Snyderville Planning Commissioner Malena Stevens has announced she is running for a seat on the Summit County Council this year.
She's the second member of that planning panel to throw her hat in the ring.
Stevens said she is a Democrat, and it’s likely she will run for the Council seat being vacated by Kim Carson.
Two other Council seats are on the 2020 ballot. They’re occupied by Doug Clyde, who has said he will run again; and by Roger Armstrong, who has said he’s undecided but is leaning toward a re-election bid.
Stevens said if Armstrong didn’t run, it’s possible she would vy for that position. But she said at the moment, she’s running for Carson’s Seat A on Council.
Stevens said she has seen changes impact the Park City area, as an 8-year resident, a member of the Snyderville Commission (where she is now Chairwoman), and as an executive assistant with the Park City Police Department.
She said the community is at a critical juncture on a number of issues.
“We have a lot of issues with transportation and traffic mitigation that a lot of regional partners are working on. And I think with a different perspective, that can be helpful in those matters, as well as just growth in general, housing—both affordable housing, and just various housing product-types. We’re seeing that that can be an issue with some of our seniors that want to stay in the community, but struggle to find housing that is suitable for what they need at this time. So I really want to make sure that for my little boy, in 20 years, that he can have a thriving, amazing community to stay in there as well.”
She said she hopes today’s children can continue to live in an amazing area.
Her announcement means that she would be running against fellow Snyderville Commissioner Canice Harte for the Democratic nomination for Carson’s seat.
She said though he will be her competitor, Harte would be a great addition to Council. She said they get along well and respect each other.
“We do have some different approaches and different views on things. So I think ultimately it will come down to who the most of the public resonate with—if people resonate with Canice’s ideas versus my ideas. And I think it’s important to the political process that people are given choices and given options. I believe that Canice and I are both options for this seat, and it will come down to those ideas.”
Stevens did say that she and Harte have had different experiences.
“I have worked for local government for six-and-a-half years, as well as served on the Planning Commission, worked with non-profits. And I have a degree in local government policy, a Masters in Public Administration. I know Canice has a lot of experience on the business side and with non-profits.”
Summit County Council candidate Malena Stevens.
The filing window for federal, state and local races in Utah this year runs from March 13th to the 19th.
