Better Ways to Get Things Done

Eagle Mountain tells a success story and an outside report supports it  “Eagle Mountain became a lean operation because we didn’t have the tax resources of other cities. We had to find other and better ways to get things done. Our staff and Council having a high level of talent and a strong desire to serve made that possible. Now, it is something we are proud of. It is part of our identity and culture.”

Westmoreland added, “With the city’s growth, we are now seeing success in our economic development, yielding more revenue sources. But we don’t plan to change. We want to continue to be lean, efficient and creative because we have something special here.”

Articles Written by Tom Westmoreland

In transportation funding, all politics is local

Part of my duties as mayor of Eagle Mountain include participating in the Mountainland Association of Governments’ discussions to allocate state infrastructure dollars....

While our state legislators work to find additional transportation dollars, it’s important that our city representatives — especially those in Utah County — coalesce around needed infrastructure projects in an area whose growth is outpacing the available funding.

None of us like the morning commute, but what is becoming increasingly inexcusable is an inability to wisely put dollars into areas in need of a solution...

Power impacts emotions; solutions found in good connections

In 2020, the American Psychological Association conducted a survey analyzing the presence of stress in the United States. It found that half of adults reported their behavior as negatively affected by an increase in emotional and physical stress.

In these moments, how you handle the inevitability of these negative life experiences matters...

Ridicule is out, healthy disagreement now in vogue

Has anyone else noticed there is a lack of respect and common decency in our political discourse? I don’t believe I’m alone when observing that the conversations being had — especially where the issues affecting American society are concerned — seem a little brusque. You might say the ways in which we’re speaking to each other are just plain rude...

A plea for skilled and experienced representation in public office

By Tuesday, Nov. 8, voters in Utah County had cast their ballots in the midterm election. The tradition of voting for our elected representatives at all levels of government is part of what makes the United States great, and it contributes to a sense of fairness, consideration and liberty that each of us ought to hold dear...

Technology changed the times and can change our communities

When thinking about the community in which my kids are growing up, I regularly consider the advantages being offered now compared to when I was their age. It’s easy to reference modern conveniences such as the internet, GPS or access to culture that simply was not available decades ago. More than anything, I’m talking about the advantages offered in our local communities...

As economic conditions change, city government can show leadership

Utahns have probably noticed a change in how much they’re spending lately. The impact of inflation in 2022 has shown just how rapidly circumstances can shift. For instance, the average price for a gallon of gas in Utah was $5.24 this week, an increase from $3.58 one year ago, according to AAA. Grocery prices have also shown an increase across many brands and categories, according to the Consumer Price Index released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics...

Housing market challenges require grace and grit

I believe it was Maya Angelou who said, “The ache for home lives in all of us, the safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned.”These are undoubtedly powerful words from her 1986 autobiography series “All God’s Children Need Traveling Shoes,” and it’s a message that rings true more than ever for Utahns as we turn our calendars to 2022. This is a crucial period for Utah...

Increased fire danger underscores Eagle Mountain’s UFA use

The wildfire season has arrived in Utah. Already, more than 325 wildfires have been reported in the state, many of which are in central, southern and eastern Utah. It is only a matter of time before more numerous reports of wildfires are seen here in Utah County. Given persistent drought conditions, water restrictions and an increased risk for wildfires, many are asking about our available firefighting resources and our plans for combating wildfires in the future...

Eagle Mountain migrates toward mule deer conservation

...growth presents both challenges and opportunities for maintaining the community’s natural beauty. Earlier this year, the Eagle Mountain City Council accomplished something incredible in the areas of conservation and habitat protection. Our city, along with the state of Utah and various environmental organizations, is working to develop the Eagle Mountain Mule Deer Migration Corridor...

Data centers help Eagle Mountain become a 'net positive contributor' to county

In order to understand the impact of data centers on our local economy, we need to understand Eagle Mountain’s impact on Utah County and the Wasatch Front. Eagle Mountain, situated in northwest Utah County with Saratoga Springs to the east and county land to the west and south, is geographically the largest city in Utah County. Currently, with an estimated population of 45,000 and growing at an accelerated rate, 80% of Eagle Mountain’s employed residents work outside of the city.

Westmoreland: Utah County residents, officials must come together to weather the storm

Christmas season is upon us, bringing thoughts of family and friends wrapped up in our hopes and dreams for a better life and a better world. As the deadline for this column approached, I wanted to write about the deeper and personal meanings of Christmas, but there were a lot of other things weighing on my mind. It is common for us to deal with a little extra stress this time of year, but this whole year has added stress after stress with no end in sight.

Faith, not ignorance, will aid in 'our defining moment'

As I see it, we have a choice to make, and the sooner we realize what is at stake in that choice the better. We need to decide how we are going to respond to our challenges. But first, let’s take a look back to better understand our situation. It seems as though, about seven months ago, we were striding along and were suddenly blindsided. Not just once but several times, and the attacks kept coming at us. This year has been well marked with disappointment, heartache and fear.

Making decisions in a time of growth

Adapted in part from “Making Righteous Choices at the Crossroads of Life” by Robert D. Hales, 1988. Eagle Mountain city is one of the fastest growing cities in the state. In 2019, Eagle Mountain issued over 1,500 building permits, with about 1,000 being new residential and 30 commercial. The city’s current population estimate is 40,000, with an expectation of reaching 50,000 in a few more years.

Preparing now for a disastrous situation

An event from recent history gives a great example for us to emulate and shows what can be done if we are serious about being prepared for emergencies. Large-scale disasters had happened before but they were in the distant past, long before the majority of the population was born. The current generation knew little of real hardship. They had grown up during a time of prosperity and planned their lives for more of the same.