Commissioner Migliori swears in new officials

By PATSY STODDARD Editor

The swearing in ceremony for the newly elected county officials took place on Jan. 5 at noon. Commissioner Ethan Migliori swore in the new officials. Those taking office included two new commissioners, Keith Brady and Paul Cowley. Newly elected county recorder Connie Jensen will replace retiring recorder Dixie Swasey and Mike Olsen, county attorney. Re-elected officials include Emery County treasurer Steven Barton, county clerk/auditor Brenda Tuttle, county assessor Kris Bell and Emery County Sheriff Greg Funk.
The ceremony took place at the county building followed by refreshments.
Commissioner Keith Brady said he would like to work on being as transparent as possible. Letting the people of Emery County know what’s going on, giving them updates, and using social media. Along with being transparent is letting the people have a way to contact their elected officials for rants, raves or ideas. “I believe that we will hear great ideas for Emery County from the people of Emery County.
“Transparency in taxation. I want to create an infographic on what monies the county takes in as fines, fees, taxes, PILT and grants; then break it down into how and where it all is spent. I believe in taxation with representation, we should know where the tax dollar goes. So we all can have the correct information.
“I want to work with our economic development department to continue to move forward projects that are in play, and work to make our county as attractive as possible to future business opportunities. With that I want to work with the Emery County Business Chamber to help the businesses we have already in the county to grow and expand. We need to develop a more viable and diverse economy in our county. I maintain that the government should not be in the business of running businesses. The Aquatic Center is a great facility, but it needs to be utilized more. I want to see it priced competitively with the pool in Price and to develop more activities at the Aquatic Center.
“I want to continue working with and supporting the great people on the boards and councils the county has to further the efforts of our county. With all this, I would like to help build a better unity throughout the county, we are one county,” said Commissioner Brady.
Commissioner Paul Cowley, “I am grateful to serve as your county commissioner. I appreciate those commissioners who have served before me. I express my appreciation to Commissioner Horrocks and Commissioner Nelson for their service and for their encouragement and insight.
“My door is always open, please feel free to come in and discuss your concerns or your ideas for our county. We have lost many jobs in our county, working together we can find a way to create more jobs while at the same time preserving the heritage that makes Emery County great.
“For the future of our county each citizen needs to become involved by supporting local businesses, being a volunteer on county boards or in your local communities. If we all become a part of the solution our county will continue to be a wonderful place to live and raise our families.
“I want to preserve the uniqueness of our county, the mountains, the deserts, the farming, ranching, industry and recreation. We are a multi-use county and I want to continue working in that direction,” said Commissioner Cowley.
Commissioner Migliori is the only returning commissioner this year. In spite of concerns with the power plants and the coal industry, he remains optimistic about current opportunities in Emery County. “There are some projects in the beginning stages around Green River. I am optimistic for what the new year will bring for our public lands. With the Republican control in both the house and the Senate, I am confident Rep. Bishop’s bill will pass. This will benefit Emery County and bring some closure to public lands issues. The bill will be put in early in this session, and things will be better than we have right now.
“With the seven county coalition, there’s a lot of potential with that group as long as it’s used as an economic development engine and doesn’t become too political. They are currently exploring two pipeline projects which would only take about 18 months to complete. One is from Duchesne into Carbon County and the other from Vernal over the BookCliffs coming out near Crescent Junction. They could run a small line into Green River which enhances the opportunity for refineries there.
“I am extremely pleased with the number of cities in our county becoming more economic development minded. They are thinking of the increased sales taxes that new business brings into their city. The cities are starting to take the lead and become more proactive in business development. Castle Dale is looking at business opportunities and Orangeville is starting to become more involved with the rock climbing industry and opportunities there. The mayors meet quarterly in the COG meetings and we spend the beginning of each meeting talking about economic development opportunities.
“The county is working on the economic development director position. We are thinking of contracting some things out which will save money for the county.
“I’m excited to work with our new commissioners and our former commissioners, JR Nelson and Jeff Horrocks want to stay involved with the county and be members of the public lands board and the housing authority board.
“I believe our county is in good hands as we move forward,” said Commissioner Migliori.