Community councils wield great influence over matters affecting Salt Lake County's unincorporated areas, and they receive public money. Because of this, their elections ought to be closely regulated to ensure fairness.
Unfortunately, the current election process hasn't always been fair. Often, people in an area to be represented aren't informed of the election. In some areas, the same council members serve continually. At least one person has complained of not being allowed to vote. As a result, some residents rightfully question whether their community council truly represents them.The county's executive council recently recommended an ordinance that would set election procedures and limit community council terms to four years. The county commission ought to follow the recommendation and pass an ordinance.
Community councils can be valuable tools, for the county as well as for the approximately 300,000 people who live in unincorporated areas. Salt Lake County is in the unusual position of acting as a city to these people - providing police and fire protection and making planning and zoning decisions - while acting as a county to the other people who live in incorporated cities.
Because county commissioners are elected at-large, they don't always have first-hand knowledge of each neighborhood's wants and needs. Unincorporated areas are spread widely and have unique needs. Community councils can represent those needs and advise the county on planning and zoning matters.
But the councils are of little use if they don't truly represent people in their areas.
In recent weeks, state lawmakers passed a bill that would allow unincorporated areas to establish "townships," quasi cities that have their own elected planning and zoning boards. If Gov. Mike Leavitt signs the bill, it could provide even more power for unincorporated residents.
However, each area would have to petition to form a township. In lieu of that, community councils would remain the lone voice for neighborhood concerns.
Therefore, it is essential that these councils be elected fairly and that all area residents are informed well in advance of election times and candidates.