politics

Scott Phillips Concludes Four-Year Term on Heber City Council

Scott Phillips wraps up his four-year term on the Heber City Council, passing responsibilities to Morgan Murdock. He reflects on his tenure, challenges faced, and future involvement in community service.

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Scott Phillips has officially completed his tenure on the Heber City Council, with his last meeting taking place on Tuesday. His term, which lasted four years, came to an end as he prepares to pass the baton to incoming council member Morgan Murdock, who will be sworn in on January 6, 2023. A resident of Heber City for the past two decades, Phillips has had a career as a financial advisor with Odyssey Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors. His interest in civic engagement is deeply rooted in his childhood, as his father served as the city manager of Vail, Colorado. Reflecting on his time in public service, Phillips expressed a newfound appreciation for the dedication shown by city staff, particularly during emergencies such as repairs to the city’s water infrastructure this summer. Phillips moved to Heber City in 2005 after living in Vail, which he found to be an unaffordable option. He began his path in community service through various organizations, including the Heber Valley Rotary Club, Wasatch Community Foundation, and the board of Heber Valley Hospital, ultimately culminating in a successful election to the City Council in 2021. Throughout his term, Phillips tackled numerous city issues, emphasizing notable projects such as a significant water and sewer replacement initiative on the east side of downtown, along with successful dispute resolution with the Heber Valley Airport operators. He also oversaw the construction of city roundabouts and improvements to public communications between the city and its residents. In June, Phillips announced his candidacy for mayor, citing disagreements with incumbent Heidi Franco regarding leadership and communication styles. Despite receiving nearly 47% of the vote in the recent election, he lost to Franco, who garnered a little over 53%. After the contentious campaign, Phillips remains uncertain about his future in elected office but is focused on spending quality time with family and continuing his community service efforts. He plans to stay involved with organizations such as the Rotary Club and the Heber Valley Chamber of Commerce, while also seeking roles on advisory boards to further participate in shaping the community. Phillips reflected on the changes in Heber City over the past two decades, noting its transformation into a resort-like community and the resulting demographic shifts. Despite the challenges, he maintains an optimistic outlook for the city’s future, believing that its best days are ahead if managed appropriately.