PARK CITY, Utah — In a significant political move, Meredith Reed, the current president of the Park City Board of Education, declared her candidacy for the Summit County Council on Monday. Reed, who has served on the school board since her election in 2022, is seeking to leverage her extensive background in military service and public education to address pressing community issues such as housing, transportation, and future planning. Her campaign focuses on what she refers to as "thoughtful, healthy collaboration," a principle she believes is essential for effective governance. Reed articulated her vision for the county in a statement, emphasizing the importance of approaching critical issues through collaborative dialogue. "We have a series of critical decisions ahead of us," she stated. "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." Her military experience is extensive; Reed served as a commissioned chaplain in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, where she was primarily stationed at Landstuhl Medical Center in Germany. There, she provided pastoral care to wounded service members returning from deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. This experience not only fostered her leadership skills but also deepened her commitment to community service and advocacy for vulnerable populations. After concluding her military service, Reed transitioned to supporting wounded warriors and military families in senior leadership roles at the national level. In 2017, she returned to Park City, where she became a small business owner and realtor with Coldwell Banker, further embedding herself in the local community and economy. Reed’s presidency on the Park City School Board has not been without challenges. Her tenure has coincided with various controversies, including environmental concerns surrounding the Treasure Mountain demolition site and the abrupt departure of Chief Operating Officer Michael Tanner amid investigations into compensation and remote work arrangements. Additionally, she oversaw the transition from Superintendent Jill Gildea, who retired in 2024 under community scrutiny, to the current superintendent, Lyndsay Huntsman. Despite these challenges, Reed has focused on governance that prioritizes strategic planning and student-centered outcomes. As school board president, Reed has made it a priority to incorporate community feedback into budgetary decisions, stating, "Leadership matters. Organizational management matters. The quality of leadership directly affects how residents experience local government and the services it provides." Her campaign for the county council aims to extend this philosophy, promoting responsible growth while balancing the diverse needs of the community and collaborating with other governmental entities. Reed currently holds a four-year term on the Park City School Board, which extends beyond the upcoming county council election cycle. This unique position allows her to maintain her influence in educational matters while also addressing broader community issues at the county level. In addition to her roles in education and military service, Reed is an active member of the Park City community. She serves as the programming director and board member of the Park City Rotary Club, where she focuses on initiatives that promote community welfare and engagement. She is also on the board of directors for the Park City Chamber of Commerce, contributing to the local economy and business development strategies. As Reed embarks on her campaign for the Summit County Council, she emphasizes her commitment to fostering collaboration among community stakeholders. She aims to bring her extensive experience in both governance and community service to the county level, addressing the pressing issues facing Summit County residents. Her candidacy reflects a growing trend of local leaders seeking to make a difference by transitioning from educational roles to broader public service positions. With the election date approaching, Reed's campaign will undoubtedly focus on rallying support from constituents who share her vision for a collaborative and well-planned future for Summit County. As she addresses the complex issues of housing and transportation, her military background and educational leadership may provide a unique perspective that resonates with voters looking for effective governance in their community. In a political landscape that often emphasizes partisanship, Reed’s approach to collaboration may offer a refreshing alternative, potentially repositioning the county council as an entity more in tune with the needs and aspirations of its residents. By fostering dialogue and seeking consensus, Reed hopes to bring about the thoughtful, community-driven changes that Park City and Summit County require as they navigate the challenges ahead.