In a significant political contest shaping the future of Wasatch County's administrative landscape, Park City Recorder Michelle Kellogg is challenging incumbent Joey Granger for the position of Clerk-Auditor. As both candidates prepare for what promises to be a competitive race, they emphasize their unique qualifications and visions for the office, which plays a crucial role in the county's governance. Michelle Kellogg, a long-time Heber City resident and currently serving as Park City's recorder, brings a wealth of experience to her candidacy. Having worked for nearly eight years in Heber City prior to her decade-long tenure in Park City, Kellogg is eager to leverage her background to enhance the operational effectiveness of the Clerk-Auditor's Office. "I believe my experience managing a range of public records and overseeing city council meetings uniquely positions me to serve Wasatch County effectively," Kellogg stated. The Clerk-Auditor's responsibilities encompass a broad spectrum of duties, including overseeing all countywide elections, maintaining financial records, and ensuring transparency in governmental operations. With an emphasis on public trust and effective communication, Kellogg aims to prioritize voter engagement and education. "My goal is to increase voter turnout by ensuring that everyone understands the processes and requirements for participation," she said, highlighting the upcoming changes in identification verification that will affect voters across the state. Kellogg's campaign began in earnest when she filed her candidacy on January 2, the first day of the filing period. She is particularly focused on the changes in ID verification laws that will soon be implemented, which require voters to provide more detailed personal identification on their ballots. "I want to ensure that voters are informed about these changes well in advance so that confusion doesn’t result in rejected ballots," Kellogg explained. This proactive approach to communication is something she believes sets her apart from her opponent. On the other side of the race, Joey Granger is seeking a full term after winning the seat in a special election held in 2023. Granger, who has served in the role for five years after being appointed for a half-term, contends that her work is far from complete. "I’m just getting started," she remarked, expressing her commitment to modernizing the office and improving service delivery to residents. Granger's initiatives have focused on reorganizing staff roles and enhancing efficiency, which she believes has improved public service. Granger has also worked diligently on financial oversight, aiming to clean up the county's financial records and ensure responsible fiscal management. "It’s crucial that we maintain transparency and accountability with taxpayer dollars. I’ve made it a priority to improve our financial practices and ensure we are serving the public’s best interests," she said. Both candidates recognize the importance of communication in their roles. Granger, who also aims to enhance public outreach, stated, "Providing clear and accessible information about our services is essential, especially as our county grows rapidly. I want to ensure that the community knows what resources are available to them." Looking ahead, the Wasatch County Republican Party will convene a convention in the spring to select the party's nominee, a process that could lead to a primary election if neither candidate secures 60% of the delegate vote. Both Kellogg and Granger have the option to gather signatures to prompt a primary election, adding another layer of competition to the race. The stakes are high not only for the Clerk-Auditor position but for various other local offices up for election this year, including three County Council seats, the county attorney, the sheriff, and two board seats for the Wasatch County School District. Additionally, four candidates are vying for a position in the Utah House of Representatives District 59, which covers Wasatch and Summit Counties. As the election season heats up, both Kellogg and Granger are focused on rallying support within their party and presenting their visions for the future of Wasatch County. Voter engagement, transparency, and efficient public service are at the forefront of their campaigns, setting the stage for an important decision in the upcoming election. With each candidate bringing a distinct perspective to the table, Wasatch County voters will have a critical choice to make as they head to the polls. In conclusion, the contest between Michelle Kellogg and Joey Granger for the Clerk-Auditor position is more than just a local election; it reflects broader themes of governance, public service, and community engagement that resonate throughout Wasatch County. As both candidates prepare for the challenges ahead, they remain committed to serving the needs of the residents they aspire to represent.