Washington Terrace voters to pick a mayor, two City Council members
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- Incumbent Mark Allen, left, and Brett DeGroot are vying for mayor of Washington Terrace in elections this cycle. Voting culminates Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021.
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- The four candidates for two Washington Terrace City Council seats are, clockwise from the top left, Jeff West, Larry Weir, Nathan Howard and Jill Christiansen. Voting culminates Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021.
WASHINGTON TERRACE — The electoral campaign in Washington Terrace surged as an issue last month when a former member of the City Council came under fire for apparently pressuring a city resident to register to vote.
Blair Brown, not up for election himself but campaigning on behalf of two other City Council hopefuls, ultimately stepped down from his city post over the matter and has since been replaced. Campaigning went on, though that controversy died down, and now Washington Terrace voters have to decide for themselves who to select.
In the race that was at the center of the controversy, four candidates are vying for two City Council seats coming open, incumbents Larry Weir and Jeff West along with Nathan Howard and Jill Christiansen. Washington Terrace residents also have a mayoral race to decide, between incumbent Mark Allen and challenger Brett DeGroot.
Here’s a look at the candidates, starting with the mayoral hopefuls:
Mark Allen: Allen, who has served as mayor since 2000, touted his efforts on the city’s behalf as leader.
“I have worked hard as mayor, along with our great city staff, to secure over $19 million in grants and donations over the past several years. I work tirelessly representing Washington Terrace on the local, regional and state level,” he said in a campaign statement posted to the Utah Lieutenant Governor’s Office website, a clearinghouse for such statements.
He also noted the many boards and committees he serves on, associated with the Weber Area Council of Governments, the Wasatch Front Regional Council and many other groups.
“I pledge to continue to be caring, capable and committed to Washington Terrace and its residents,” said Allen, a retiree.
Brett DeGroot: DeGroot, a supervisor with Weber Area Dispatch, which handles emergency 911 calls, noted his deep roots in Washington Terrace. Things change, and he indicated he’d offer a new approach to leading the city.
“Washington Terrace has been through a lot over the years and the world is drastically changing,” he said in a campaign statement. “While I think our best days lie ahead, Washington Terrace needs a leader with fresh thinking that not only understands those challenges but can help our city adapt and progress along with the changing environment.”
He grew up in the city and said he remains committed to it. “I’m committed to giving back and making it a safer and more secure place for all of us,” he said.
The two top vote-getters in the City Council races will win the seats coming open. Here’s a look at the four candidates:
Jeff West: West, seeking his second term, puts a focus on “smart and effective economic development,” high-level service from the city “without increased costs” and public safety.
He also touted his work experience as a small business owner and consultant for software companies. “I have managed implementation projects, customer service and development teams. My career has also included management of international business partnerships and business development,” he said.
Larry Weir: Weir, seeking his second term, touted his involvement in civic matters, including eight years on the Washington Terrace Planning Commission before his election to the City Council.
“I have been a member of the (Washington Terrace) Parks and Recreation Committee, involved with Terrace Days back in the late 1990s early 2000s and organized the 5K run and 2K walk,” said Weir, who’s retired. He went on: “I am looking forward to continue serving the citizens of Washington Terrace and helping to shape the future of our great city.”
Jill Christiansen: Christiansen, a homemaker, noted her community involvement.
“She eagerly looks for ways to help her neighbors and city,” a statement from the candidate said. She’s helped with scouting groups and has volunteered for a local educational nonprofit for the last six years, serving most recently as treasurer and a member of the group’s board of directors.
Washington Terrace “is a wonderful community where she intends to raise her family and continue to find ways to contribute,” her statement reads.
Nathan Howard: Howard, a network engineer, said he’d work to address the interests of all residents.
“I want to continue to see this city grow, and I also want to see this city keep and maintain its roots and continue to be a great and safe neighborhood. I want to see parks that provide a safe escape for residents. I want all of us to feel safe and happy here,” he said.
In the flare-up last September, Brown became the focus of scrutiny after a tenant in a property he owns revealed that Brown had pressured him to register to vote in a series of conversations and in a text message.
The Utah Lieutenant Governor’s Office, which oversees elections in Utah, looked into the matter, kicking it back to local officials to handle. After Brown, who was in his third term, stepped down, though, city officials opted not to pursue additional action in the matter.