William Brett Vance, a Republican candidate for the at-large Seat A on the Wasatch County Council, has officially announced his candidacy, citing encouragement from friends and neighbors as pivotal to his decision. With a distinguished military background as a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot and test pilot spanning nearly 31 years, Vance emphasizes the need for a resurgence of conservative values in local governance. He believes that the current political climate has seen Republican candidates diverging from their core principles, often voting counter to the interests of their constituents. Vance's campaign is rooted in his commitment to 'America-first' values. "I’m running because it is clear to me that, at every level of government, we are seeing Republican candidates elected to office who often vote like they are from the opposition," he stated. This sentiment reflects a growing frustration among some voters who feel that elected officials are not staying true to the commitments made during their campaigns. Vance is adamant about representing the conservative views that resonate with the voters of Wasatch County, asserting that he is a trustworthy advocate for their interests. One of the primary challenges Vance aims to address is the rapid growth in Wasatch County, which he believes is not being managed effectively. As a resident of Hideout, he has witnessed firsthand the surge in construction and population growth. Vance expressed concern about the lack of a comprehensive plan to manage this growth while also protecting the environment. "My greatest concern is attempting to manage growth and protect the environment without following a well-conceived plan that takes into account the infrastructure needed for the doubling of our population that we expect in the next 30 years," he remarked. This foresight is particularly relevant as the county prepares for significant demographic changes. Vance's commitment to responsible growth management aligns with his interest in the upcoming update of the Wasatch County general plan. He believes that proactive planning is essential to ensure that infrastructure keeps pace with population increases. Furthermore, Vance has highlighted the importance of considering how growth will affect local facilities, such as the Heber Valley Airport. "Wasatch County needs to be a useful and supportive partner in this effort," he emphasized, indicating a willingness to collaborate with various stakeholders to support sustainable development. In addition to his focus on growth, Vance has expressed satisfaction with the county's current budgeting practices, which he describes as detailed and well-prioritized. He believes that the county's budgeting process is exemplary, having received awards for its effectiveness. Vance advocates for enhancing citizen engagement through media technology and public briefings, stating, "And in the effort to ensure an America-first approach to everything we do on the County Council, I’d like to see even more engagement with the voters." This approach aims to foster transparency and improve communication between the council and the community. Vance's campaign also touches on larger national issues, specifically the implications of immigration policies on local growth. He criticized what he termed 'open-borders' policies, suggesting that many cities across the United States have struggled with rapid population increases without adequate planning. He cautioned that without a steady hand on growth, Wasatch County could face similar challenges. Vance stated, "Many cities in the (United States) during the last four years have attempted to incorporate large additions to their populations with very poor results." Moreover, Vance's perspective on governmental efficiency extends to concerns about fiscal responsibility. He highlighted issues of fraud, waste, and corruption that may hinder effective spending at all levels of government. "We are learning now about huge fraud, waste and abused numbers and widespread corruption that are really hampering our ability to spend wisely," he noted. Vance believes that addressing these challenges is vital for the county to maximize its resources for the benefit of its residents. As he enters the race, Vance faces competition from fellow Republicans Rachel Kahler and Steve Farrell, as well as Democrat Patrick Saucier. The at-large Seat A position is for a four-year term, with a primary election scheduled for June 23, following nominations at the respective party conventions. Vance's focus on conservative values, growth management, and fiscal responsibility positions him as a candidate who aims to resonate with voters looking for principled leadership in Wasatch County. As the election approaches, Vance is gearing up for a campaign that he hopes will bring a new direction to the county's governance, emphasizing accountability, community engagement, and a commitment to the foundational principles that he believes should guide local leaders. With the stakes high in a rapidly changing demographic landscape, Vance's America-first platform seeks to address the pressing challenges facing Wasatch County residents.