In a unanimous decision, the Summit County Council has appointed Canice Harte as its chair for the upcoming year of 2026. This designation marks a significant transition in leadership, as Harte takes over from Tonja Hanson, who served as chair during 2025. Roger Armstrong, previously holding the vice chair position, has been appointed to lead as vice chair once again, making way for a new dynamic in the council's governance. Harte's appointment comes as he continues to navigate his responsibilities as a council member representing District 5, which includes the communities of Jeremy Ranch and Pinebrook. The role of chair within the Summit County Council is multifaceted and includes a range of responsibilities such as orchestrating meetings, guiding policy discussions, and collaborating closely with the county manager and other officials to oversee county operations and address community needs. Harte expressed his deep appreciation for Hanson's leadership during her tenure, stating, “When I think about my time as vice chair working with you, I really appreciate how inclusive you were in letting me participate in this opportunity. I think you did a fantastic job as chair, and it’s going to be hard to even get close to filling your shoes, so I wanted to say thank you for your time and for all the extra effort you put into that.” Harte's journey to the council began in 2020 when he first campaigned for a council position but lost in the Democratic primary to then-incumbent Malena Stevens. Undeterred, he returned to the political arena in 2022, successfully winning a seat on the council that was then designated as Seat E. His campaign strategy resonated with voters, leading him to victory over Republican challenger John “Jack” Murphy with approximately 56% of the vote in the general election. As Harte prepares to lead the council, he faces the upcoming challenge of re-election. His seat will be contested in the November elections, where he will go head-to-head against Meredith Reed, a local real estate agent and the current president of the Park City Board of Education. Both candidates represent the Democratic Party, and the process to determine their candidacy will unfold during a caucus organized by the local Democratic Party this spring. The caucus aims to establish which candidate will receive the majority support among caucus voters. Should a consensus not be reached, a traditional primary election will ensue, allowing voters to narrow the field. Roger Armstrong, now vice chair, holds the distinction of being the second-longest-serving member of the Summit County Council. First elected in 2013, Armstrong has built a reputation for his long-standing commitment to the council, though he has announced that he does not plan to seek re-election when his term concludes in January 2029. His extensive experience will undoubtedly provide valuable guidance as both he and Harte navigate the complexities of council business in the coming year. The Summit County Council plays a crucial role in the governance and development of the community, dealing with various issues from land use planning to public safety and environmental sustainability. As Harte steps into the chair position, he is expected to prioritize collaboration among council members and engage actively with the community to address ongoing challenges and seize opportunities for growth. In conclusion, Canice Harte's ascension to chair of the Summit County Council represents not only a change in leadership but also a commitment to fostering an inclusive and effective governance structure. As the council prepares for the upcoming year, stakeholders and constituents alike will be watching closely to see how Harte's leadership will shape the future of Summit County. With community engagement at the forefront of his agenda, Harte is poised to make a significant impact during his tenure as chair.