders need to have a good understanding planning and zoning and of the city’s master plan to be effective leaders, Forsgren said, and continued that they also need to have knowledge of what has been accomplished, and must be responsible in every action they take to achieve the best results for all citizens.
“I have this understanding,” Forsgren said. “Vote for David Forsgren for city council. Thank you.”
Dale Millsap
Incumbent Dale James Millsap has lived in Honeyville since 2010, but is a long-time resident of the area. He lived in Bear River City as a young man, and while in high school, he worked at Crystal Springs, on a local farm and dairy, and for The Leader newspaper.
He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Argentina, and taught English in Russia. He received an engineering degree from Utah State University.
Millsap is married to wife, Angela, and together they have eight children which they raise on a small farm where they work hard together.
“We enjoy the friendliness, kindness, and work ethic of the residents of Honeyville,” Millsap said.
Professionally, Millsap has worked as an engineer and project manager for 20 years. He has worked at a small hydraulics and pneumatics company, in the oil and gas industry, and in the automotive safety industry. He said he is “very comfortable in the world of engineering, construction, permitting, laws, and regulations.”
Millsap has served on boards or committees for the following organizations: Leadership Academy of Utah, Box Elder Mosquito Abatement District, Box Elder County Republican Party (vice chair), and Center for Documentary Expression and Arts.
Millsap said he is guided by the idea that the protections of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness guaranteed within the nation’s founding documents are not just vague ideas. “We must be constantly vigilant that our government, even here at the municipal level, protects those freedoms and ensures that the rights of some citizens are not favored while the rights of others are infringed,” Millsap said.
Millsap, an incumbent, said he has tried to approach every issue objectively and with logic, and that he is seeking re-election because, “I want everyone to be well-represented” by Honeyville City.
Millsap said he believes in limited, transparent government at every level; people should know what is happening in the city, and they should know why.
“We have an obligation to limit the scope of government to be no bigger or more intrusive than it absolutely needs to be,” Millsap said.
He said his only agenda is to treat everybody with equity and respect.
“We should show the residents of Honeyville that we work for them and want to serve them, rather than serving our own interests,” Millsap said. “Sometimes we disagree on important issues–of course it is okay to disagree—but we need to learn to disagree with respect.”
That can be difficult when emotion takes over and offense is taken where none was intended.
“I will continue to work hard to keep the focus on reasonable, objective problem-solving,” Millsap said.
One goal Millsap would like to see accomplished is a review and update of the city’s municipal code, which hasn’t been done in many years.
“We continue to face issues, including lawsuits, because we have not addressed the inconsistencies and inadequacies within the code,” Millsap said. “We have to recognize that the planning commission and the city council are the gatekeepers of this code and should make it a top priority to know the code, address any problems within it, and anticipate the challenges that come with growth and administration of the city as we move into the future.”
Dealing with the code properly and working together to meet the needs of all residents is the city’s best chance at “maintaining the small-town agricultural atmosphere that we love.”
Millsap said as the city has faced issues, one of the biggest obstacles to finding solutions has been a “significant struggle in engaging in healthy discussions” about the issues. That has hindered making sound decisions to address them.
“When we engage in a constructive dialogue and seek to understand the various perspectives of the stakeholders, it is much easier to make wise and informed decisions, and everyone is much better served,” Millsap said. “If we can apply that same approach...we can better live the town creed of ‘Unity, Honor, Equity.’” Millsap said he works well with other people, even when there are strong differences of opinion.
One of the issues facing Honeyville is managing significant growth while still preserving the property rights of all citizens.
“If we effectively manage the growth and plan for the future, we have the best chance of maintaining the values we hold dear for decades to come,” Millsap said.
Honeyville City candidates also running:
Kory L. Wilde
Trevor J. Gardner
Paul C. Groberg
MANTUA
Sandra Russell
When Sandra Russell and her husband, Craig, moved to Mantua nearly 35 years ago, they knew they had found a beautiful, peaceful place to live and raise their family. They raised their three children in Mantua, who also “loved Mantua and the friendships and experiences they shared.” Russell said her children and 11 grandchildren still love visiting Mantua.
Sandra Russell earned her bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University, and a master’s degree in education from Weber State University. She retired last year after teaching for more than 30 years at the university, high school, and middle school levels.
“I loved working with youth and the experiences I enjoyed while teaching,” Sandra wrote in response to a request for information. “I still enjoy hiking, biking, kayaking, rappelling, water skiing, and cross country skiing whenever I can.”
Russell has significant experience in leadership and responsibility. She served more than 14 years as department head in two different schools, in which role she oversaw department finances, curriculum selection and coordination, and scheduling. She is currently a member of the Mantua Planning and Zoning Commission, as well as a member of the board of directors for Karl G. Maeser Preparatory Academy in Lindon, Utah, and as a service missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, overseeing the Mantua Maple Hill Campground.
“My number one goal as a member of the Mantua City Council is to preserve the quality of life we enjoy here in Mantua,” Russell wrote. “We can achieve that goal through careful planning that allows for development while still protecting open spaces and the natural beauty around us.”
Russell said the “explosive” growth the town is experiencing is the most pressing issue facing the community.
“As we experience that growth, we must find the means to provide for the needs of our community without overburdening our new or our established residents,” Russell wrote. “ We must develop and provide water sources, roads, and other necessary infrastructure while also developing and maintaining parks, trails, and other community areas. Most importantly, we must provide for the safety and security of individuals and families within our town.”
Mantua Town candidates also running:
William Hodgins
Kimberly Stokes
PERRY
Boyd Montgomery
Write-in candidate Boyd Montgomery, 78, has lived in Perry since 1999, after Norm Haladay spent most of that year completing the construction of Montgomery’s home. He currently owns multiple properties in Perry.
Montgomery is a high school and technical school graduate. He retired from federal employment and military service after 30 years, has lived, and traveled, all over the country, and even outside the U.S.
Montgomery said he was on the crew of five or six people who installed the Sprint cellular phone system in Northern Utah and helped maintain it for a couple of years. He has also worked with the public in retail sales. For about six years, he also owned and operated Crystal Limousine Service in Box Elder County, but served customers from Ogden to Idaho.
In a response to a request for information, Montgomery wrote he “would be called a Jack of all trades and managed to master several of them along the way.”
Montgomery and his wife, who passed away Jan. 19, 2019, were married in the Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They were married for just days short of 55 years. They raised five children, and “have lost count of grandchildren.” Montgomery became a great-grandparent a few years ago. Montgomery cares for a disabled child, who has recently been diagnosed with Leukemia.
He also served on the Perry City Board of Adjustments.
Montgomery said he’s running for office because he “would like to see the seniors [citizens] of Perry better represented.” Also, he said he questions certain expenditures, both past and planned.
“There have been projects put on hold and others that have lower priority allowed to get done, and I would like to know why and how some changes can be done,” Montgomery wrote.
Other issues Montgomery said he thinks need to be addressed include project prioritization and completion, and the growth and/or expansion of necessary facilities.
Brandon Hansen
Write-in candidate Brandon Hansen is a third-generation and 40-year resident of Perry City, a “great” community that raised him, and where he’s farmed “a lot of this land.”
Hansen is married with four children, ages 20, 10, 6, and 4, and is currently the information technology director at Whitaker Construction. He has worked in information technology for more than 25 years. He has attended some college, but does not have a degree.
As a third-generation resident of Perry City, he said he has “unique perspective” on the history of the city, and loves how the “community has grown and how we’ve kept our strong heritage.” Over the last 20 years, he has played roles in developing ordinances and agreements.
“I’d like to continue working with the council on supporting growth and protecting that heritage,” Hansen wrote in response to a request for information. “The skills I use in my current job applies to working on the city council. Working in information technology I’ve worked with million dollar budgets, contracts, and government policies.”
Hansen said he is running for office partly because he now has the time to do so, after a reduction in his commute has given him more free time, and also because of the departure of former council member, James Taylor, which “disrupted the diversity” of the city council.
“James Taylor has lived 30+ years in Perry and I believe that the council seat should keep this diversity,” Hansen wrote. “Having someone on the council that has known Perry’s past will help protect the spark that makes this community special.”
Hansen said growth is the biggest challenge facing the city.
“I would like to work on a balanced approach where we can bring commercial in that will boost our sales tax revenue and keep Perry residents’ taxes and utilities from increasing,” Hansen wrote. “Working with the city manager as a council, I’d like to keep the course that the current elect has proposed, work on the issues as they’re presented by the city staff, and continue to represent the residents of Perry.”
Perry City candidates also running:
Toby Wright
Nathan Tueller
Blake Ostler
Ballot measures
Mantua sales tax for roads
As part of the town’s ongoing efforts to fund road development, projects and maintenance, voters will be asked whether or not the town should implement an increase of 0.3% to the town’s sales tax rate.
Proceeds from the sales tax increase could only be used for roads, as authorized by state law. According to a town council discussion about the subject earlier this year—when the council approved a 24% property tax increase, also to be used for road projects—The proposed increase would bring in an estimated $30,000 in additional revenue
The town currently gets about $100,000 in sales tax, mostly through internet sales.
Voting information
Registered voters in those municipalities holding elections for municipal offices have already had ballots mailed to them. Below are deadlines and other election information.
Tuesday, Nov. 5: Municipal General Election. Residents may register to vote at polling locations by casting a provisional ballot. There will be a regular polling location at Utah State University Brigham City.
Additionally, each city holding an election will have staff on hand at city offices during regular polling hours to assist voters if a provisional ballot is needed, as well as drop boxes.
Ballots were mailed Oct. 15, and must be postmarked before Election Day to be valid.
The following municipalities canceled their elections: Bear River, Deweyville, Elwood, Fielding, Portage, Snowville, and Willard
Ballot drop boxes are available during regular business hours at the following locations:
Box Elder County Clerk’s Office
1 S. Main Brigham City, Utah
Brigham City Offices
20 N. Main Brigham City, Utah
Corinne City Offices
2420 N 4000 W Corinne, Utah
Honeyville City Offices
2635 W. 6980 North, Honeyville
Mantua Town Offices
409 N. Main, Mantua
Perry City Offices
3005 S. 1200 West, Perry