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The following statement provides information regarding my candidacy for Clinton City Council. My background includes experience in public service as a retired firefighter, youth coach, and small business owner. I have worked with city government on staffing, safety, and wage improvements in a major Utah city. These roles have offered opportunities to develop skills in communication, consensus building, and achieving results.
Clinton is currently experiencing growth, which brings challenges such as increased traffic, demands on infrastructure, concerns for public safety, and maintaining quality of life. My approach seeks to address these matters in cooperation with the community, emphasizing issues like family protection, support for local businesses, investment in parks and public safety, and responsible fiscal management.
My qualifications include leadership experience, practical knowledge, and a focus on engagement with residents. My intent is to represent Clinton’s population by being available, accountable, and responsive. Over the past 20 years, I have participated in initiatives that examine and address current practices. Boards and committees I am involved with include:
· Elected member of the Clearfield High School Community Council (2024–Current)
· Member of the Board of Directors for the Clearfield Ute Conference Football District (2019–Current)
· Member of the Workers Compensation Advisory Committee, representing workers throughout Utah (2024–Current)
· District Vice President for the Professional Firefighters of Utah 4th District (2018–Current)
Clinton has seen more townhome developments recently, impacting our community. I support well-planned housing that offers options for residents near parks and transit, but understand concerns about infrastructure, traffic, neighborhood character, school capacity, and city services. We need a balanced approach: allow diverse housing, require developer contributions to roads and public safety, and enforce guidelines for green space and traffic studies to ensure new developments benefit neighborhoods.
I signed the petition related to the townhome project and participated on the steering committee for HB 267 in the past year. Elected officials and politicians are expected to represent their constituents. It is important to recognize citizens’ right to petition and acknowledge that residents seek a direct role in shaping the community’s future. Referendum petitions indicate that there is significant interest in local development and the direction of the city.
Referendums, however, can be broad in scope. Engaging earlier in the process—such as during planning phases and public hearings—would allow citizens to provide input on aspects like design, density, landscaping, traffic mitigation, and infrastructure before permits are granted. Improved notification procedures and neighborhood meetings prior to formal approvals could help address resident concerns beforehand and potentially reduce the need for petitions.
If a petition qualifies for a public vote, it is appropriate to allow the process to proceed. Additionally, enhancing communication and ensuring a comprehensive community review of developments before reaching this stage may be beneficial.
Clinton faces two main challenges: establishing a clear identity to attract new businesses and families, and managing growth to maintain quality of life. Due to our location, students often attend several different schools. To address these issues, I support responsible development with strong planning, ensuring new growth contributes fairly to roads, parks, and emergency services while considering infrastructure, traffic, water, and public safety.
The 2000 West project, road widening, and new parks and trails have improved traffic and made Clinton better for families.
I aim to foster a business-friendly environment by streamlining permitting, promoting "shop local" initiatives, and ensuring infrastructure meets growth needs. I will work to attract new businesses that fit our community values while supporting existing small businesses, especially those affected by road construction challenges.
I support transparent, conservative budgeting focused on essential services like public safety, infrastructure, and parks. I will promote responsible spending, effective use of grants, and measurable returns on tax dollars. I also aim to review and quantify the impact of all provided services.
Promoting accessible communication through online surveys, town halls, and enhanced use of social media is a priority. Additionally, exploring district-based community councils could help bring government closer to residents. Holding town halls and visiting neighborhoods would facilitate discussions about local issues.
An active social media presence will be maintained, with regular community updates provided, and efforts made to enhance the city's website and newsletter system. Clear, consistent, and proactive communication is intended to support mutual understanding.
I am reviewing our zoning ordinances to balance property rights with neighborhood character, and considering updates to noise, parking, and short-term rental regulations. While I have no specific changes proposed yet, I am researching current ordinances and welcome your input on possible improvements or concerns. Your feedback matters, and I am committed to listening.
Local matters are best addressed at the local level. While I value the state legislature, I believe cities like Clinton should have more authority over land use, housing, and infrastructure. I support stronger local decision-making and have worked with State Senators and Representatives on these issues for over 20 years.
As a retired firefighter, public safety is a personal priority. I will focus on funding police and fire services, ensuring they have up-to-date training and equipment, and supporting traffic safety, emergency preparedness, and community policing. Fair compensation and mental health resources—including pre- and post-incident plans—are essential to reduce turnover and support our public safety personnel. I have consistently advocated at both state and city levels for these critical resources.
I would increase citizen involvement in planning decisions, as early input leads to better outcomes and greater unity. While engaging residents can be challenging due to political complexities and uncertainty about how to participate, I am committed to making involvement easier through regular meetings and accessible town halls.
I’m a husband, father, coach, and small business owner who has spent my life in service—from firefighting to mentoring youth. I believe in doing what’s right, even when it’s hard. I’ll be a transparent, approachable, and hard-working representative for Clinton. I also am a Denver Broncos Fan and have had season tickets for the last 15 years. I want to be more involved in our community and am excited to get to meet more of our residents.
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