Provo’s lone councilwoman will not seek another term
Provo City Councilwoman Kim Santiago speaks during a press conference at the Zions Bank building in Provo on Tuesday, April 29, 2014. Mayor John Curtis announced that the city will be purchasing 80 acres of land in Rock Canyon, ending a multi-decade land dispute and ensuring the preservation of the canyon. SPENSER HEAPS/Daily Herald
New Provo Council Chairman Gary Garrett, left, and Vice Chair Kim Santiago on Jan. 6, 2015.
Kim Santiago, the lone woman on the Provo Municipal Council announced this week she will not seek re-election.
Santiago represents District 2 which encompasses all or part of the following neighborhoods: Carterville, Foothills, Joaquin, North Park, Oak Hills, University and Wasatch.
In a statement to friends and family she wrote, “After careful consideration and discussion with my family, I have decided not to run for a second term on the City Council. This has been a tough decision.”
Santiago gained a reputation for dogged determination and not being afraid to confront big problems and influential people.
Last year, she took on a project to bring better safety regulations to indoor trampoline and jump businesses in the city and moved it forward to the state Legislature for hopeful state regulation laws.
She also is well known for her scrutiny and negotiations over the current bus rapid transit program.
“Looking solely through my City Council lens, I would run for another term without question,” Santiago said. “We have been able to accomplish a lot and still have so much more to do. However, looking through my mother, daughter, wife, sister, friend, neighbor and nurse lens, I feel there will be no shortage of opportunities to serve in other capacities.”
Santiago served as council chairwoman in 2016, and sat on the leadership council.
“I express gratitude to all those who have supported me, especially my family, who have shared my focus, attention and listening ear with so many wonderful Provo citizens,” Santiago wrote in her statement. “I am grateful for those citizens whom I have been able to interact with and discuss hard issues in such a respectful manner. Thank you for that. I have learned so much and appreciate the opportunity I have been given to serve you in this capacity.”
