I want to provide all Davis County voters a choice in the General Election beyond party caucuses and conventions. I offer a bipartisan opportunity not dictated by party affiliation or chosen for partisan reasons. Do you know that all 20 candidates for Davis County offices were from the same party outside of this unaffiliated campaign? That was the case in 2022 and 2020 as well. In 2018, there was one Independent who competed in the County; all others were unopposed in the general election. In 2016, there was a Democrat who ran. This means the elected officials representing us are often chosen by just a small portion of the community. By the time primary and general elections arrive, many of our County officials have already effectively won. First, by a small number of party citizens participating in the caucus and delegate convention system. Then, in a closed primary only accessible to those within the party, IF there is a primary. 

 

I’m not suggesting this system is inherently bad; they are great avenues to get involved and provide influence for some. However, what continues to play out is a small portion of people choosing our elected officials without voting by the broader public. As you review the ballot, you will see that Commissioner is the only County Office of 5 that is contested in the general election. The rest were decided in earlier phases or were uncontested. Of the initial 12 Commissioner candidates, 11 were Republican, then my unaffiliated campaign. Surprisingly, just one candidate was nominated in the April County Convention without a primary by less than a percent. Other highly regarded and moderate conservative candidates didn’t make it to a primary. If my unaffiliated candidacy was not in the race, the Commissioner would have effectively been chosen by a relatively small number of delegates last Spring, and likely not representative of the broader party (or general) base prior to any vote by the public.

 

This is not to say we don’t have good, quality elected officials. I’ve met with all who have been willing, and have been very impressed by their competence, dedicated service and warmth. That has been encouraging and I’ve felt grateful for such. What I’m trying to point out is the value of more people having a voice in our community, and I hope you find yours. I invite you to join me; share your interests, priorities, and concerns; and be part of a bipartisan effort to do good without sides, opposing teams, and in collaboration with all.