Thank you for your overwhelming support over the last few years. Allow me to differentiate myself from my opponent as you make your decision this Tuesday.

“You can’t build a reputation based on what you’re going to do.” – Henry Ford

EXPERIENCE: We both were born in Utah. I was educated in Weber County schools and graduated from Weber State University then spent 40 years working here — since 1994, managing the Weber County Fairgrounds, and the last seven-plus yeas as a commissioner. Concurrently, my family and I have given back to schools, community and church. My opponent was educated and spent most of his working life in California. It was only within the last decade he moved from there.

When you are looking to get professional help, such as a mechanic, doctor, schoolteacher and tradesman … do you take into account experience?

CREDIT RISK: Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s and Fitch have recently recertified Weber County in the top 2% of all counties nationwide. These industry experts have confidence in how Weber County Corp. is being run financially.

TAX KNOWLEDGE: Unincorporated Weber County has the lowest tax rate of the cities that impose a tax in our county. In terms of reducing tax for seniors and veterans, these programs are controlled by the state. However, Weber County enjoys six property tax relief programs that are in effect now.

VETERANS: One of the more heartwarming events I’ve participated in was our choice to honor veterans on three separate occasions from WWII, Vietnam and Korea. After presenting them with honor coins as small THANK YOU for their service, with tears in their eyes, to hear that greatest generation say “This is the first time we’ve been thanked for our service” was such an honor to represent all of you on behalf of Weber County to extend our appreciation for their service!

I’m grateful for all who have and do serve in our military. Did you know that though one of my special interest friends, we will have a new 104-acre veteran’s cemetery coming to Weber County?

GROWTH: More than 61% of our growth still comes from within our own county. Creating opportunity for single-family detached home ownership allows individuals and families the opportunity to create wealth. My hope is that first responders, teachers, tradesmen, HAFB workers and such can afford home ownership. While renting has established a place within the county, my focus is on deed restrictions that say that homes must be homeowner occupied.

TOURISM: Weber County owns and operates many facilities that generate over $56 million in annual tourism dollars. The tax generated from this hotel and restaurant tax (tourism) pays for the operation of these facilities and not your property tax dollars.

The Golden Spike Event Center MUST stay in business to maintain our cultural heritage and perpetuate the Junior Livestock program for generations to follow. We have a recently renovated Ogden Eccles Conference Center and the $1 million-plus in recent donations have upgraded our Peery’s Egyptian Theater. The Ice Sheet has wonderful professional hockey coupled with a variety of excellent skating programs. In recent years, Fort Buenaventura, Shooting Complex, Archery Park and upper valley parks are experiencing greater-than-budgeted attendance and use. By using tourism tax in that way, we can then use and maximize our property tax to focus on public safety efforts.

PUBLIC LIBRARIES: The Salt Lake City Library spends $104 per person per year for their library system and their buildings are in poor condition. The Weber County Library spends $48.11 per person per year and we have incredible buildings, resources, employees and programming. Have you been to a public library lately? Our library enjoys a double-digit percentage visitor increase year after year with more than 1,000,000 visits anticipated this year. Additionally, we have three times the book collection of Davis County. This is what you have when you have quality leadership and allow the employees to positively serve the public.

TRANSPARENCY: Six years ago, before the pandemic, all budget sessions, commission meetings and work sessions have been recorded. Those recordings are available to the public on our website. My opponent has only attended a half-dozen meetings and only one of the 23 budget sessions. He’s not been present for budget hearings in the last seven years. This hardly has earned him experience.

I also have aligned my political beliefs with the Republican Party and have participated and volunteered for more than 30 years with them. I do believe in the “bicycle approach,” meaning when you lean too far left or too far right, you tend to lose your balance.

I’ve great concern about my Democrat opponent who refuses to list his political party affiliation on his website, social media or campaign signs.

PUBLIC TRUST: Not only am I accountable to you. Please know that it’s really hard making the difficult decisions because it inevitably affects relationships. But in the end, I have to look at myself in the mirror and know that the right decision was made for the right reason. Admittedly, I’ve not been perfect, but I choose to learn from those mistakes and vow to never make them twice.

FOCUS: There’s a reason early trappers told the pioneers to settle here. Weber County is the crown jewel of this state. I BELIEVE in US and our CHILDREN. My focus has been and will continue to be to do the right thing based on what the grandchildren of our grandchildren will enjoy in the years to come.

CONCLUSION: I’ve loved learning and giving back. For those who want to know more, please visit my website, www.VoteJimHarvey.com.

Public office is a wonderful educator. Thank you also to my many teachers and mentors who have taught me throughout my life.

Most of all, I want to thank my kids and my sweet wife, Jane, who has supported and sustained me though this wonderful journey. She is the real champion of our home and I’m so fortunate to have you as my forever Ku’uipo.

Jim Harvey is a member of the Weber County Commission. He currently is seeking reelection.