County government is the least understood level of government, although it could be argued has as much or more direct impact on one’s daily life than any other level of government. A good resource to learn about various functions of county government can be found at https://www.youtube.com/@uacvideo.

The County Commission serves as both the legislative and executive branch of county government. Davis County commissioners oversee a county of about 380,000 residents, 1,200 full- and part-time employees, and an overall budget of $200+ million.

2. What unique qualities, attributes, skills, and experiences do you possess that make you the best candidate in this race?

As a former Davis County Commissioner, Bret brings firsthand knowledge of county government, its departments, budgets, and the long-term effects of policy decisions. His institutional knowledge and experience will provide informed, accountable decision-making from day one.

Bret’s additional professional experience includes Assistant City Manager, managerial roles with the 2002 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and service on numerous boards.

What Bret brings to the position of Commissioner:

• Experience & Institutional Knowledge: Understands County operations, asks right questions to avoid unintended consequences.

• Taxpayer Stewardship: Budgets responsibly, eliminates unnecessary expense’s, accountability, strategic expenditures that provide a return to taxpayers.

• Stable Leadership: Professional, steady service focused on solutions rather than conflict.

• Independent Leadership: Makes decisions based on Davis County residents’ interests rather than partisan agendas.

• Collaboration & Civility: Works constructively with other elected officials, community leaders, and residents despite disagreements.

• Long-Term Planning & Strategic Implementation: Prepares for future growth and infrastructure needs while considering the county’s five-, ten-, and twenty-year future; not just what is politically expedient today.

3. Please explain your priorities if elected, as well as why you believe you are uniquely capable of achieving those priorities.

Key areas of focus:

1. Scrutinize the budget and set a long-term vision and strategy for a stronger financial foundation.

2. Temper the divisiveness that has plagued the Commission office the last couple of years.

3. Transparency through enhanced communication with county leadership, employees, cities, community partners, and most importantly residents. Skills required to achieve are outlined in previous question.

4. Please describe how you view the importance of compromise in politics and provide an example from your own experiences that highlights your perspective.

Bret understands that there are different perspectives and often multiple ways of getting from point A to B, and society would never progress without compromise. He is quick to remember that the U.S. Constitution would have never been written and ratified without compromise.

During the 2015 Legislative session an HB362, an overarching transportation funding bill was being debated, part of which could provide a mechanism for additional transportation funds for counties and cities. During the early discussions, there had been a loose agreement between cities and counties on the revenue split in slight favor to cities. As the bill progressed there arouse a serious dispute between cities and counties that jeopardized the bill from even moving forward. Bret along with then SL County Mayor Ben McAdams representing counties interests compromised with cities and honored the original agreement. The compromise was for the greater good.

5. How will you balance the views of the vocal public, your political party, and your own understanding and knowledge as an elected representative?

This election isn’t about political parties. It’s about who is best prepared to serve the citizens of Davis County.

As an unaffiliated candidate, Bret is not beholden to a particular political party and its ideology. Bret questions whether the office of County Commissioner should even be partisan. Our local City Councils and Mayors are not partisan. When elected Bret will be a steward of an office and will study the issues and make decisions based upon what is in the best interests of the residents of the county both in the immediate and with consideration to future generations. Bret doesn’t make decisions based upon personal political expediency

6. What is the best way for readers to contact you and/or get more information about your platform?

People over politics! Experience over partisanship! Results over rhetoric! www.bretmillburn.com