Five candidates are running for two open seats on the Uintah County Commission, due to a write-in campaign launched by current commissioner Max Adams, who was defeated in the June primary.
Adams is challenging fellow Republican Lewis G. Vincent and Democrat Herb Snyder for the commission B seat. In the commission A slot, incumbent Republican Lorin F. Merrell, faces opposition from Cathy G. Kempton, a Democrat.Their political agendas vary widely, ranging from attacking federal land issues and mandates to dealing with gang-related problems in the community, unity within the commission and improving the quality of life in the county through economic development.
Commission A
- Lorin F. Merrell is a retired Vernal car dealer. He is seeking a second term in office and believes his first four years as commissioner has given him the knowledge and understanding of county government.
His goals include improving the quality of life for county residents, protecting the rights and well-being of his constituents of all ages, and spending county revenues wisely.
"I have the desire, experience and knowledge to help accomplish these goals," hestated.
- Cathy G. Kempton, Vernal, describes herself as an "energetic, hard worker, capable." If elected Kempton would be the first woman ever to serve on the commission.
To prepare for possible election, Kempton has been attending weekly County Commission meetings for almost seven months.
"I am updated and feel there are significant deficiencies in the operation of the (county's) internal control structure. I am concerned about the noncompliance with laws, regulations and contracts the county management is responsible for.
"I am concerned about the future of our elderly, our youth and preparation for the future development of our county," Kempton stated.
She feels the major issue facing the county is the lack of unity among the current commission. "We the people are suffering as a result."
Although she's new to politics, she's not new to the world of business. Kempton has owned and operated Molly Jean Fabrics for 12 years and also runs a farm. She has eight years of experience in transportation as operations supervisor for a Vernal trucking company.
She has served as a member of the Uintah County Sheriff's Search and Rescue Searchettes, the Dinosaur Roundup Rodeo Committee and is an active in the Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce.
Commission B
- Lewis G. Vincent, a farmer and rancher in the Jensen area, is the man who defeated Adams in the Republican primary. In addition to working in agriculture, Vincent has also held managerial positions in the oil industry.
Major issues Vincent sees facing Uintah County include increasing federal rules and regulations that impact economy and lifestyle, industrial development, the need to cut unnecessary spending and the promotion of water storage development projects.
If elected, Vincent says he would like to do an in-depth study of construction and maintenance of the county road system. He believes the county can have good roads for less money.
As a candidate, Vincent has come out in support of the Western Park complex, the Uintah Care Center and the development of additional business activity in the private sector.
Vincent has previously served as a board member and board president for Moon Lake Electric Association and Deseret Generation and Transmission. He has also served as chairman of various area water and irrigation districts.
- Herb Snyder, Vernal, is the Democratic challenger for the commission B seat against Adams and Vincent. Snyder was born and raised in Uintah County. He was a retail businessman for 23 years.
Snyder would like to see more unity among the county commissioners so the county "can move on in an aggressive manner." He believes that with a new sheriff now in place, the county must ensure proper funding to "send the message that we won't tolerate crime in Uintah County.
"With nine gangs in our area we have to control crime before crime controls us. I feel that long term planning is extremely important within our county," he stated.
Snyder has served as secretary/ treasurer and a member of the board of directors of the Rangley, Colo. Area Chamber of Commerce for 81/2 years.
- Max Adams, a retired Vernal businessman, announced his write-in campaign for the commission B post shortly after the primary last summer. Since that time, he has been aggressively campaigning to retain his commission seat. Adams was first elected county commissioner in 1990 and served as commission chairman until last July.
A Uintah County native with a strong business and management background, Adams advocates and promotes an "open door" policy within the elective offices of the county, makes himself available to hear citizen concerns and ideas.
During his time in office, Adams points to his record of standing firm on protecting civil rights, and the customs and culture of the citizens of Uintah County by vigorously resisting the efforts of federal agencies in terms of imposing regulations and mandates for the use of public lands.
Adams was responsible for creating a forum whereby representatives from state and federal agencies meet with county officials on a regular basis. He has also directed the formation of the Uintah County Economic Development Board.
Adams serves on a variety of statewide boards and committees that address diversified issues such as insurance and risk management, equalization of taxes, rural economic development, legislative matters and intergovernmental relations.