BUDGETING
Utah County has enjoyed a $11.3M of growth over the last three years. During this time, Utah County has been deficit spending.
As county population growth continues our cities and towns are the first to respond to the needs of expansion. The county government departments will adjust to address county, not city, support. County departments may need to grow to address resident demands.
Funding for those needs come through increased revenue from new companies wanting to do business here, from those new to the workforce, and from existing taxing sources.
Minimal tax increases should only be considered after a thorough public vetting – for no other reason than tax increases are ALWAYS paid for by increases in the pricing of goods and services.
Fact: Utah County Commission raised the county portion of our property taxes by 67.4% to balance the budget after approving a few millions of dollars of new expense.
Tom’s ability to identify and define how to better use $100s of millions in federal personnel, materials, and transportation costs will provide Utah County a seasoned tried-and-tested approach in solving our County’s fiscal issues without taking more money out our taxpayers wallets.
EXPLOSIVE GROWTH
Utah County is one of the fastest growing counties in the state, and nation. Because of our diversified economic strength our children and grandchildren will stay or return home for work. Where will they live? Can they afford to live here? Our county will yet face opportunities unheard of in recent times. It takes concerted effort by the commission to work with cities and residents, and our county departments, to address and meet these welcomed changes.
Fact: In the last three years, Utah County realized $11.3M of growth.
Tom’s proven history of service to the nation, the state, and county has uniquely prepared him to address the need for single-family, owner-occupied homes as well as multi-unit complexes.
TAXES
Taxpayers incomes are often earned the hard way frequently with individuals working two-three jobs a week.
County revenue is critical to ensure it is capable of providing support to cities and unincorporated residents. Therefore, taxes should be honored by elected officials as sacred, trusted funds to support only critical, basic government functions, and not used to compete with commercial interests.
Fact: Utah County Commission raised our county portion of our property taxes by 67.4% on December 17, 2019.
All avenues to raise necessary revenue must be considered and debated, not just property tax.
BUSINESS FRIENDLY
We want to draw businesses to our county because they bring employment opportunities, improve our standard of living and environment, expand the horizons of our residents, and bring in revenue to support our growing population.
To encourage businesses to settle here it takes the combined, deliberative effort of cities, towns, and the county to organize, negotiate, and attract employers to Utah County.
After years of negotiations and patience Tom was tapped to serve as Chair to restructure the Marine Corps to realize enormous efficiencies in how its reserve force (40,000 personnel) are integrated into its active, deployable forces (120,000 personnel) throughout any given year. It takes this kind of vision and energy to ensure businesses support our county’s needs.
COUNTY RESIDENTS
While cities directly support the needs of 613,000 residents, Utah County directly supports 8,750 unincorporated area residents.
Utah County advocates for all residents, guests, and city officials through responsive infrastructure upgrades needed between cities and towns.
Tom has been engaged in the community since his return in 2006. As a precinct officer, county and state delegate, and member of the State GOP Central Committee, Tom has informed residents of county and statewide events and issues. Tom honors, respects, tries to represent their opinions.
Tom is currently the vice-chair of the Utah County Board of Adjustment.
CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS
Citizens of Utah and of the United States are guaranteed the protection of inalienable rights, rights that cannot be taken from an individual except for specific crimes. The elected, appointed, and employees of Utah County are public servants, they actively support the rights of all citizens, especially those whom they serve. To that end, the elected county officers should report to the public the on-going county concerns and affairs of their roles, not just during the State of the County but throughout the year. This can be accomplished through town halls, YouTube, Facetime Live, and the media.
