Why should I elect you?

For the past four years, I’ve had the honor of serving on the City Council. I’ve worked hard to represent the values of Spanish Fork, balance growth with infrastructure, and ensure that public safety, transparency, and quality of life remain top priorities. I'm responsive and listen to those that reach out. Ask a question and I respond in a timely manner. As a full-time data analyst, I bring a data-driven, common-sense approach to city decisions, and I’m committed to ensuring that Spanish Fork remains a great place to live for generations to come.

What do you feel your best contributions have been while serving on the city council?

It's hard to summarize four years of work in a short paragraph, but I'll do my best. There are three things that stand out when thinking about this question.

A. Historic Preservation

I’ve always had a deep appreciation for being raised in Spanish Fork and the rich history and culture that shape our community. Early in my term on the City Council, I focused on finding ways to preserve and celebrate that heritage. One of my first efforts was to help reestablish the Spanish Fork Historic Preservation Commission, where I now serve as a board member.

The Commission plays a vital role in safeguarding the city’s historical legacy by preserving significant buildings, sites, and stories for future generations. Within our first year, we successfully placed the Thurber School on the National Register of Historic Places. We also launched a veteran banner program to honor local service members with displays along Main Street during Memorial Day and Veterans Day. In addition, we’ve documented many historic buildings through photography—including Spanish Fork High School—before their demolition, and we have several other meaningful preservation projects underway.

B. Senior Engagement

Serving on the Senior Center Advisory Board has been one of the most rewarding parts of my time on the council. It’s given me the chance to connect with many of our senior residents, hear their perspectives, and keep them informed about what’s happening in the city.

Each month, I visit the Senior Center to share updates, answer questions, and—most importantly—let them know how valued they are in our community. I want our seniors to feel included, heard, and appreciated, and I consider it a privilege to advocate for them and ensure their voices are part of our city’s future.

C. Water Conservation

From the beginning of my term, water conservation has been a top priority. As Spanish Fork continues to grow, it’s critical that we plan wisely to ensure we have the resources to support that growth.

To help with that effort, I’ve taken an active role in both the Mount Nebo Water Agency and the South Utah Valley Municipal Water Agency, giving Spanish Fork a voice in regional water planning and conservation efforts. I also collaborated with our city’s planning and development department to make important updates to our land use ordinance that promote water-wise landscaping. As a result, Spanish Fork residents are now eligible for reimbursement through the Utah Water Savers program when they replace grass with more sustainable landscaping options.

Growth & Development - What’s more important to you: preserving open space and community identity, or making room for more homes and businesses—and how do you draw that line when they’re in conflict?

Both preserving open space and allowing for thoughtful growth are important—and I believe Spanish Fork has done a good job striking that balance. As a member of the City Council, I rely heavily on the City's General Plan. This plan was put in place years before I was elected and it's my responsibility to follow it or make adjustments where necessary. I support development where it makes sense, while protecting critical open spaces like the River Bottoms.

Development Pace - Do you believe the city has allowed too much, too little, or the right amount of residential development in the past five years? What evidence supports your view?

All of Utah County has seen rapid residential development over the past five years. Only recently has that started slowing down. In Spanish Fork, this has largely aligned with infrastructure improvements like the upgraded wastewater treatment plant. Because of the growth in Spanish Fork, we've been able to attract businesses and restaurants, expand and improve services like SFCN and full-time fire department, and fund quality of life projects like the new recreation center. I am a big supporter of property rights and I believe that if the city has the infrastructure in place to support development and that development matches what is in the General Plan and meets the conditions set out by the city, that development should be allowed.

Infrastructure Gaps - What is one area where the city has fallen behind on infrastructure—and why do you think it’s been overlooked?

One of Spanish Fork’s greatest infrastructure challenges is our streets. Transportation is particularly difficult because our city is divided by three major state-managed highways: I-15 on the west, Main Street down the center, and U.S. 6 on the east. This means city officials need to build and maintain strong relationships with UDOT and our state legislators so they understand the unique challenges these roads create and can work with us on solutions. The city has done a good job making progress on the roads it maintains, as seen with the Spanish Fork Parkway connection and the 3rd West corridor improvements. As a council member, I will continue to prioritize funding in the city budget to address traffic concerns and improve mobility for our residents.

Traffic & Safety - In your opinion, is traffic congestion and pedestrian safety a result of poor planning, population growth, or resident behavior—and what’s your responsibility in solving it?

Traffic congestion in Spanish Fork stems from several factors. First, like I mentioned earlier, our city is intersected by state-managed roads, which limits what we can directly control. Second, population growth—both within Spanish Fork and in neighboring communities like Salem, Woodland Hills, and Elk Ridge—brings additional traffic. Most of those residents use Main Street to access I-15. Third, most of our commercial businesses are concentrated in one area, meaning that when residents go out to eat or shop, we’re all using the same roads to get there.

The city council does have land use authority, and we’ve created additional commercial zoning districts near the Benjamin interchange, along South Main Street, and further up Highway 6 near the neighborhood Walmart. However, we cannot dictate where businesses choose to locate, and so far, most have selected the Canyon Creek area. They want to be where the customer traffic already exists. The best solution is for the city to improve North/South routes so Spanish Fork residents can avoid Main Street and other congested roads as much as possible. In the past few years the city improved 300 W and in the coming years 300 E and 600 E will be improved.

Fiscal Priorities - Would you ever vote against a popular community project if you believed the financial plan was unsustainable? If so, give an example of where you’d draw that line.

Yes. As a council member, I believe managing the budget is a top priority. It’s my responsibility to ensure that every project we approve is financially sustainable—not just popular in the moment. Each year, the city council holds a two-day work session with staff to review the needs of every department. We then prioritize those needs based on urgency, long-term value, and budget constraints. Every year there are worthwhile projects that don’t fit within the city’s financial plan, and those have to be delayed or set aside.

Flooding & Natural Risk - The city has faced emergency flooding and water overflow. Do you believe the city is proactive or reactive in its approach to natural risk—and what specifically needs to change?

Spanish Fork is absolutely proactive in its approach to emergency preparedness and natural risk. The city regularly inspects and maintains our stormwater systems, making upgrades before small issues become major problems. We have a strong Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program, led by an outstanding Emergency Preparedness Officer, that keeps our community trained and ready.

In recent years, the city has invested heavily in infrastructure that safeguards our drinking water pipeline and other critical systems. For example, when we faced record snowpack a few years ago, the city had a flood plan in place well in advance. Coordination efforts were made with state partners and sandbags were provided for residents along the river.

Airport & Rec Center Spending - Large investments like the airport expansion and FitCity Center have supporters and critics. Do you believe the long-term value justifies the costs, and how would you measure that?

The airport expansion and recreation center are long-term assets that bring value through economic growth and quality of life. I measure their worth by usage, regional benefit, and whether they increase opportunities for residents and businesses. I have no doubt that years down the road we will look back and see that both projects made Spanish Fork a better place for those that live and do business here.

Accountability & Mistakes - Can you name a specific city policy or decision you disagreed with or thought was poorly handled—and how you would’ve done it differently?

Early in my first year on the council, we considered an ordinance change that would allow an event center to be located on Main Street. I had concerns about whether there would be adequate parking, and I voiced those concerns during the discussion. However, after some back-and-forth, I ultimately voted in favor along with the rest of the council. Looking back, I believe that was a mistake. It taught me the importance of trusting my own judgment and standing firm when I believe a decision isn’t in the city’s best interest. That experience has made me a stronger, more independent council member.

Transparency - Do you believe residents are getting the full story when it comes to city finances, development decisions, and contracts? If not, what’s being left out?

Yes. I believe the city does a good job of being transparent with residents. Financial information, development decisions, and contracts are discussed in public meetings, and the city continually looks for new ways to make that information accessible. For example, the Forkonomics articles in our newsletter and on Facebook break down complex topics into plain language, and the city’s online tax tool allows residents to see exactly where their property tax dollars are going.

Public Input - What types of voices or groups do you think are overrepresented or underrepresented in city decisions—and how do you adjust for that?

I think the voices we hear most often in city decisions tend to be from a relatively small group of engaged residents, while many everyday citizens are underrepresented. It's frustrating when we start a meeting and our council chambers are nearly empty, but when you go to social media there are many people with opinions they're willing to share. In recent elections, only about 30% of registered voters cast a ballot. I would love to see more people participate in the process. I don't have the answers, but I fully support opportunities for residents to get involved. As a member of the council, I will continue doing what I can to be approachable, transparent, and welcoming to everyone.

Equity vs. Efficiency - In budget decisions, do you lean more toward making services equally available to all residents, or directing more resources where they’re most needed or used?

When it comes to essential services—everyone should have access to clean water, parks, and public safety. But for amenities and expansions, we should prioritize where they’ll have the most impact.

Law Enforcement - Do you believe Spanish Fork’s public safety policies are too aggressive, too lenient, or about right? What would you change, if anything?

I believe Spanish Fork's policies are well balanced. I serve on the South Utah Valley Animal Shelter board, which gives me the opportunity to interact with many of the police chiefs from our neighboring communities. Spanish Fork has a well-respected police department. Public Safety is a top priority for me, and I fully support continued investment in staffing, training and resources so our officers and firefighters have what they need to keep pace with the city's growth and continue providing a high level of service.

Growth Philosophy - Do you believe government should actively shape growth through incentives and restrictions, or mostly stay out of the way and let the market drive decisions?

Government should shape growth through responsible planning and making sure infrastructure is in place to handle the growth — not by micromanaging. I believe in preserving individual property rights while making sure development contributes to the community.

Conflict & Leadership Style - Describe a time when you had to push back on a popular idea or group—what was the issue, and how did you handle the disagreement?

On several occasions, I’ve pushed back on developers when their proposals didn’t align with what I felt were the best interests of the city. I’m not afraid to ask tough questions or challenge assumptions, even when a project is popular or time-sensitive. A developer’s timeline should never dictate the city’s timeline. We move forward when a project meets our standards, not before.

When a major project faces clear opposition or was previously rejected by voters, what specific criteria or evidence do you rely on to justify moving forward anyway?

If a project was previously rejected, I’d only support it later if there were clear, measurable changes. Some of those changes could be securing new funding sources, an increase in public support, or proving that it was something the community needed. I would also make sure that before a decision was made, public meetings were held so residents could share their opinions.

How do you ensure that the city’s process for gathering community input is both comprehensive and meaningful—not just a formality—before approving large developments?

Gathering community input should begin early in the process and not just at the final city council vote. Large developments go through multiple steps, including review by the Development Review Committee and the Planning Commission, before reaching the city council. Residents should be made aware of these opportunities to share their views well before decisions are made. The city does a good job of meeting public notice requirements, but we should always look for additional ways that we can communicate with the residents.

Electric rates have gone up recently. What’s driving that, and do you think residents are getting good value compared to nearby cities with private utilities?

Electric rates have risen recently due to several factors — including higher wholesale energy prices, ongoing infrastructure upgrades to make sure our system is reliable, and inflation.

Spanish Fork is in a unique position because we’re part of the Utah Municipal Power Agency (UMPA), which is owned by its member cities. Unlike private utilities, UMPA has no shareholders, so there’s no profit margin to pay out. Any savings go directly back to the member cities and their residents, helping to keep rates lower.

Spanish Fork’s electric rates are significantly lower than our neighboring cities which are served by private utilities. You can see a side-by-side rate comparison on the City’s website here:
https://www.spanishfork.gov/departments/public_works/power/index.php

What has the city done to secure a reliable and affordable power supply for the future—and how much flexibility do we have to adapt if energy prices or technologies change?

UMPA locks in portions of its power supply through multi-year agreements for natural gas, coal, hydro, and renewable generation. These contracts help protect member cities from sudden wholesale market spikes.

How confident are you that our power grid is prepared for peak demand, growth, or emergencies—and what investments are being made to improve it?

I have a high level of confidence that the Spanish Fork electric system can meet peak demand today and in the future. UMPA maintains more generating capacity than it's projected peak load, giving us a safety margin for sudden demand spikes. Also, the fact that UMPA can purchase on the open market adds extra layers of reliability.

When big decisions are made—like raising rates or investing in infrastructure—what’s your process for making sure it’s transparent and that residents are informed and heard?

I strongly believe major decisions should be made in public meetings, ensuring openness and transparency for the residents we serve.

How do you balance the need for funding city services and projects with the impact that raising taxes has on residents? Are you more willing to raise taxes or cut spending when budgets get tight?

We should always cut waste or delay non-essential spending before raising taxes. If tax increases become necessary, I want them to be transparent, temporary when possible, and tied to specific outcomes.

If faced with a budget shortfall, what criteria would you use to decide where to make cuts versus where to invest more—especially when it comes to essential services?

We had a budget shortfall this year. We went back to each of our department heads and asked them to identify areas in the respective budgets that they could cut. Essential services like police, fire, and water come first. I prioritize cuts in non-essential programs or capital projects before touching public safety or core infrastructure.

What are your views on a bus rapid transit on main street in Spanish Fork?

Main Street in Spanish Fork is maintained and managed by the State, which means any significant changes would require close coordination with state agencies. Spanish Fork is currently included in UTA’s South Utah Valley Transit Study, which is exploring the potential expansion of FrontRunner service to Springville, Spanish Fork, and Payson. I support this proposed expansion and believe it would bring valuable transit options to South Utah Valley.

UTA has also identified a possible Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor connecting Payson to Spanish Fork. However, the projected cost for that project is nearly $200 million, and it is currently unfunded. It remains a long-term concept within the Mountainland Association of Governments’ TransPlan50, which outlines transportation priorities through 2050.

While I support efforts to improve public transit in our region, I believe it will likely be many years before we see major public transportation infrastructure—such as BRT—implemented in Spanish Fork.

How do you feel about growth in housing and water balance? Are you concerned?

We live in a desert. Water conservation should be a priority for all of us. Fortunately, Spanish Fork has a strong track record of being proactive and responsible with its water resources. In fact, we began metering secondary water two decades before it became a statewide requirement.

Our city continually invests in and monitors our water infrastructure to make sure we’re prepared to meet the demands of future growth. Spanish Fork is well-positioned to provide the water needed to support our residential, commercial, and agricultural needs moving forward.

We also maintain strong partnerships with Central Utah Water and Strawberry Water Users to support our agricultural community. Thanks to careful planning and collaboration, Spanish Fork is in excellent shape when it comes to managing growth and maintaining a reliable water supply.

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