After four years marked with controversy and tough decisions, Tooele County Commissioner Shawn Milne is looking forward to the next four years after being re-elected Tuesday.
Milne’s first year in office was filled with the county’s financial troubles, which included employee layoffs, department closures and tax increases. The following three years, the county dealt with a proposed state prison in the heart of Tooele Valley, the Miller family leaving their racetrack, and additional tax increases and fees.
“The observation that with expenses reduced, departments reorganized and a growing fund balance, the county is in a much better position to go into the future is correct,” Milne said.
Tooele County voters returned Milne to the county commission with 58 percent of the vote, according to unofficial election results.
“I think most people realize we did what had to be done,” he said.
Milne said he believes his vote count reflects approval of the direction the current county commission is taking the county.
That direction includes continued fiscal responsibility, increased economic opportunity, and preparation for growth, according to Milne.
The county is on the right track financially, he said.
As part of staying on the right track, the county commission is dedicated to creating a position for a county financial manager who will report directly to the county commission, Milne said.
“That will free up the clerk/auditor to conduct audits to promote accountability and efficiency,” he said.
The new economic development alliance that includes Tooele County, Tooele City and Grantsville will continue to promote economic growth for the entire county, according to Milne.
Economic growth is not just about increasing the county’s tax base. It’s also a quality-of-life issue, he said.
“People that don’t want to commute into Salt Lake for work should be able to find work, at a livable wage, right here in the county,” Milne said.
State demographers predict that Tooele County is poised for growth, according to Milne. To prepare for new growth, the county revised its general land use and transportation plan.
“People have been critical of past county commissioners for not looking far enough ahead,” he said. “We want to be prepared for the growth that will come our way.”
Preserving transportation corridors for future needs, including mass transit options, will make a difference in the future quality of life for people in Tooele County, according to Milne.
With the election season over, Milne said his life is returning closer to normal.
“The election is like a 10-month job interview that ran from Jan. 4 to Nov. 8,” he said. “It takes a lot of time away form my family and friends. People don’t see me as being warm and fuzzy, but I deeply appreciate my friends and family.”