Editor’s Note: The columns under “Another Look” on this page are part of a series by or about candidates who will be on the June 28 primary election ballot in Sanpete County.
Written by Scott Bartholomew
Having served as a county commissioner for the past nine years and having chaired the commission for the last five, I have a unique perspective on the “State of the County.”
I understand the importance of maintaining our quality of life as well as preparing for the future. As a lifelong resident of Sanpete, I have been fortunate to raise my family here. My wife, Lila, and I have five children and 14 grandchildren, who all share our love for the county. I recognize and support family-friendly, family-sustaining, agriculturally and economically viable communities.
I learned early in my career the value of hard work and getting a job done. I worked 45 years at the Gunnison Telephone Company, and I continue to be a farmer and cowcalf operator. I have a strong commitment to supporting our local businesses and fostering their growth as well as supporting agriculture in our county.
I have devoted much of my life to service in Sanpete. Prior to serving as commissioner, I served as the mayor of Fayette for two terms and city councilman for three terms. I was also a water canal president for 20 years. These experiences gave me first-hand knowledge of the issues facing our small towns and an extensive knowledge of water, which is so needed in this time of drought.
I have served as a teacher at the Gunnison Correctional Facility for 15 years, with two years of teaching the 12-step program. This has been challenging but rewarding. It has enlightened me and given me a unique perspective on how substance abuse and other life changing choices can affect our overall quality of life.
As a commissioner, my duties have included membership on the mental health and public health boards; supervision of the county landfills and roads in the south end of the county; and liaison with our emergency medical services (EMS), fire and sheriff ’s departments.
I have been a board member of the Six County Association of Governments; representative on the Utah Community Impact Board (CIB); member of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Committee; and chair of the Mayors and Commissioners working group.
Additionally, I have promoted a new health department building, new fairground restrooms and the remodel of our Children’s Justice Center. I continue to work on bringing water to our county via the Narrows Project with funding committed by the Central Utah Water Conservancy District in the amount of $5 million.
I am also keenly aware that decisions and obligations come at a cost. I am always mindful of the budget and its impact, positive or negative, on our county residents. I pledge to always put our citizens’ needs first.
I was humbled and grateful to be elected as the Republican Party’s nominee at the county convention, and I would very much appreciate your continued support and vote in the upcoming primary election.
I would be honored to continue my role as commissioner for our great county. I genuinely care about Sanpete and the well-being of the wonderful citizens who live here.
Scott Bartholomew was appointed to fill Seat A on the county commission in December 2013. He was elected to full terms in 2014 and 2018, and is now seeking his third full term on the commission.
