These are notes I took last night at Republican candidate night. I’m a bad typist so any mistakes are my fault. It has taken several hours to fix this. I’ve tried to be as accurate as possible. Ask questions of the candidates for any areas of confusion.
The event was sponsored by Cspoa.org. the Facebook page is Hillcrest meetings
County commission:
Tom Sakeivich (UT county commissioner candidate)
- Lived in Utah 20 yrs. I remember when highway I15 was two lanes. Served in the marine core 35 yr. wife and me. Responsibilities were overseeing peacetime training, stopping drugs.
- I was in marine core’s executive board. I was responsible for several regions (over several states and global responsibilities. My responsibility was to streamline efforts. Counterdrug operations. 2001 involved with forces in Iraq.
- I know how to restructure an organization, what can be improved and what does needs to stay as is.
- Collecting agency> giving tax subsites. 35 yrs. deferring tax. We use tax incentives to bring economic developments for areas that need help.
- Need to do three things.
- Our population is growing faster than the infrastructure like roads. Currently, the time to drive from UT ct to SL is 30 min. in the yr. 2025 it is expected to be 90 minutes. Utah CT will be like Salt Lake county in 30 yrs.
- We need to call and involve state representatives.
- Look at UT county budget. Currently, it is $85 million. Sherriff office needs 51 million. We are losing deputies because of pay. We need to restructure how much state sends to the county we work on. What do we do with the money we currently have? Needed for infrastructure, sewer, water
- Take care of problem issues.
- I’ve worked with city mayors and city councils on a regular basis.
- Q: What are your duties? Has legislative and executive authority to work zoning laws. The focus is on land. As the executive, I oversee land use and make sure the infrastructure needs are met.
- Q: Do we need five commissioners? UT count has three full-time commissioners. If commissioner works with cities they don’t need a big staff. Work on land development outside of the city.
- Q: What are your feelings of BRT? Rapid transit: worried that BRT. Thought there was a better way that it would not be so expensive. Need mass transit system due to expected growth. Like smaller UTA buses, uber and other solutions. The government should concentrate on services that private citizens could not provide.
- Q: what do you know of Ut County owning the FBI $2 million? I am unaware of it.
- Q: when you take the oath for County commission who do you give it to? Take an oath to the 4th district judge. And to the people.
Tanner Ainge: (UT county commissioner candidate)
- Live in Alpine. Married for 13 yrs. and have five kids. Worked in venture capital. Help business project finance future and law school.
- I love UT County. We have all the ingredients for a long-term success.
- Campaign: with everything going so well I don’t want to do any harm. Our success is influenced by strong families and education, churches and non-profits have a strong influence.
- We need to invest in our infrastructure. If we wait we can’t take advantage of our growth
- Second; make sure we do all we can to get people to sober and back on their feet. Saves lives and save dollars.
- Q: what do you know of Ut County owning the FBI $2 million? I am unaware of it.
- Q: what is the proper role of county government? Central functions for government work well. Public safety, criminal justice, planner transportation.
- Should the UT county commission expand to 5 members? I support it. Utah county will surpass grown of SL. Having five commissioners, we can diverse by representing different areas of the county
- Q: what are your feelings of rapid transit verse private sector solutions? I want to have BRT be as successful as possible. It can take congestion off the roads. It’s right and fair to have competition. If one bus system runs lower cost than county bus system, we need to have an explanation why they charge higher. There is lot of interest in Utah County from out of state employers. We are going to have a lot of growth. My goal is that to make BRT as efficient as possible.
- Q: Why did you join so late as a candidate for the 3rd district representative? He had not heard about Chavez plan to resign until late.
- Q: What are you feelings of world government agencies using Agenda 21 policy to control condensing citizens into living into high population areas? We need to preserve our green space. We need to plan for that higher population.
- Q: How to protect external influences on politicians. I’ve never felt any external influence.
- Q: what are you feelings about taking Federal money? We take federal dollars to accomplish things in our county. We take money for county health department. A lot comes from state and federal funds. Want to use those funds as effectively as possible.
County attorney:
David Leavitt:
- I grew up in cedar city. I am fifth of six boys, attended BYU in English and then law. Have seven kids, practice law for 27 years
- I’ve been a city and county attorney, criminal attorney private and in public practice spent eight yrs. I was an elected prosecutor 10-12 yrs. Had a private practice for citizens against government burocery.
- Levitt institute: created geared to education: (http://leavittinstitute.org/)
- 1991: first criminal case. I am concerned for the mentally ill. Finding solutions that help society and the individual is not a cookie cutter approach. It is important to understand the criminal process toward the mentally ill.
- I was county attorney in Juab County. One case, I saw photos of a beaten woman. Something did not feel right. I investigated it further. Found out that the woman beat herself. Why: because you won’t stop husband for internal beating so I created the external beating.
- Once case was of a theft in the desert. Guy dismantled a crane (there for 30 yrs.). The client thought it was abandoned. Told thief to pay money made from sell to the owner of the crane.
- Need the backbone to tell police no.
- Run because there has been too much of abuse(?) between police officers and attorney.
- Want to distinguish with victims of crime. We need to distinguish between crime influenced by society and an individual criminal.
- We need to look more closely at the individual doing the crime. For example: 18 yr. old caught with drugs. Could have had him labeled with a felony. Asked what he wanted to do with his life? He wanted to join the coast guard. I had him join them. Give pay stubs to your father. Paystubs at week 28 the guy became a sergeant. After 38 paystubs the crime will be dropped.
- Bully in one town with long term and multiple offense of abuse and crime. Attorney will see him in prison.
- We don’t need another county attorney. We need is a prosecutor who has experience, reasoning, judgment, who is not looking for just a remedy. Train the other attorneys.
- There is an insensitivity of individual cases. Need to treat each case with what each individual deserves.
County attorney:
Chad Grunander:
- Worked in criminal with chiefly 35 attorneys and 28 prosecutors with 6 in the civil division. Worked in the instigations bureau, with paralegals. I oversee 85 % of the office.
- Worked Dr Mrneill(sp) case as the prosecution. The case was highly profiled in the media.
- 520 population and we’ve had up to 14 homicides.
- Grew up Spanish fork lived in UT county whole life.
- Have support Federal order of police,
- I’m trying to create a division of civil abuse court.
- Focus on special victims unit.
- My goal is getting serious about drug offenders. 70% of crimes are drug-related in some fashion. Many thefts occure to support a drug addiction. We need to give them help sooner.
- Legislative outreach: priory to work with local leglators to get effective laws to be effective. There was a case of an assisted suicide. Person helped kill a 16 yr. old girl. Assisted suicide law created that assisted suicide is marked as manslaughter.
- Community outreach: attorneys are passive in police investigation. Try to get in front of problems. Going to school and discuss cyber safety. Effects of drug use. Go to senior assistant homes> warn of internet homes. Don’t give out SS numbers.
- Reach out to school superintendents for community outreach and school visits.
- Q: Is the seat belt law constitutional: yes it is constitutional?
- Q: Do you support jury notification: don’t support. It already exists (jury already has the ability to convict) If the jury decides to throw the case out. Juries can do this if they like the criminal because he or she dresses nice.
- Q: How many cases have you’ve prosecuted. 3 K felony and 2 K misdemeanors. Special victim’s smaller in a smaller number.
- Q: Are you comfortable to support prosecute a federal official who breaks the laws? I don’t recal the answer. I assume yes.
- Overseen 28 attorneys, 35 additional support staff. Chief Deputy. > 70 staff
- Victims’ rights are very important. Keep them informed.
- Each case goes through a screening process until to see if it meets standards of proof with unreasonable doubt of a crime. Good faith belief that jury will convict. If there is insufficient proof will not press charges.
- Need healthy relationships with law enforcement with attorneys. 35K cases each yr. many decanted on a frequent basis due to lack of evidence.
- Q: How would community outreach funded? It would require little finances requirements other than refreshments. Attorneys already assigned to a departments. We are salaried employees and already work over 40 hours a week.
Office of sheriff:
Jim Phelps:
- Don’t want SL issues to come down to UT County. Know about drug problems. Sexual predators. Traffickers.
- I will protect your rights. I have a proven records. I know the limit and rights of other federal agencies. I’ve stood up. Sherriff is the only elected office in the country.
- I’m a firm constitutional.
- I don’t agree with civil forfeiture (to take lands).
- Q: what would you do if Thema came in to confiscate weapons during a disaster. I would arrest anyone who comes in to take weapons.
- I objected to Blanding over reaction of crime that causes a doctor to commit suicide.
- Q: What were you feeling of how the Bundy situation? I object to actions of BLM. The sherriff should have intervened on the Bundy case. He could have prevented an escalation. Help craft leglatition to strip BLM’s authority.
- Take an oath to uphold the constitution: I make an oath to the people. That oath means everything to me. I don’t answer to the federal government.
- Q: Is driving a right or a privilege? is more of a right than a privilege. Make sure that the individual is qualified to drive a car. If people abuse privilege should have that right removed.
- Q: How handled a police officer who is out of control? They need to be stopped (I think he said this)
- Q: What do you think of the csopa police organization. If I become sheriff, I will be a member.
- Q: How to get UT county to not take more money from federal. Its goes as a bribe.
- Q: What is different between you and your opponent? Most significant between me and opponent, I am more of a constitutional sheriff. My opponent objected to land acquisition. I know how to prevent real grand. Know how to fight against domestic terrorism:
- I will preserve your rights.
- Want to empower the citizens of the city. Want to have programs in place so that citizens feel empowered.
- Victims of violence: want to provide some free training. Will use retired police officers are happy to work with citizens.
- Q: What does protect and preserve means: preserve our constitution as it is written now. I don’t want an article 5.
- Q: how do you feel about constitutional carry? I believe in constitutional carry.
- Around the country: seen an increased militaristic of police departments.
- Like police to interact with schools
Mike Smith:
- 18 yrs. on UT County swat team, Team leader and operational commander.
- Spent six yrs. as a reserve deputy. Taking shift when officers were absent
- Currently chief of police in pleasant grove.
- Have a degree in criminal justice, graduate FBI national academy.
- Interested in community oriented projects.
- Due to the national increase of anti-police sentiment. We have less police applicants.
- Safe city’s influence by community policing programs. Honorary citizens who are business people. Function as a booster club. They help fun raise to get needed equipment.
- Citizens can help police officers.
- Get citizens to help. Meets and greet.
- Stream line arrest process so an officer is not spending over an hour booking someone so they can get back on the street sooner.
- Who do you make an oath to as sheriff? I’m elected by the people.
- An opinion of Bundy: if the Federal government is violating of citizens. I will stand up to them.
- Q: If thema comes to confiscate weapons what would you do? Bush created a law that it wouldn’t happen again.
- Q: How do you like http://cspoa.org? I like Sheriff Clark.
- Q: Is the seat belt constitutional? wear a seatbelt
- Q: What you do to an uncontrolled police officer. I worked in internal affairs. Officers are people when they make mistakes they need to be accountable. We need to be transparent.
- Q: Is driving is a privilege? We lose it if our violate law.
- Q: Would you take federal grant? A bullet vest cost $1K each. There is a grant that will get it at half the cost. Be careful of string attached. If I pay taxes, want some to come back.
- Honor oath: preserve oath: to integrity. How to protect victims who could be abused. Uphold the constitution.
- Q: School protection? We’ve been working with schools, walk through a program for a response.
Do you have something to add? If you do, please share in the comment section of this blog.
Notes from a guy named Carl:
I first saw David Leavitt’s campaign video a few days ago, and I’d like to share my thoughts on this with everyone. As you may know, I have worked in the Utah County Attorney’s Office for the past few years. It is disappointing that Mr. Leavitt, in this video and others, continually tries to paint a negative picture of Chad Grunander and the attorneys in our office.
In this video he claims that our office “park[s] criminals in jail — with no thought of helping them become better people” to boost our conviction rate. That couldn’t be further from the truth, and it hurts to hear someone make that claim. Balancing the interests of rehabilitation of offenders and protecting society is one of the most difficult aspects of my job. However, it can also be a rewarding aspect of my job. Twice in the past six months I have been called by a offender who I prosecuted and was thanked for helping them turn their life around.
Another specific interaction I have had with a Defendant within the past few months is with a man named David. David is homeless and had been arrested several times for criminal trespass. I recognized David from having seen him on the streets around town. I looked carefully at the police reports and followed up with the officers who had made arrests. David has never been found to be possessing drugs or weapons or stolen property. David does have a mental illness. Seeing that David needed help more than he needed jail, I have worked with the Provo Food and Care Coalition, Sheriff’s Deputies, and Wasatch Mental Health to find help for David. I have bought food with my own money and given it to David when I have met with him. I have spent personal time off the clock to visit David in the place where he usually sleeps to make sure he’s OK.
My experience is that our office already works hard to balance rehabilitation of offenders with the other purposes of prosecution and criminal consequences: community protection, specific deterrence, etc. We do this through established programs that are proven effective in rehabilitating offenders. Don’t buy into the story that is being put forward here.
If anyone has questions or would like to speak further, I’d be happy to answer your questions.
got this email:
As I have gotten to know Jim Phelps, who is campaigning to become the next Utah County Sheriff, I have been impressed by his experience, from the local cities, to the county, to the federal government.
He has served in the wide range of law enforcement responsibilities including drugs, gangs, warrants, internet crimes, court and prisoner operations, crimes against children, violent crimes, as well as other duties.
Jim recognizes the problems that could infect the County and is enthusiastic about the opportunities to stop crime from migrating to Utah County from surrounding areas.
Jim Phelps has a personable nature and works well with others to protect the communities where he has served. He’s a hard worker and has been successful in his career.
For these reasons, and his vision for the security of Utah County, I endorse Jim Phelps, and encourage your support to help elect Jim for Utah County Sheriff.
Representative Kay Christofferson
Got this from Ryan M/.
Reason #1 to Vote for Chad Grunander:
He is unquestionably the most experienced candidate. Chad has prosecuted for 14 years. He has handled some of the most complex and difficult cases Utah has ever seen. For example, the Martin MacNeill case was the most complex homicide trial in Utah for at least 2 decades. Chad and his team did an amazing job and secured the conviction of an evil man.
Chad has trained prosecutors throughout the State on homicide and expert witness issues, he has trained police officers, and is a resource drawn on by attorneys and law enforcement throughout the county. There are few attorneys in the state with the experience Chad has.
Chad is not “puffing” his experience either. You can google his name and find a half-dozen high profile cases without much work. If that weren’t enough, Chad’s support says a lot. I have never seen someone so widely endorsed by community leaders. Endorsements by retired judges are unheard of in my experience – and two have endorsed Chad. Chiefs of Police, law enforcement associations, victims, leaders of treatment facilities and programs, mayors, legislators – even defense attorneys, all support him. His endorsement page says a lot.
got this email candidate Mike Smith for Sheriff
“We can no longer let the disconnect between law enforcement and the communities we serve erode our ability to keep our children and communities safe. Working together with you is my passion and my pledge to you. Please join me in making Utah County a safer place for all of us.” – Mike Smith
Dear Utah County Residents,
The County Sheriff is the only elected law enforcement official in the state. This is important because it makes the Sheriff directly accountable to the people. It requires candidates to bring new ideas and fresh perspectives and to listen to the concerns and desires of the people.
I bring a fresh perspective to review policies and procedures for efficiency and effectiveness. As Chief of Police I have worked with a very tight budget, made tough decisions and been innovative in solving problems.
I also bring a commitment to building a strong partnership with you, the people, to make our schools, neighborhoods and communities safer. In Pleasant Grove we’ve proved that working together makes a difference. Let’s work together to make a difference for all of Utah County.
I HAVE A BROAD RANGE OF BOTH LAW ENFORCEMENT EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION.
I am unique among the candidates in that I bring together the experience working in all three areas of expertise that will bring a new perspective to the Sheriff’s Office. I have city police, county sheriff and federal law enforcement knowledge and experience that will help me understand and approach all the unique needs of our growing county.
Experience
Serving as the Pleasant Grove Chief of Police since 2012 and as a police officer for 24 years. Knowing what our city police departments work with and face every day is important because they are on the front lines and work closely with the County Sheriff’s Office which often has more resources and specialties that our cities need on an ongoing basis.
Worked as a Reserve Sheriff’s Deputy in Utah County for six years and served on Utah County Metro SWAT team for 18 years, where I began my service as Entry Team Operator and later served as Team Leader and Forward Operations Commander for the 12 years.
Strong commitment and continued work to keep our schools safer. I was a key adviser in the formation of the Active Shooter Protocol for the Utah State Board of Education. I have also helped run Active Shooter training scenarios in Washington, Summit, Canyons and Grand School Districts.
Key designer of a training plan for the Utah County Metro SWAT “Hell Week” and served as Lead Instructor. Our County Metro SWAT “Hell Week” is recognized as one of the world’s premier training opportunities as we see law enforcement from all over the U.S. and world coming to Utah County to attend this training.
Worked with the United States Marshal Joint Criminal Apprehension Task Force where I was sworn as a Special Deputy Marshall.
Trained and Graduated from FBI National Academy
Organized the first Tactical Medic Program for Utah County Metro SWAT to help protect victims, our team members, the public and even the offenders.
Education
Associate in Science Degree in Criminal Justice from UVU
Bachelor of Science Degree in Emergency Services Administration – Emergency Management from UVU, Graduated Magna Cum Laude
FBI National Academy Graduate with 4.0 GPA
Ballots will be mailed on June 5th and you can mail them until June 25th. You can also turn them in until June 26th at 8 PM at drop off locations. Here is a list of dropoff locations throughout the county.
I would love to hear your questions and concerns. Please contact me at 801-645-8922 or email me at Mike@MikeSmith.vote. I ask for your vote and look forward to working with you to make Utah County and even better, safer place.
Mike
Got this email from Tom Sakievich
As commissioner I work WITH the county commissioners, mayors and city councils, our state executive and legislatures, communities, farmers, and ranchers to address three critical issues:
1. Review county tax revenue. That state revenue ensures our county infrastructure is ahead of an exploding county population – while keeping Utah County the Heart of Utah.
2. Economic Development (Employment Opportunities and Minimize Taxes). As Eagle Mountain City just completed (with support from state and county elected officers), use levels of tax incentives to attract companies to our county. Wisely use our resources, bring needed infrastructure, and wider employment options for our children – AND avoid raising taxes.
3. A Unified Commission. Unitedly work with cities and residents to build and retain their unique histories and cultures. Prepare now for a county population that will more than double in 30-years, and avoid wasting tax dollars, ensure water availability and new families have access to affordable homes.
Those in public service understand that constitutional government is limited, efficient, and reportable to the people. Public servants are accountable, our roles are to only faithfully serve our communities.
When you receive your Mail In Ballot this week,VOTE Tom Sakievich for Utah County Commission, Seat A. With your Vote I will be part of the solution.
May God continue to bless Utahn and this rarest of nations, the United States of America.
Tom Sakievich
http://www.tomforcounty.com
videos from tom:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8DqRuw3SSk
David Leavitt video:
https://www.facebook.com/DavidLeavitt4UTCoAttorney/videos/612062759171088/
Got this from Chad Grunander attorney candidate.
I’m Chad Grunander and I am running for Utah County Attorney. I was born here and my wife Amy and I are raising our four children here. I am running to keep Utah County safe for us and future generations.
Now is not the time to experiment with public safety.
Utah County is one of the fastest growing counties in the country and unfortunately crime has increased with our growth.
I have real courtroom experience and a vision for Utah County. I have personally prosecuted thousands of cases over the past 14 years, including cases ranging from murder to drug distribution, abuse of women and children to white collar crime, and everything in between.
I am the only candidate in the race who has spent significant time living here and practicing law here. I am currently serving as the Criminal Division Chief at the Utah County Attorney’s Office. I have supervised both the criminal and civil divisions of the office (more than 30 attorneys and 60 employees) with great success.
I am endorsed by police chiefs, Utah County Sheriff Jim Tracy, the Utah County Deputies’ Association, the current Utah County Attorney, the Fraternal Order of Police, local city officials and business leaders, and many others.
If elected as your county attorney, we will aggressively prosecute violent criminals and drug dealers, and better provide the required resources to rehabilitate drug addicts. I fully support specialty courts, including our drug, mental health and veteran’s courts and I am actively working to help create Utah’s first domestic violence court. My office was also instrumental in establishing The Other Side Academy, an alternative to incarceration where offenders learn life skills to break the cycle of criminality.
I will also work closely with our legislators to ensure that we have the necessary laws in place to better combat crime and we will educate the public through outreach programs to more effectively fight our opioid epidemic, the growing domestic violence problem, and teen suicide.
Together we will save lives.
I know Utah County. While raising my family and working here, I have established trusted relationships with judges, attorneys, mental health and drug treatment professionals, officers, victims, and many of you. I pledge to serve everyone.
Please take a few minutes and visit electchadgrunander.com or follow me on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/electchadgrunander/) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/electchadgrunander) to get to know me better.
I respectfully ask for your vote in the upcoming Republican primary on June 26th. Your ballot will arrive in early June.
Best,
Chad
(801) 317-3357
Peggy B shared this news article on Jim Phelps,
https://www.deseretnews.com/article/865581095/Apprehension-team-reduces-size-shifts-focus-amid-criticism.html
email from Mike C about Chad, Utah county attorney
I invite everyone to read and share my thoughts.
I support and am voting for Chad Grunander for Utah County Attorney. Let me tell you why.
Everyday I am blessed with the opportunity to watch the prosecutors and defense attorneys work in the best interest of justice for the citizens of Utah County. I watch as the members of the county attorneys office balance 1)victim’s rights 2) justice 3) rehabilitation for the offender. I’m touched by the passion, and compassion shown by the attorneys on both sides. While our legal system is adversarial in nature, they work for the best interest of all involved.
Recently it was said about the Utah County Attorney’s Office they only care about their conviction rates and “parking people in jail.” Nothing is furthest from the truth. I watch them offer opportunities to people I have seen walk through the jail for years. Sometimes I listen thinking “ugh just send him/her to prison already.” However, they offer opportunities like The Other side Academy, The Red Barn, Annie’s House, Steps, RISE, and many more. Everyday, I watch as the prosecutors work to help balance justice and mercy. And everyday, I’m honored to be apart a witness of the balancing act.
Along with this, I have had the chance to walk Chad Grunander himself, work. I have watched as his office rally to support him. Defense attorneys talk about their support and admiration for him.
Of the two candidates we have for Utah County Attorney, the one candidate who will be there for the victims, and has the real experience is Chad Grunander.
Please message me with any questions.
Please share this post.
Got this email from Jim Phillips (Candidate for Utah County Sheriff)
Dear Utah County voter,
The Utah County Republican Convention is now behind us, leaving us with two candidates for Utah County Sheriff.
While the race for sheriff may not be considered as glamorous as some of the more high-profile races, I would contend that it is a race that will affect you more than you may realize.
We have several issues, public safety related, that affect our crime rate and therefore our very way of life. I have spent my 30-year career gaining experience in the areas that affect the sheriff’s office. I have managed large budgets, organized and lead multi-agency task forces, and have overseen statewide inmate populations regarding federal inmates housed in seven different county jails.
How does this experience affect you and your family? The way we enforce the laws matters. The discretion and conduct of our officers and deputies matter. The way we care for our law enforcement officers matter.
My vast experience leading hundreds of officers from dozens of agencies has given me the opportunity to learn and know where the profession is strong, and where we need help.
I firmly believe that we need to have an efficient and effective review of our structure, spending, inventory, and outlook before any discussion of a tax increase begins. I know how to make effective use of your tax dollars. I served on a specialized audit team that evaluated these marks inside the U.S. Marshals Service around the country.
Your tax dollars are precious and should be spent wisely. I should be able to account for every dollar spent and provide an explanation as to why it was spent.
Out of all the experiences that I have been privileged to be a part of over my career, the most critical one that I have had is spending the last several months with the families in this great valley. Learning your feelings and experiences with law enforcement shows me that we truly have an interested and knowledgeable citizenry that understands it’s rights and that are supportive of law enforcement.
When ballots hit your mailbox in about a month, I want you to ask yourself if my experience will be an asset to the county, your family, and you. I look forward to serving you as your sheriff.
Sincerely,
Jim Phelps
Republican Candidate for Utah County Sheriff
Tom Sakievich for Utah County Commissioner
https://www.facebook.com/tomforcounty/videos/2038621659736475/UzpfSTI5MDAyODkwOjEwMTAxMDA0NTUwNDM5OTUx/
email from Tanner Ainge, candidate for state commissioner
Dear Utah County Voter,
It is time to check your mailbox and cast your vote in the Republican primary election. You can send it in beginning today and at the latest your mail-in ballot must be post-marked by June 25th. Alternatively, you may vote in-person during the early voting window (June 19-22) or on election day (June 26).
Near the bottom of your ballot, you have a choice to make for Utah County Commissioner, Seat A. This is an important race for the future of our county. Please take a brief moment to review my website and/or some of the info below as you prepare to cast your ballot.
Ready to Lead.
With Tanner’s business experience and financial acumen he will bring a valuable skillset to oversee our county budget in a fiscally responsible manner. Tanner received his B.A. from BYU and his Juris Doctor from Northwestern University School of Law. His work as a venture capital investor and an executive of a large, publicly-traded healthcare company will bring a fresh, results-oreinted perspective to the County Commission.
Invest in Our Future.
In the next 25 years, the population in Utah Valley will double. Now is the time to make the necessary investments in our transportation infrastructure and carefully plan to preserve our quality of life through this phase of rapid growth.
Values Matter.
The values of our community have a great impact on our future. Hard work, family, honesty and integrity describe the people of Utah County. We need to expect the same from our elected officials. Tanner will restore good ethics, transparency and accountability to County Commission Seat A.
Utah County is an incredible place to live, work and raise a family. Let’s keep it that way.
Tanner Ainge
Lisa S
videotaped debate of county attorney:
https://www.facebook.com/lisamshepherd/videos/10156680506019645/
another source of the debate that may have all sound:
https://www.facebook.com/DavidLeavitt4UTCoAttorney/videos/622834788093885/
Mark A email about candidate for sheriff Mike smith:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10156441438600879&set=gm.1762313300494754&type=3
note from Joe D of Jim Phelps for Utah County Sheriff
I’ve known and worked with Jim for almost 5 years now. Jim is the most honest, understanding, compassionate -yet firm, dedicated law man I know. In my 12 years in both local and state law enforcement I’ve known a lot of men and women in the profession. Jim is hands down one of the elite. I highly encourage all my South County family and friends, especially those in Elk Ridge (which is a contract city) to become involved, do the research on the candidates and make a smart decision. Pass the word to your neighbors and friends! Utah County is at a cross roads right now. With the rapid increase in growth comes an influx in crime. Jim will know how to address this in a reasonable, rational and compassionate manner.
interview with jim phillips (Sheriff candidate) from Beau B
https://www.facebook.com/beau.babka/videos/1662284903885628/UzpfSTE2ODU0OTg3MjgxNzYyMTI6MTc2NTc1NTIyNjgxNzIyOA/
Skyler B
Utah County Attorney candidates spar about Martin MacNeill case during pre-primary debate.
https://www.heraldextra.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/elections/utah-county-attorney-candidates-spar-about-martin-macneill-case-during/article_0725fc21-964e-57a9-910f-72f33a1af84c.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=user-share
Zach A about Chad G (for attorney)
This endorsement was unanimous, and represents hundreds of law enforcement officers working in Utah County.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1685498728176212/permalink/1766691533390264/
got this email from candidate Chad Grunander, for county attorney.
A New Vision for the County Attorney’s Office
When you vote, you need to know you are voting for a candidate who has a plan for success. For years at the Utah County Attorney’s Office I have watched our community grow, watched our crime rates rise, and I have seen what has worked and where we can improve. If elected I will aggressively pursue these improvements.
1. Focus on rehabilitation; Focus on serious crime.
There are 14 open homicide cases in Utah County and hundreds of violent offenses. There are dozens of open drug distribution cases, many with links to cartels. Addiction is the cause of most of the crime in Utah County. By focusing on rehabilitation, particularly of low-level offenders, we can get ahead of crime. I will expand our drug courts, which have the highest success rates but are constantly full. I will utilize and expand programs like “RISE (formerly “Chain Breakers”) and The Other Side Academy – both innovative programs which help drug users get back on their feet, get jobs, and learn life-skills. The leaders of these organizations support me and are open to our needs.
Not only does this focus offer the best chance at getting ahead of crime, it frees up resources. Low-level drug users won’t be fighting their cases because they’ll be going into treatment instead of jail. This will allow prosecutors to focus on the most serious cases: cartels bringing drugs into our community and violent offenders. I will add attorneys to our Special Victims Unit, which prosecutes crimes against the most vulnerable victims and I will ensure cartel level offenders and homicide cases get the attention they deserve.
2. Collaborate with Law Enforcement
The County Attorney cannot be successful alone. The combined efforts of all far exceed the individual efforts of any one agency. Our Major Crimes Task Force and Special Victims Task Force are prime examples of how each city benefits from working together.
I will meet regularly with the Chiefs of police and establish common goals and priorities. I will ensure law enforcement officers have regular training from the attorneys at the County Attorney’s Office to keep them updated on changes in the law and ensure they are honoring the constitutional rights of each citizen.
I have the relationships with law enforcement to execute this plan and work to improve the quality of life of every citizen of Utah County. I am the only candidate who has the endorsement of law enforcement: including the current Utah County Sheriff, Orem and American Fork Chiefs of Police, the Fraternal Order of Police, the Utah County Deputies Association, and many boots-on-the ground patrol officers.
3. Collaborate with Legislators
The County Attorney’s Office has been all but invisible to our legislators. Myself and several other prosecutors spent time meeting with legislators this last session and we were well received. We successfully pushed legislation which improved the manslaughter statute and the juvenile justice act. This kind of meaningful input is essential to our Utah County Legislators, but it has been absent in the past. If elected I will give our legislators the input they need to succeed in their important work.
4. Involve the Community
You, the public, need to know about public safety risks and trends as they are happening. I will keep you informed through open access to my office and open access to the press. I will hold press conferences to discuss public safety issues. The County Attorney’s Office currently has no social media presence; I will change that.
I have reached out to school officials and they are excited to have involvement from the County Attorney’s Office to help educate our youth on issues like cyber safety, healthy relationships and avoiding abuse, drug abuse, and understanding the criminal justice system. I have partnered with the director of Hope4Utah, Greg Hudnall, a suicide prevention organization, to work together to prevent teen suicide. I will use the trends I see in law enforcement to educate our youth and others in the public.
I am confident that as you review my plan, you will see that it addresses the issues we face, it is realistic, and that I have the relationships in place to be successful. Unfortunately, my plan will not save everyone but a pro-active plan will save many, and if it saves just one life, it will be a success.
Please look through my website for additional information on my plan, my qualifications, and the input of those who have worked with me.
I look forward to working with you to make our community a better, safer place.
Sincerely,
Chad Grunander
email from Christine S. about concerns of county attorney David Leavitt
I had hoped not to make any more election posts, but after last night’s Utah County Attorney debate, I find I can no longer remain silent. Full disclosure, I support Chad Grunander and I am currently an attorney working at the Utah County Attorney’s Office. From the beginning of the campaign Chad’s opponent, David Leavitt has based his campaign on false information about the policies and procedures in our office. My colleagues and I have tried many times in person and online to correct the misinformation and the response has been to tell us we are wrong, call us trolls, and delete our comments from his Facebook page. I had decided to let it go and focus on Chad’s experience and plans for improvement, but the voters have a right to know the truth before making a decision. I don’t know where Mr. Leavitt is getting his information, but he seems more interested in politicking than the truth.
Screening cases: After officers complete an investigation, they refer the case to the county attorney’s office to be screened for charges. There are three attorneys who screen cases full time and three who do it part time. These are the general felony cases (drugs, theft, white collar crime, and some violent crime). These attorneys read the reports, review audio, video or other evidence and determine if the admissible evidence warrants filing charges. They file over 3500 cases a year, which means they screen far more than that. Despite Mr. Leavitt’s claim, we do not “rubber stamp” what police send us. Many cases are declined or returned for further investigation. There are also five attorneys on the Special Victim’s Unit who screen their own cases. I am one of those attorneys and my caseload consists of sex crimes, child abuse, and domestic violence. I haven’t counted how many cases I screened in the last year, but my active caseload is about 150. My colleagues all carry similar loads. Like the other screening attorneys, I do not file every case I screen. There are a variety of factors I consider when screening a case, which I won’t get into here, but I will tell you it takes me hours, and sometimes days to screen these cases. Why? Because the victims and suspects deserve that kind of time and scrutiny from me. I understand that whatever my decision is, it is life changing for those involved. I know I speak for every one of my colleagues when I say that we do not take what we do lightly and are not cavalier in our decisions.
Mr. Leavitt’s campaign claim to screen every case himself, is an empty campaign promise. Even if it were physically possible for one person to screen over 4000 cases, he would not be giving them the diligent, careful examination they deserve. He has not prosecuted a case since 2002 and did so in a county with a population of 8,000 people and only 150 felony cases a year. When there are only 150 cases, it is possible for one person to screen them, when there are 4,000, it is not.
Resolving cases: After a case is screened, charges are filed, and the court randomly assigns the case to one of 10 judges. Two attorneys are assigned to each judge, so once the case is assigned to the judge, it is assigned to an attorney. From then on, it is the prosecuting attorney’s case and they decide based on the individual circumstances of each case and each defendant what an appropriate resolution is. These decisions are made considering factors such as accountability for the offense, the rehabilitative needs of the offender, and public safety. Of course there are policies in place to both give guidance and provide consistency. Every large prosecution office, any large law firm, any large business, etc. has them. Unlike Mr. Leavitt’s claim, however, the prosecuting attorney does not have to go through a screening team for approval of proposed resolutions, and sometimes resolutions outside of policy are made, depending on the individual case.
His claim that the prosecutors at the Utah County Attorney’s Office are only looking for conviction notches to add to their belts is both wrong and insulting. Sit in on any court’s law and motion day (they are open to the public) and you will see prosecutors addressing the rehabilitative needs of offenders with resolutions involving drug court, mental health court, veteran’s court, UCAP, Atherton House, The Other Side Academy, The Red Barn Academy, and many other alternatives to incarceration. In fact, the Utah County Attorney’s Office was the first prosecutors office in the state to support The Other Side Academy. We sent them their first students, and offenders from our jurisdiction continue to be the majority of their student population. Look them up online and you will be impressed, as we are, with their model and success, which is why they have our full support. Do we offer these resolutions in every case? No, because our primary, statutory responsibility is to public safety.
Mr. Leavitt also claims our prosecution skills are lacking because we don’t have a defense attorney’s perspective and are, therefore, subject to their tricks and tactics. First, there are several attorneys in our office who have done defense work. Second, I work with defense attorneys everyday. The overwhelming majority of them are good, honest people who follow both the law and rules in zealously advocating for their client. The system is an adversarial one, they have their job and I have mine, but the system works when we all do our jobs ethically and by obeying the rules. The “tricks and tactics” referred to by Mr. Leavitt are employed by a small number of defense attorneys. They are nothing more than gamesmanship and have no place in the criminal justice system. I don’t need any help recognizing them, I know when someone is not following the law and rules. I also don’t need Mr. Leavitt’s help in figuring out tactics to combat these tricks, because I refuse to engage in that kind of behavior. It is unethical and everyone, both victims and offenders, have the right to fair proceedings.
Office make up: There are currently 34 attorneys in the office, 28 are assigned to the criminal division and 6 to the civil division. The work of our office is not 50% criminal and 50% civil, which is why the workforce is divided as it is. The civil division attorneys in our office have over six decades of experience between them. They know what they are doing and do a fantastic job representing the commission, the county departments, and doing the civil work of the county. The County Attorney is over them, and consults with them, but generally relies on their experience. Mr. Leavitt has incorrectly asserted that Chad has no civil experience. In 2013, Chad was over the civil division, and as the current criminal chief still consults with them regularly. Chad also has civil experience as a member of the Provo Board of Adjusters and the Provo Board of Appeals. If Chad is elected will he do the work of all 6 civil attorneys? Of course not. You don’t need to do the work of the attorneys to supervise them.
It’s basically the difference between a small town doctor, or attorney, who does a little bit of everything, but is not specialized in anything, and a specialist in a large hospital or large law firm. Lawyers, like doctors specialize. When you go in for brain surgery, you don’t want a doctor who knows a little bit about the brain, a little bit about the heart, and a little bit about anesthesiology. You want each specialist to be an expert at their job, because what they’re doing is important. When a major corporation wants a contract, do they have someone who does a little bit of contracts, a little bit of criminal law, a little bit of wills and trusts, and a little bit of divorce? No, they get someone who has specialized in corporate contract law. Mr. Leavitt hasn’t prosecutes a case nor represented a county since 2002. When he did, he supervised two part time deputies in a very small county with a small population. The Utah County Attorney’s Office serves a population of more than 618,000, and nearly all of the 34 attorneys have more experience in their specialty than Mr. Leavitt. I have tried more special victims cases in the last year than he has his entire career. Mr. Leavitt has tried one homicide case and did so with the assistance of the Salt Lake County District Attorney. We have 14 open homicides, including a potential capital case. In a large office, you want an experienced leader who hires and retains specialists, then lets them do their jobs, not a jack of all trades.
I’m sorry for the length of this post, but, unfortunately, there was a lot of misinformation to address. Please contact me if I can answer any questions.
Mail in ballots must be postmarked by June 25. I urge you to study the candidates and vote for experience and vision, not a recognizable last name and campaign rhetoric.
message from Poponatui S. about county attorney, David Leavitt.
For those undecided on County Attorney, let me shed a little more light on Dave Leavitt’s track record as an attorney.
1. This Deseret News article shows how careless Dave Leavitt was as Juab County Attorney and put the lives of officers and investigators at risk when he failed to file certain court documents protected but instead he filed them public. This small mistake tipped off several defendants that allowed them time to destroy their drugs/evidence, cover themselves up, and possible set a trap for officers executing warrants. Total fiasco and waste of all the investigators’ hard work as well as a waste of tax payer resources. This is the kind of unorganized carelessness we can expect from Dave Leavitt. More info about this story is here:
https://www.deseretnews.com/article/857309/Law-firm-draws-fire-over-Juab—drug-bust.html
2. As a defense attorney Dave Leavitt failed to conflict himself out from one of two co-defendants. This conflict of interest between a client and his spouse created problems at the trial setting resulting in very unethical behavior and threats from other defendant’s counsel for a bar complaint against Dave Leavitt. Essentially, the 10th Circuit Court of appeals has to remand the case back to the District Court to hold an evidentiary hearing to decide whether Dave Leavitt was “ineffective assistance of counsel” and grant the criminal defendant a new trial. The order from the 2014 10th Circuit case can be found here:
http://ca10.washburnlaw.edu/cases/2014/10/13-4103.pdf
So the point in all this…Dave Leavitt is a sloppy, unorganized, and unfit for office. His conduct in the 2014 Federal District Court case was unethical. However, Dave Leavitt has and continues to make allegations in efforts to smear Chad Grunander by claiming misconduct or unethical behavior, but when you live in a glass house you shouldn’t throw stones.
email from David Leavitt, candidate for Utah country growth
Hello Melva,
Utah County’s growth demands leadership on civil matters as well. It demands experience to advise our county elected officials on matters of property valuation, tax, infrastructure, contracts, county services and more. EVERY one of those matters affect every property owner and resident in this county. We are not being served as well as we should be in this critical role.
Yes, criminal prosecution is VERY important. I’ll be tough on crime and work productively with law enforcement. But the civil responsibilities side of the office will be even more important with the demands of growth. I want to lend my experience of advising County Commissioners, Boards, and Special Districts and help us be efficient with our policies and taxation through the next years of rapid and powerful growth.
Tough. Fair. Balanced. That’s what I will bring to the Utah County Attorney’s office. YOU can help me bring balance.
Please mail in your ballot postmarked by June 25th. Invite your friends and neighbors to vote, too.
Thank you,
David
email from Tom Sakievich, candidate for county commissioner.
Utah County is managed by hundreds, many serve 24/7. For many years county pay has fallen well behind the rate of inflation. County personnel, including deputy sheriffs, need to focus the needs of their families; many find work elsewhere. It’s becoming a serious condition affecting county services.
– We are the second most populated county in Utah yet we operate well below where we must be in funding. Businesses are coming to Utah County with additional tax revenue – but that won’t address our immediate needs. Raising taxes is one way to fix this issue – but another way should be considered.
– In hard times, or to expand sales, businesses will request banks to restructure loans. We could restructure revenue from the state and increase our annual budgets for wages, improved training, and equipment – without resorting to raising taxes.
We can be fiscally solvent, retain good people, and attract others in the process. We cannot fulfill our responsibilities if we don’t wisely look after those who serve our communities.
I intend to pursue this as your county commissioner.
Tom Sakievich