Guest opinion: Your city, your vote
by Cameron Diehl
It isnât a presidential election, but your vote this November will guide how your city will grow and progress for the next two years.
City elections often have low turnout even though city decisions have a high impact on your life. Cities work to ensure your quality of life. When you drive on your neighborhood road, walk on your sidewalk, turn on your tap, flush your toilet, take out your garbage can, play at the park, call 9-1-1, or go to a 4th of July parade, you are connecting with your city.
As the Executive Director of the Utah League of Cities and Towns, Iâve had the honor of interacting with more than 1,500 mayors and council members across the state in our 255 municipalities. From Scofield (population 28) to Salt Lake City (population 200,000+), our mayors and council members today are constantly chatting with their neighbors about the challenges and opportunities we face...
This election has many important questions for cities of all sizes. How do we plan for Utahâs rapid population growth in a way that still fosters a sense of community and maintains an outstanding quality of life? How do we fund infrastructureâwater, sewer, roads, sidewalks, streetlights, utilities, and moreâin a responsible way? How do we invest in public safety to make sure that our communities remain safe places to live and work? How do we ensure that we have housing, parks, recreational opportunities, transportation options, and educational and employment opportunities for todayâs and tomorrowâs residents? How do we build on the good work to date to preserve the Great Salt Lake and to improve air quality? How do we act locally in our cities in ways that partner with other stakeholders and benefit our region and our state?
You have a say in answering those questions because you can vote! Hereâs the silver lining to the delayed election: you have extra time to learn about your candidates! With Thanksgiving approaching, I am thankful for the women and men who sacrifice their time and talents to run for city office and offer to serve. The decisions that occur at City Hall have an impact beyond the cityâs boundaries. Your vote matters! (Read More)
News Releases
Congressman Blake Moore elected as Vice Chair of the House Republican Conference
Congressman Blake Moore released the following statement after being elected Vice Chair of the House Republican Conference:
âI decided to run for the role of Vice Chair because I believe that an optimistic, conservative message is how we can best win the future. We have a strong and dynamic conference, and the future of our country depends on us rallying as a team around the policies that help make the American Dream possible for more families. I canât wait to hit the ground running and work hard to amplify the many amazing voices of our conference alongside Chairwoman Stefanik and the rest of the leadership team.â (Read More)
UAMPS and NuScale Power agree to terminate the Carbon Free Power Project
Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems (UAMPS) and NuScale Power Corporation (NuScale) (NYSE: SMR) announced today that they have mutually agreed to terminate the Carbon Free Power Project (CFPP). Despite significant efforts by both parties to advance the CFPP, it appears unlikely that the project will have enough subscription to continue toward deployment. Therefore, UAMPS and NuScale have mutually determined that ending the project is the most prudent decision for both parties. (Read More)
UVU expands mental healthcare services to students
Utah Valley University (UVU) has expanded its well-being and mental healthcare services to students by partnering with TimelyCare, a free 24/7 virtual comprehensive mental healthcare program designed to support student health. (Read More)