Meredith Reed, the current president of the Park City Board of Education, officially announced her candidacy for a seat on the Summit County Council on Wednesday. Reed, who has dedicated her career to public service and community engagement, emphasized her commitment to effective governance and community well-being as the cornerstones of her campaign. In her announcement, Reed stated, "We have a series of critical decisions ahead of us. It’s important that we view issues like housing, transportation, and future planning through a lens of thoughtful, healthy collaboration, which has been the hallmark of my career in the military, in private and public industry, and in elected and volunteer community service." Reed's candidacy comes at a pivotal time for Summit County, as the local government grapples with pressing issues such as responsible growth, housing affordability, and transportation infrastructure. In her campaign, Reed aims to foster a healthy discussion focused on these challenges, emphasizing the need for collaboration with other governmental organizations to address the competing needs of the community. "I look forward to engaging with residents about the issues that matter most to them," she said, highlighting her desire to create a dialogue that reflects the diverse perspectives within Summit County. Elected to the Park City School Board in 2022, Reed is currently serving her four-year term with a focus on enhancing public education and prioritizing community feedback in decision-making processes. "I’m proud of our board’s collaborative approach to placing importance on community and taxpayer feedback as we determine budget allocations," Reed remarked. Her leadership has focused on improving student outcomes and building community trust, demonstrating her commitment to transparency and accountability in governance. Reed brings a wealth of experience to her candidacy, having served as a commissioned chaplain in the United States Air Force Reserve. During her military service, she was primarily stationed at Landstuhl Medical Center in Germany, where she provided pastoral care to wounded service members returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. This experience, she believes, has equipped her with the skills necessary to navigate complex community dynamics and support those in need. After her service, Reed held senior leadership roles at the national level, focusing on supporting wounded service members and military families. Upon returning to Park City in 2017, Reed transitioned into the private sector as a small business owner and realtor with Coldwell Banker. This shift provided her with unique insights into the challenges faced by local businesses, further reinforcing her commitment to community engagement and economic development. In addition to her role on the Board of Education, Reed is actively involved in several local organizations. She serves as the programming director and a member of the board of directors for the Park City Rotary Club, as well as on the board of directors of the Park City Chamber of Commerce. As president of the Park City Board of Education, Reed has emphasized the importance of strategic planning and responsible governance. "Leadership matters. Organizational management matters," she stated, underscoring the direct impact of effective leadership on residents' experiences with local government services. Reed believes that when local government officials lead with integrity, transparency, and thoughtfulness, the entire community benefits. Reed's announcement has been met with interest from local residents, many of whom are eager to see how her leadership experience and commitment to collaboration will influence her approach to county governance. As the election cycle heats up, Reed is poised to be a significant contender in shaping the future of Summit County. In conclusion, Meredith Reed's candidacy for Summit County Council signals a commitment to addressing the critical issues facing the community. With her extensive background in public service, education, and leadership, Reed aims to foster a collaborative environment that prioritizes the needs and values of Summit County residents. As voters prepare to cast their ballots, Reed's vision for a responsive and effective local government will undoubtedly resonate with those seeking positive change within the county's governance structure.