In the aftermath of a devastating tsunami that struck the coast of Japan in 1933, towns in the region began to erect seawalls. Most could withstand waves of about 30 feet, but Kotoko Wamura, the mayor of Fudai, was haunted by memories of that 1933 tsunami. When it came time to plan for the Fudai seawall, he insisted it be 50-feet tall. Residents were furious at the prospect of losing their ocean view, but Wamura didn’t back down. In 2011, decades after his death, another tsunami crashed into coastal Japan. Many towns were completely erased—but Fudai was spared.

Here in Utah County, we are facing a growth tsunami coupled with economic factors like inflation that will place significant pressure on families. This kind of growth often elicits fear that we will lose our identity and fall victim to traffic, crime, and high-density housing. The worst-case scenario is a situation where our kids may be unable to afford living here.

To make matters worse, sociopolitical factors, such as attempts from other states to bar candidates from ballots, will only add chaos and confusion to the discussion surrounding ballot integrity.

These are serious issues that have a disruptive impact and the potential to create confusion and unrest. While we may not live to see how the protections we put in place today make an impact, our children and grandchildren surely will. It’s our duty to prepare for the future with unwavering determination and concrete solutions that will keep the heart and soul of Utah County intact.

Join me in securing Utah County’s future by acting now to protect our families and way of life.

Robust Economic Development and Low Taxes

Utah is known for fostering a strong and prosperous economy with low tax rates. But as inflation and the cost of living ravages other parts of the nation, more people are moving here to enjoy those benefits.
From roads to public safety services, this influx of new residents creates a need for more resources. How do we pay for these things without raising taxes?

As Eagle Mountain Mayor, I’ve successfully cultivated an unparalleled economic boom by negotiating and closing contracts with three Fortune 100 companies: Facebook, Tyson, and Google. In addition, we launched the Eagle Mountain Chamber of Commerce and are in the process of improving our offering of commercial and retail establishments.

We must continue to attract companies that fit well into our community and stimulate the economy, and I’m eager to put my knowledge and experience to use on the county level.

Dependable Infrastructure

Utah County residents are increasingly frustrated with their daily commutes and a lack of funding for critical infrastructure projects. To make matters worse, these projects must happen in a timely manner to match population growth.

Without action to fast-track funding, Utah County could fall years behind in development and regional competitiveness. For example, State Route 73 in Eagle Mountain needs to expand. UDOT has already made plans to turn it into an expressway with frontage roads to improve traffic flow and safety, but our population is expected to grow by more than 53% over the next decade. Without expanding SR 73 in the near future, traffic, inefficiencies, and accidents will become major issues that are difficult to explain away.

Projects like this ought to be front and center when we discuss where to invest tax dollars. I will advocate for Utah County by working with our partners in the Mountainland Association of Governments to encourage a data-driven model that takes the political contention out of transportation and infrastructure funding.

Preservation of Open Space

Like so many others, I’m incredibly concerned about preserving open space. During my tenure as Eagle Mountain Mayor, we’ve been able to proudly lead the way on this issue, dedicating 6,500 acres of open space for recreation and wildlife, including mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, and off-highway vehicles. This endeavor has also been critical in protecting deer migration patterns and historical sites.
To put it into perspective, Salt Lake County recently came out with a 20-year plan to reach 6,500 acres of open space. We’re already there—and we’re just getting started! Together we can continue to carve out a quality of life that is unmatched, making Utah County a destination where people want to settle down and raise a family.
I’m confident that we can continue to set the standard and be an example for other developments across Utah if we prioritize this important element of the Utah way of life.

Reasonably Priced Housing

As Maya Angelou once said, “The ache for home lives in all of us, the safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned.”

We’re in a crucial time for Utah County as we continue to navigate increased demand that is driving up rent and housing prices. It’s important that we acknowledge the reality of the situation and face the issues with compassion for our friends, family, and neighbors.

Utah County’s housing situation will worsen without a steady approach, so it’s essential that we prepare now.

Renewed Commitment to Utah Culture

I try to make policy decisions by looking at our region through the eyes of a child growing up here. For me, the ultimate measure of success is creating a place our children feel proud of. I’d like it to be a place where they want to stay and raise their own families, but at the very least, I hope they can boast that they were raised in Utah County.

It’s essential that we renew our commitment to the conservative and commonsense principles our nation was founded on. As a constitutional enthusiast, I have a track record of supporting sound fiscal policy, privatization of city services, and limited government. I’m also a life member of the NRA, proud Republican, and dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

As we welcome newcomers into the fold, we can’t lose what makes Utah County special. Let’s work together to continuously improve our quality of life! Raising happy and healthy families should always be priority number one.