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Guest opinion: Why the Weber Fraternal Order of Police endorsed these candidates

By Staff | Oct 17, 2025

Ryan Aston, Standard-Examiner

A North Ogden resident submits their ballot at a drop box located at the Weber County Library System's North Branch on Aug. 12, 2025.

As President of the Weber Fraternal Order of Police (Weber FOP), I want to share our endorsements for this year’s municipal elections — and explain why these candidates reflect the kind of leadership that strengthens our communities.

The Weber FOP represents law enforcement professionals across Weber and Morgan Counties. Our members serve in every type of city — from Ogden’s urban neighborhoods to smaller, close-knit towns like Harrisville, North Ogden, and Pleasant View. Every day, we see how local decisions shape public safety, community well-being, and the ability of city employees to serve effectively.

Our endorsements are not about politics. They’re about leadership, partnership, and accountability — identifying individuals who respect public service, communicate openly, and prioritize the safety and stability of the people they represent.

A Tradition of Open Community Debates

For several years, the Weber FOP has organized nonpartisan public debates across the county to encourage transparency and civic participation. These events give residents the opportunity to hear directly from the people running to lead their communities.

Each debate is moderated independently by local debate coaches, often joined by students from the Weber State University and Weber High School debate programs under their coach’s guidance. The moderators ensure a fair, balanced, and unbiased discussion. While our organization develops and collects questions — including those submitted by community members — the moderators are responsible for adjusting questions as needed to avoid repetition and maintain a neutral flow of discussion.

We also provide an open-mic portion so that residents can ask questions directly to candidates. These debates have become a valued tradition, allowing voters to see candidates answer difficult questions in their own words. I encourage every voter to watch the debates — all of which are available online — and make an informed decision this election season.

Harrisville City

In Harrisville, we proudly endorse Michelle Tait for Mayor. Mayor Tait’s leadership has been calm, professional, and grounded in respect for others. She listens, treats people fairly, and approaches challenges with sound judgment. Her experience and steady leadership continue to provide stability and confidence for Harrisville’s future.

North Ogden City

For North Ogden, we endorse Tera Carney and Jay D. Dalpias for City Council.

Tera Carney has been an associate member of the Weber FOP for several years, dedicating countless volunteer hours to support our mission of strengthening relationships between law enforcement and the communities we serve. Her compassion, energy, and unwavering commitment to first responders and their families demonstrate the type of leadership that builds community trust.

Jay D. Dalpias has shown professionalism, respect, and balance throughout the election process. While our direct history with him is limited, his willingness to engage, listen, and communicate thoughtfully reflects the qualities North Ogden needs in its city leaders.

Ogden City

Ogden is the heart of Weber County — a city full of pride, diversity, and opportunity. It’s also a city that benefits from experienced, steady leadership — people who collaborate with administration, represent residents fairly, and maintain open relationships with public safety.

We are endorsing Flor Lopez (District 1), Ken Richey (District 3), Marcia White (At-Large Seat A), and Bart Blair (At-Large Seat B) for Ogden City Council.

Flor Lopez was respectful and open to discussion when approached. She showed genuine interest in understanding the work of public safety professionals and expressed a sincere commitment to continued engagement. Her approachable and thoughtful nature will serve her district well.

Ken Richey, one of Ogden’s younger council members, has demonstrated honesty, integrity, and a willingness to learn. While his outreach has been limited, he has engaged with first responders several times and shown respect for their service. His professionalism and balanced temperament make him a positive influence on the council.

Marcia White is the most consistently engaged member of the Ogden City Council with the Weber FOP. She regularly initiates discussions, seeks clarification before acting, and maintains open communication with city administration. Marcia’s balanced and informed approach reflects a genuine commitment to serving the interests of both residents and employees.

Bart Blair has long been a steady, dependable voice for Ogden. He listens, researches, and approaches decisions with fairness and practicality. Bart’s emphasis on transparency and teamwork has helped strengthen the city’s relationships with both the community and its workforce.

Together, these candidates represent stability, accountability, and collaboration. They’ve maintained transparent and constructive relationships with city administration while staying connected to the residents they represent. Ogden needs leaders who can balance progress with unity — and these candidates have demonstrated that ability.

Pleasant View City

In Pleasant View, we endorse Steven Gibson for Mayor. Steven was one of the most engaged and approachable candidates throughout the debate process. When his opponent was unable to attend our forum, he insisted that the open-mic portion remain open, giving residents the opportunity to ask questions and hear directly from him. That decision reflected transparency, accountability, and genuine respect for the people he seeks to represent.

The Broader Message

Across Weber and Morgan Counties, our goal remains simple: to build trust between law enforcement and the communities we serve. That trust depends on leaders who listen, communicate, and act with fairness.

The candidates we’ve endorsed earned our support through their actions — by engaging with the public, demonstrating professionalism, and showing respect for the people who serve their cities.

I encourage every voter to learn more about these candidates, watch the debates, and make an informed choice. The strength of our communities depends on leadership that listens, collaborates, and keeps the focus on what unites us.

Darick Fisher is the president of the Weber Fraternal Order of Police. For more information, contact the order at Weber@WeberFOP.org.

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