Utah County commissioners make decisions that directly affect our quality of life, from public safety and health services to infrastructure, transportation, and taxes.

But perhaps their most important responsibility is helping our communities prepare for the future. Utah County is growing rapidly, and the decisions we make today about housing, transportation, and infrastructure will shape our communities for generations.

Commissioners also represent the county in regional planning organizations and advocate for our needs before the state legislature. That makes the position particularly important as we work to coordinate growth across our cities.

I believe we need commissioners who take these responsibilities seriously, think beyond the next election, and understand that good government requires both careful analysis and collaboration.

2. What unique qualities, attributes, skills and experiences do you possess that make you the best candidate in this race?

My professional background is in data analytics and management, and I hold a master’s degree in management. I’ve spent my career working with complex information, identifying problems, and helping organizations make better decisions.

I bring that same analytical approach to public policy. Rather than starting with an ideological position and looking for evidence to support it, I try to understand problems thoroughly, consider competing perspectives, and identify practical solutions.

I’ve also served in leadership positions with the Forward Party, working with people from different political backgrounds who share a commitment to improving government.

I believe my combination of analytical skills, management experience, and willingness to challenge conventional political thinking would bring a valuable perspective to the commission.

3. Please explain your priorities if elected, as well as why you believe you are uniquely capable of achieving those priorities.

My two biggest priorities are managing growth and improving county government.

On growth, I want to strengthen coordination between cities, transportation agencies, and the state legislature. We need infrastructure investments that anticipate growth, along with housing policies that make it easier for families to live near jobs and transportation.

On governance, I support replacing our three-member commission with a seven-member, district-based council and professional county manager. Our county has become too large and complex for three people to adequately represent its diverse communities.

My background in analytics and organizational management gives me experience identifying systemic problems, evaluating competing solutions, and improving how organizations operate. I would apply those skills to both priorities, while building the partnerships necessary to turn good ideas into results.

4. Please describe how you view the importance of compromise in politics and provide an example from your own experiences that highlights your perspective.

Compromise is essential to democratic government. In a diverse society, we can’t expect everyone to share our priorities or perspectives. Effective leadership means finding solutions that people with different views can support.

My own political thinking has evolved through studying local government. I’ve traditionally considered myself conservative and believed smaller government was almost always better. But learning how local governments function has helped me recognize that the goal should be good government, not necessarily small or large government.

Sometimes markets work best when government gets out of the way. Other times, government has an important role in establishing rules, providing infrastructure, or creating incentives.

That experience has taught me that compromise isn’t simply splitting differences. It’s being willing to reconsider assumptions and find approaches that actually work.

5. How will you balance the views of the vocal public, your political party, and your own understanding and knowledge as an elected representative?

I believe an elected official has a responsibility to listen carefully, study issues thoroughly, and ultimately exercise independent judgment.

Public input is essential, but the loudest voices don’t necessarily represent the entire community. I would actively seek out perspectives from less vocal constituents, as well as those of experts on the topics at hand.

My party’s principles help inform my thinking, but party loyalty should never outweigh my responsibility to constituents.

Ultimately, I believe decisions should be grounded in evidence, an understanding of competing interests, and a commitment to the long-term public good. On difficult issues, I would explain my reasoning transparently, including the tradeoffs involved.

Being responsive to constituents doesn’t mean agreeing with everyone. It means listening respectfully, taking their concerns seriously, and being accountable for the decisions I make.

6. What is the best way for readers to contact you and/or get more information about your platform?

I welcome questions, concerns, and conversations with Utah County residents, regardless of political affiliation.

The best ways to learn more about my campaign and contact me are through my campaign website and my Facebook campaign page. I regularly engage with residents online and enjoy hearing directly from people about the issues affecting their communities.

I believe accessibility and open communication are essential parts of public service, and I intend to maintain that commitment if elected.