by Richard Deppe
rdeppe@cherryroad.com

It is once again the time where we must decide who will be running Uintah County’s commission.

The two candidates, Republican Willis LeFevre and Unaffiliated Troy Slaugh, battled it out during the debate, held at Uintah County Library.

The newly elected official will be taking seat C which is being vacated by Brad Horrocks (R). The debate had a large focus on the growth of the community, the proposed sales and property tax increase, as well as the transparency of our current administration.

Uintah County is looking at major changes in the next few years. A big project being a climbing recreational facility which will be in Ashley Gorge Ridge location of Ashley Springs which is going to supply around 80 percent of the water.

Most people, however, are divided, some saying the project will compromise the water source, while others say they do not trust the county to protect the springs. With construction already being started it is not likely the location can be moved.

“I am still listening, but I am not super opposed,” said Slaugh when asked his stance during the debate.

While LeFevre seemed to take close to the same stance saying, “I love the project I just don’t love the location.”

Though both candidates have slightly opposed views on the proposed tax increase they can agree that we need to take care of our community.

When asked their stances on tax increases for both property and sales tax they gave quite different answers.

LeFevre took the stand saying, “If there is not the money to do those things that are absolute necessity, we have to do something in order to take care of our first responders, police, and citizens. I do not want taxes, but I also have to tell you the reality of the numbers.”

Slaugh said, “No I do not support the tax increases, I do not like the process they went through, nor do I like the tax. Make some cuts then maybe in the future we can do something differently. I believe in taking care of the sheriff’s office and every department in our community.”

They may not share the same views but, one thing they can agree on is encouraging our community members to educate themselves and then decide on what they feel is best.

The government being more transparent with the people is something most people can agree on. Many community members feel that they do not know what goes on until it is too late for them to have a say in matters. When asked if they feel there is a lack of transparency in the local government LeFevre said, “There is definitely a lack of trust, and we need to fix that. Every time I go to a meeting if you choose to you can see a list of what I saw and what I heard that is pretty transparent and I would continue to do that.”

Slaugh said, “Yes there is but it is not just us it is statewide. The number one issue in rural Utah is a lack of trust and transparency It is going to take work and communication.”

Both sides agree that we need better communication between the government and the people of our county.