Why I’m Running for Mayor of Brighton
Public service has been on my mind for years, but the tipping point came last spring. Verizon and its partners proposed building a cellphone tower in my neighborhood in Silver Fork. When residents raised concerns, we were told our voices didn’t matter – that the convenience of a Fortune 500 company outweighed every neighbor’s opposition.
That experience opened my eyes. Local government face legal limits, but at its core, it’s about one question: will we defend our residents, or give in to outside interests? In the end, we worked out a compromise that stopped the tower, but the lesson stuck with me – if we don’t stand up, corporations and developers will write the rules for us.
Nationwide, our democratic institutions are being challenged, making local government more important than ever. Every citizen can help protect our democracy by getting involved and speaking up, because the decisions we make locally shape our daily lives far more than those made in Washington or Salt Lake City.
Today, our community faces its biggest challenge: the Old Stage Road parking lot project. It will impact traffic, safety, the environment, and the legacy we leave for this canyon. I’m running for mayor because I believe Brighton needs leadership that puts residents first, protects our forests, water, and wildlife, and guides responsible growth that strengthens our community.