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 Steve Frischknecht
As a former Sanpete County commissioner, I know what it takes to serve as a commissioner. It is very time consuming and requires that you are available, sometimes on very short notice.
You must be willing to meet with numerous groups, committees and organizations, such as, the Utah Community Impact Board, Six County Association of Governments, County Fire District, Road District, planning commission, etc., etc., etc. (too many to mention).
You must attend many meetings out of town, usually at your own expense. Many counties hire a manager for the day-to-day operations, which relieves some of the pressure on the county commissioners, but that is an expense that Sanpete County can not afford, so everything falls back to the commissioners with the help of our capable county employees.
I have worked with Mike Bennett on a number of issues including the county fair. Under Mike’s leadership, our fairgrounds are better than ever, and he’s not done yet. He has plans to get a cover over the seating in the arena and provide more eating places.
He has always made himself available to address any issue that may come up. He is definitely a problem solver. Mike Bennett is a hard worker and has the skills for most anything. He will work to make Sanpete County better.
Mike understands the need for planned growth that will serve the needs of our county and municipalities, and protect our way of life. That planned growth includes sufficient water, power, infrastructure and good roads. He is a good listener and will engage the public.
Mike loves our mountains and wants to protect them for future generations. He believes in the concept of multiple use of our mountain resources. He will protect our rights on public lands. He believes in limited government. He supports our schools and the education of our students. He supports Snow College and will advocate for resources to enable the college to succeed.
We are living in really difficult times. We need strong and capable men and women to deal with the issues that we face. Mike Bennett is not afraid to step up and engage these challenges. Vote for Mike Bennett.
Steve Frischknecht is a retired dairy farmer. He served on the Sanpete County Commission from 2008 to 2016.
Letters to the Editor in support of Mike Bennett
Mike Bennett is up to the task
I want to let you know that you have a worthy candidate who is up to the task of being a Sanpete County commissioner in Mike Bennett.
He is well invested in the community from neighborhood and town government, all the way up to county boards, and is hoping to serve you as your next commissioner.
It is my experience that Mike understands well the power of building community, which is why he has invested so much in Mayfield’s celebrations and the activities with our park, as well as his investment in work and effort in the Sanpete County Fairgrounds.
I’m impressed with his mission in involving the youth in service and leadership development in all of these activities that he has committed to—after all, they are the next generation to sustain and carry on what we build, and instill honor for our American and Utah Pioneer spirit in future generations.
Mike cultivates that spirit with the youth in positive ways. I can go on about Mike’s experience with budgeting, attention to purchasing processes following state/county/town codes, appropriately managing growth with our limited resources, and advocating for water rights and needs and infrastructure, on behalf of his constituents.
But the main thing I want to convey is that after all of these years of working together in my two terms of being a town councilman, I trust Mike Bennett and will be voting for him for Sanpete County commissioner.
Aaron Peterson, Mayfield
No better person than Bennett for commissioner
I am writing this letter to express my support for Mike Bennett. He is running for county commissioner, and I cannot think of a better person for the position. He has lived in Sanpete for over 40 years. He is honest, motivated, and devoted to Sanpete County. He is ready to put his heart and soul into service as the county commissioner.
He has demonstrated strong service to the county and the community. Bennett has served on the Sanpete County Fair Board for 13 years and been chairman for seven years. He was the driving force in upgrading the 10,000 seats in the fairground arena, and the construction of the pavilion and the livestock barn. He has made Sanpete County fairgrounds one of the nicest in the state.
He has been on the Mayfield Town Council for two years. He has helped with projects in and around Mayfield, and is always available to help anyone in need. You will often find he is behind a service without others knowing who has done it. Mike has a true heart for helping others.
Mike Bennett has a special ability to lead teams. I have worked with him and know he has a strong work ethic and a love for people. He can get people to work together to achieve a common goal.
He works hard and strives to achieve true greatness. He goes above and beyond with the youth and will follow through with his commitments. He takes the time needed to talk to people around him and will do everything he can to better Sanpete County. I will be voting for Mike Bennett as Sanpete County commissioner and encourage you to vote for him.
Dr. Sandra Y. Cox, Mayfield
Professor of communication
Snow College
