Utah House District 4 represents Summit County (except Park City) as well as Morgan and Rich counties–including several diverse communities defined by their work ethic, agricultural heritage, and vital land and water resources. The state legislature makes critical decisions that directly impact the daily lives of residents across these counties, from housing affordability and public school funding to managing growth and protecting our water futures. Too many families in our district are getting priced out of the towns they grew up in, and our open spaces and water resources are under continuous threat. This position is vital because House District 4 needs an accountable representative who understands these local issues firsthand and will work stubbornly to ensure the Capitol answers to the people who live here.

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

As a five-generation Summit County native and former Mayor of Oakley, I have spent decades in public service. I served 40 years as a school district business administrator, managing public money and answering for every single dollar spent. Additionally, I spent over 20 years on the Oakley Planning Commission, a decade on the board of the Mountainlands Community Housing Trust, and have worked as an open-space conservationist to protect local farmland. I don’t just have a platform, I have a track record of proven, hands-on governance, financial accountability, and deep local knowledge grounded in the real work that keeps our communities running.

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

My platform is built on three core pillars: Accountability, Affordability, and Sustainability. First, I will bring transparency and financial stewardship to state governance, holding regular town halls across Summit, Morgan, and Rich counties. Second, I will address affordability by tackling housing costs and property tax pressures so families and seniors can afford to stay in the towns they built. Third, I will protect our clean water, open spaces, and rural character from unsustainable growth. My 40 years of balancing public school budgets, a decade of working on local housing solutions, and decades of municipal land-use management uniquely equip me to deliver pragmatic results rather than political posturing.

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

Compromise is not about abandoning principles; it is about finding practical solutions by focusing on what a community actually needs rather than picking fights for attention. In local government and school administration, getting things done requires showing your work, getting the facts right, and building trust across diverse perspectives. A clear example of this approach comes from my time as Mayor of Oakley when our town faced an urgent need for water. Rather than engaging in partisan rhetoric, we studied the problem, planned responsibly, funded it transparently, and drilled until we secured the water our community required. I believe the voice of the rancher and the conservationist can be one and the same when people come together around honest stewardship.

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

My primary obligation as an elected official is to answer directly to the constituents of House District 4, not to party bosses or outside interests. A representative should never be a mere rubber stamp for party leadership. When evaluating complex issues like water usage, taxes, and development, I rely on my four decades of experience managing public funds, analyzing math and data, and making tough calls in municipal planning. I will balance competing viewpoints by remaining accessible through frequent, open town halls and grounding every decision in whether it promotes fiscal accountability, protects our local resources, and helps keep life affordable for local families.

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

Readers can learn more about my platform, sign up for updates, or get involved by visiting zane4district4.com. You can also reach out directly via email at zane@zane4district4.com or connect with our campaign on Facebook and Instagram.