Ogden Valley City Council hopefuls for District 4 outline platforms ahead of primary election
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- The Eden area in the Ogden Valley, photographed April 4, 2022.
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- Ogden Valley City Council candidate Laura Warburton.
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- Ogden Valley City Council candidate Christine Brown.
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- Ogden Valley City Council candidate Heidi Gross.
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- Ogden Valley City Council candidate Chad Booth.
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- Ogden Valley City Council candidate Beau Rawlinson and family.
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- Ogden Valley City Council candidate Trevor Shuman.
The 2025 municipal primary election will be held Aug. 12, bringing with it the first opportunity for Ogden Valley residents to take part in the shaping of their new local government. During last November’s general election, Ogden Valley voters overwhelmingly supported incorporation and opted for a five-member city council to be selected by district and an at-large mayor.
Voters are now tasked with narrowing the field of candidates for the 2025 general election.
To help readers better understand their respective platforms and qualifications, the Standard-Examiner asked each City Council candidate a series of questions. Candidates were asked to provide answers of roughly 150 words. The responses from candidates in District 4 are presented below.
Some responses have been lightly edited for stylistic purposes or clarity. The Standard-Examiner did not receive a response from District 4 candidate Christy Veglia.
This feature is the final part of a series on City Council candidates; information about mayoral candidates will be published at a later date.
Chad Booth
What (if any) prior or ongoing political/organizational experience do you have?
“RAMP: I was part of the grassroots volunteer effort to pass RAMP in Weber County — a movement that has since funded parks, trails and arts programs throughout the region. Ogden Valley Land Trust: Current board member, where I help guide efforts to preserve open space and protect the rural character of our valley. Ogden Valley Incorporation: I have volunteered with local incorporation efforts, contributing to thoughtful conversations about governance, sustainability and responsible growth.”
Why are you running for this position?
“I’m running for Ogden Valley City Council because it’s the right thing to do. This valley is home — where I grew up, where my wife and I raised our family — and I believe protecting its future is a shared responsibility. The Ogden Valley General Plan, created through years of community input, has been largely ignored. That’s not acceptable.
“With incorporation, we have a rare opportunity to chart a new path — one that reflects the values, priorities and character of the people who live here. That kind of future won’t happen by chance. It requires thoughtful leadership, transparent decision-making and strong local voices at the table.
“These challenges we face aren’t unsolvable — they just require people who are willing to step up, offer their time and talents and put the community first. I’m ready to do my part, and I’d be honored to serve and represent the valley I’ve called home for well over 40 years.”
What do you think are the biggest challenges facing your municipality?
“Ogden Valley’s future hinges on three key issues: growth and land use, water and infrastructure and community voice. Growth is happening — but without consistent standards or community input. Sudden zoning changes and large-scale developments have ignored the Ogden Valley General Plan, sparking the call for incorporation. We need thoughtful land-use policies that respect our rural character, tie development to tangible community benefits and reflect local values.
“Water and infrastructure are equally critical. Growth must align with available resources. That means requiring water ‘will-serve’ letters before approving developments, protecting existing water users and ensuring roads, utilities and emergency services can support new projects.
“Lastly, the new city must prioritize transparent, resident-led governance. Regular town halls, open records and citizen advisory committees will help rebuild trust and keep decisions rooted in community priorities. These aren’t unsolvable problems — but they do require leadership willing to listen and act with integrity.”
If elected, what would be your priorities?
“Land use and zoning — I will work to ensure Ogden Valley grows in a way that reflects our values — not developer agendas. That starts with adopting and enforcing the Ogden Valley General Plan, clear zoning standards and firm growth boundaries tied to real infrastructure capacity. Form-based zoning needs to go away. TDRs (transfer of development rights) need to be addressed as they are being used in ways they should never be allowed to be used.
“Transparent governance — I’ll support town halls, open records and citizen-led advisory committees so local voices guide local decisions. Incorporation was about being heard — and I’m committed to building a city that listens, plans wisely and protects what makes Ogden Valley home.
“Water and infrastructure — water is our most limited resource. I will push for required ‘will-serve’ letters before development gets approved — something the county has failed to do. Roads, utilities and emergency services must also keep pace with proposed growth. We have got to do all we can to support and preserve our farms and valley agriculture. That is how we are going to preserve the beauty and rural nature of this valley.”
Where should people go to get more information about your campaign?
“https://ogdenvalleycitycouncil.blog/”
Christine Brown
What (if any) prior or ongoing political/organizational experience do you have?
“Fair Market Value and Property Tax Resolution — I drafted and submitted it for the Weber County GOP vote.”
Why are you running for this position?
“I love this valley. I care about the next generation. I want them to enjoy the rich heritage we enjoyed, to be able to buy land and build a home with grass, trees and gardens (and not be forced to live in condos). Owning a home is the most essential FREEDOM we enjoy in the United States of America. We need to preserve that right. I will forever be grateful to the man who created our subdivision, Fred Froerer (Buck’s dad). The land was affordable; the water was allocated evenly and fairly.
“We lived the American Dream of raising our kids on a small American farm. Please make that dream a reality for the next generation if you have land to sell. Don’t use it for wealth – sacrifice, as our forefathers did, who loved country and FREEDOM more than self. And lock the price so they cannot resell for wealth!”
What do you think are the biggest challenges facing your municipality?
“No. 1 — Healthy growth means valley kids can buy land and live in the valley.
“No. 2 — Preserving the beauty of the valley. Most important is the Heritage Farm by Pineview Reservoir, which allows us to see the beautiful mountains reflecting in the lake and other open spaces that we enjoy. Otherwise, development could prevent us from even being able to see the lake.
“No. 3 — Water. For 150 years, our water companies have effectively distributed the water. We know how much water we can expect to have in a given year. Approved contracts used to say the water stays with the land. Then, a developer could use the water allocated to that piece of property wisely and effectively. Don’t let realtors swipe your water in transactions.
“No. 4 — Property Taxes will depend on the budget we submit. Schools, Weber Fire District, etc., will remain the same, but the rest depends upon us.”
If elected, what would be your priorities?
“In order to make living in the valley affordable, we may need to reduce the minimum acreage for a home from three acres in many areas to one (as it used to be). I would encourage small homes rather than condos. And we may need to allow the Accessory Dwelling Ordinance to be utilized.
“We may also need to establish a water board made up of the water companies to resolve water issues. The water ‘companies’ are not really companies — they are the PEOPLE. We elect our water boards to care for the water lines and expenses. Water is not an issue of money and lawsuits. It is the life of the land. We need the old Trapper’s Loop Trail to stay accessible in case of extreme emergency, if all other valley access was to be cut off. And we need a new cemetery on the south side of the valley.”
Where should people go to get more information about your campaign?
“Email me and let’s talk. brownchristnej12@gmail.com”
Heidi Gross
What (if any) prior or ongoing political/organizational experience do you have?
“I have been a caucus chair, attended county and state conventions. Ran for Weber County School District Board Member.”
Why are you running for this position?
“I am running because I love this beautiful valley. I want to see reasonable growth that will reflect the character of the valley. Decisions need to be made in a reputable way that the community can feel like they have been heard. I want to encourage small family businesses and not large box style businesses. When it comes to taxes I aim to keep them reasonable so that we don’t lose good businesses and community members.
“I am a native of this valley who wants to see this valley maintain its small community feel, work ethic and integrity.”
What do you think are the biggest challenges facing your municipality?
“One of the biggest challenges we will be facing is having the budget to take care of the basics of the valley like roads, parks, buildings to operate out of, employees, etc. Water and growth would be the next big challenges.”
If elected, what would be your priorities?
“The first priority is to place ordinances that work hand in hand with the growth that will keep the rural feel of the valley, plus protecting the farmers and agriculture. Next would be establishing a feasible budget. Also, recreation and tourism is becoming a bigger issue.
“We need to create solutions that will generate funds to be able to cover the costs (roads, emergency care, litter, parking, restrooms and respecting private property) of those visiting the valley.”
Where should people go to get more information about your campaign?
“Facebook: heidigrossogdenvalleycitycouncil, hfyheidigross@gmail.com”
Beau Rawlinson
What (if any) prior or ongoing political/organizational experience do you have?
“While I may be new to the political arena, running my own business here and raising my family here has definitely provided me with the organizational skills that I can provide for the new city as a whole.”
Why are you running for this position?
“I decided to run for Ogden Valley City Council because this is my home, it’s where I grew up. Now, it’s where I am raising my children. Because of that, I want my children to have as wonderful of a childhood as I did growing up here. Particularly due to this first council being the beginnings of our government here, I believe that this needs to be done with great thought and care.”
What do you think are the biggest challenges facing your municipality?
“I believe that growth, land use and water are the biggest issues for Ogden Valley City, and you can’t talk about one without talking about the others. They are interconnected and all need to be discussed, examined and cherished so that all can be appreciated by everyone.”
If elected, what would be your priorities?
“One of the first things would be listening to the voice of the people of Ogden Valley City and giving them plenty of time and opportunities for them to express that voice, ensuring that both land and water are protected and not abused as they are the only resources we truly have. While growth and change are inevitable, doing so wisely and with prudence are vital.”
Where should people go to get more information about your campaign?
Trevor Shuman
What (if any) prior or ongoing political/organizational experience do you have?
“Served on the Ogden Valley Planning Commission for the last four years.”
Why are you running for this position?
“I’m running for Ogden Valley City Council to protect our community’s rural character and values through conservative, limited government. As a pro-family and pro-property rights advocate, I’m motivated by the need to preserve our family-oriented lifestyle and ensure local control after our incorporation. I want to advocate for responsible development and safeguard our valley from dubious lawsuits.
“My goal is to keep taxes low, protect property rights and maintain affordability for families, ensuring our children inherit a thriving community. With a commitment to fiscal responsibility and minimal regulation, I’ll prioritize transparent governance that respects property owners and strengthens family bonds. Ogden Valley’s new city status is our chance to chart a course that balances responsible growth with our unique identity, and I’m driven to lead with principles that put residents first, fostering a future rooted in freedom and community.”
What do you think are the biggest challenges facing your municipality?
“Utah’s newest city has many challenges — new development, managing short-term rentals and setting up a new government while curbing costs to avoid new taxes. Despite studies claiming we have the funds, prudence is required.
“As a conservative pro-family and pro-property rights candidate, I’ll advocate for judicious zoning that upholds owners’ autonomy yet mandates developer-funded upgrades; and impose rigorous, transparent budgeting to ensure accountability and fulfill resident expectations efficiently, while preserving low taxes. My past four years on the planning commission for Ogden Valley, I have voted with the residents and have a record of listening and advocating for doing the right thing.”
If elected, what would be your priorities?
“My priorities would be to build a conservative government accountable to the people, pursue pro-property rights development that is in line with community values, and maintain low taxes and efficient operations. I’d focus on transparent budgeting, working with partners and leveraging grants to meet resident expectations without hikes, ensuring affordability for families.”
Where should people go to get more information about your campaign?
“Reach out to me at Trevor4ov@gmail.com”
Laura Warburton
What (if any) prior or ongoing political/organizational experience do you have?
“Ogden Valley Planning Commissioner (2011-2019, reappointed 2025), two years as chair — first woman to hold the position. Signature on the current Ogden Valley General Plan. Weber County Board of Adjustments (2019-2025) — served six years, including two years as chair.
“Citizen advocacy and legislative impact — Authored some and helped to pass legislation for: parental notification (anti-bullying), SafeUT crisis and tipline system, homeless youth resources, national 988 suicide crisis line, state-mandated forensic autopsies for youth suicides, required suicide prevention training for behavioral health professionals, legal CBD/THC use for children with seizure disorders, increased suicide prevention funding for the Utah National Guard and compensation for spouses of exonerated inmates in certain circumstances. Stopped automatic land seizure for a bike trail in Ogden Canyon.
“Political Leadership — Utah GOP State Central Committee member (2011-2015), Legislative District 8 chair (2010-2014). In 2012, worked with the Utah GOP to develop and implement a statewide caucus training program, expanding into businesses and schools.
“Mental and brain health leadership — Huntsman Mental Health Institute, Parents and Family Advisory Council member, State of Utah Health & Human Services – Utah Brain Injury Council chair, SafeUT Parents Advisory Committee.”
Why are you running for this position?
“To keep our Ogden Valley rural and affordable for future generations. To protect what makes Ogden Valley special. To serve with transparency, accessibility and fairness. To be a strong, effective voice for the people of District 4.”
What do you think are the biggest challenges facing your municipality?
“The main concerns are overdevelopment, water shortage and fear of higher taxes.”
If elected, what would be your priorities?
“Water management. Adopting sound land-use regulations that are geared towards preserving our rural life. Find ways to fund our services, like road maintenance, without raising taxes. As an elected official, holding the line for fair and equal protection under the law.”
Where should people go to get more information about your campaign?
“https://www.laura4ogdenvalley4.com/“
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