Estimated read time: 5-6 minutes
As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, voters across the country are preparing to take part in one of the nation's longest-standing traditions: local elections.
In Utah County, for example, voters will soon decide who will fill County Commissioner Seats A and B.
To help residents learn more about the candidates, the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Herbert Institute for Public Policy recently hosted two public debates focused on some of the county's biggest issues, including growth, taxes and infrastructure.
"All politics is local," Utah Valley Chamber President and CEO Curtis Blair reminded the audience during one of the debates. And in a fast-growing county like Utah County, local decisions matter more than ever.
According to the University of Utah's Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, Utah County's economy has been growing at more than twice the state average and nearly three times the national average. That growth has fueled major conversations around housing, transportation and government spending.
To help voters make informed decisions in the primaries this June, here's a look at the candidates and where they stand on these key issues.
Meet the candidates
Starting with Seat A, the candidates are Brent V. Bowles and Michelle Kaufusi:
- Bowles, a nurse anesthetist and former firefighter, described himself as a political outsider. His campaign has focused heavily on budget reform and reducing government inefficiency.
- Kaufusi previously served as mayor of Provo and as president of the Utah Association of Mayors. During the debate, she highlighted her experience securing outside funding and working with regional leaders.
Here is the recorded debate for Seat A:
For Seat B, the candidates are Carolina Herrin, Isaac Paxman and David Spencer:
- Herrin, who previously worked undercover in the Attorney General's Office investigating major crimes, did not participate (because she was out of the country with family) in the debate but remains an active candidate in the race.
- Paxman currently works as an assistant attorney general and has spent the last eight years running local government departments. He emphasized regional cooperation and long-term planning throughout the debate.
- Spencer, a former Orem city council member, campaigned on limiting government growth and protecting local control.
Here is the recorded debate for Seat B:
Managing growth and infrastructure
Utah County faces unprecedented growth. This surge raises big questions about how to protect local neighborhoods while moving forward.
For Seat A, Kaufusi argued that leaders must plan decades in advance rather than simply reacting to problems.
"Growth is coming with or without us. And we better get ready," Kaufusi said. "If you don't embrace it and get ahead of it and control it, it is going to roll over you."
Bowles focused on the immediate need for better coordination. He wants public utilities to sync their projects to save money and reduce headaches for residents, noting that the local population is expected to double by 2050.
"We need to start planning now," Bowles said. He questioned why cities constantly tear up the same roads multiple times, where "we just waste money."
For Seat B, Paxman advocated for a balanced approach that protects open agricultural spaces while meeting housing demands.
"I'm a big believer in open space, I'm a big believer in agriculture," Paxman stated. He noted that a healthy county needs a mix of large lots, smaller residential options and recreational land.
Spencer took a firm stand for local control, arguing that county and state leaders must respect city autonomy.
"The main thing there is you need to make sure that you go to the legislature and to Governor Cox and say, "You need to stay in your lane," Spencer argued. He emphasized that local officials know what is best for their own citizens.
Fiscal responsibility and taxes
Taxes and county spending also took center stage during both debates.
Bowles said one of his top priorities would be identifying inefficiencies within county government and reducing unnecessary spending.
"I want to look at and say where are the inefficiencies and go after those inefficiencies," Bowles said.
He also called for reducing layers of bureaucracy to make government more accountable to residents.
Kaufusi said the answer is not simply cutting government, but making it work better.
"The answer is not bigger government, [but] smarter government," Kaufusi said.
She pointed to auditing tools and streamlined operations as ways to improve accountability while protecting taxpayer dollars.
In the Seat B race, Spencer criticized past tax increases and argued that county government should focus strictly on providing core services.
Citizens should receive basic utilities like "the police, fire, water, roads, and sewer, and that's it," he said.
Paxman pointed to his experience working through budget shortfalls without raising taxes.
"We would find out that there was a $3 million budget shortfall for the year, and the commitment was we're not going to propose a tax increase," Paxman said.
He argued that responsible budgeting requires leaders to find strategic cuts without damaging important public services.
Hear the candidates in their own voices
Reading debate summaries can help, but hearing directly from the candidates offers a clearer picture of their priorities and leadership styles.
Voters can also find election information and additional community resources through the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce website.
With major decisions ahead on growth, taxes and infrastructure, Utah County voters will play a direct role in shaping the future of their communities — provided they cast their ballots and vote.
Feel free to find more great information about recent events at Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce at the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce YouTube channel.
