Nibley
councilman a finalist for County Council vacancy
By Kevin Nielsen
March 5, 2005 | NIBLEY -- City Councilman
Scott Wells, associate director of Technical Services
at Utah State University, says he is only involved in
politics because he wants to "serve the citizens across
the board."
In 1994 as a new Nibley
resident, Wells helped to put in a storm drain in a
city park which ended up leading to an invitation to
be on the planning and zoning commission. The planning
and zoning position led to being elected to the city
council in 1995 and 10 years later Wells finds himself
in a similar situation.
"I never thought I'd get involved in politics by helping
with a park," Wells said.
Wells is climbing the political ladder once again
as a finalist for the vacant County Council seat left
by Paul Cook's resignation. A couple weeks ago, Wells
said, he was approached about the vacancy but blew it
off. He was contacted again and decided to fill out
the paper work.
When he showed up for the meeting on Tuesday night,
Wells said he didn't think he had a chance because the
other candidates had been campaigning on the phones
and talking with people. Even if Wells had planned on
it earlier he said he doesn't campaign too much.
"I haven't asked anyone to work for me campaigning,"
Wells said. "I do have a lot of supporters that are
doing things behind the scenes, which I appreciate."
Wells said if he is chosen to fill the seat it may
be his last publicly held office because there would
be a two year break between him finishing his County
Council seat and when he would next be able to run for
mayor of Nibley.
If he were to spend time outside of politics Wells
said he probably wouldn't want to get involved again.
Wells added it would be interesting to see his decision
in a couple years from now.
Wells calls himself a generalist, he said he is sensitive
to the big picture of the valley.
"A lot of people serve [in government] because they're
upset about something like a road in front of their
house or something," Wells said. "They're only serving
for that one aspect.
"I want to have some input into what Cache Valley
looks like in 20 years. You can't just let growth happen.
You have to put roads in place and make plans for air
quality and water issues."
The only finalist for the County Council that has
city council experience, Wells said he will represent
the cities of the valley besides just those in his district.
Wells said he emphasizes public service. In the summer
he said he volunteers as a Coast Guard Auxiliary at
Bear Lake to help keep the lake safe for everyone. "I
have one reason and one reason only for serving," Wells
said. "A better place for all of us to live in."
Another of the finalists is Joe Chambers, a lawyer
from Providence. Chambers said he decided to run because
he finally has time to spend on politics instead of
with his family now that most of his children are leaving
to do other things. Chambers said he is looking forward
to learning the issues and representing the diverse
interests of the southeast district.
The other finalist, Gordon Zilles, could not be reached
for comment.
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