Former Wasatch County Council Chair Karl McMillan resigned due to illness at the beginning of April, leaving the body with an empty seat.
Councilmember Erik Rowland said at a meeting Wednesday, April 22, it was up to the Wasatch County GOP to fill the spot.
“The name that was submitted to us is Michael Murphy,” he said. “All we need to do is entertain a motion to approve that nomination, and he will be appointed as the interim councilmember until the end of the year.”
Murphy will be sworn in on May 6 to represent Hideout, Timber Lakes and the eastern side of the county.
The Republican is running for a full term in the seat against Democratic challenger Joseph Tugaw.
He said at the county GOP convention he cares about keeping government local, promoting family-friendly policies and advocating for fiscal responsibility. He lives in Timber Lakes, works as a defense contractor and serves on the Wasatch County Planning Commission.
Also Wednesday, the council decided how to manage McMillan’s other duties.
Former vice chair Erik Rowland was appointed as the council’s new chairperson. Luke Searle will serve as vice chair.
The council also chose Rowland to represent Wasatch County on the board of the Military Installation Development Authority. His name will be submitted to the governor for approval.
