What is HB356? (link)
It’s passed and signed legislation by Gov. Cox that ensures fair representation in our County. Come to the next County Council meeting on Wednesday April 23 to be held at the Richins building in Kimball Junction. Be there by 5:45, meeting starts at 6pm. Add this meeting to your calendar (link).
When fully implemented, your County Council representative would have to live nearby your community. You would likely see your representative walking their dog, in your local restaurant or grocery, meeting you in a cafe, worshiping at your local church and talking to your neighbors.
This what local representation is… rather than the At-Large elected commissioners we have had for the last 20 years. The Legislature gave us a bill that changes that and it’s up to us to demand that it be enforced, not watered down. God Speed!
Please read Setting the Record Straight:
Please read At the heart of our efforts:
Dear Delegates (and other Summit County Republicans),
At the heart of our efforts must be a simple truth: if we want to win, we must stand together with a common voice. That means focusing on what unites us—our shared conservative principles and a clear vision for the future of Summit County. Internal divisions only weaken our cause. Our strength lies in our unity—without litmus tests, without factionalism, and with a firm commitment to standing shoulder-to-shoulder.
That unity must begin now—with a full-throated defense of H.B. 356, the law that finally gives voters in North and South Summit a real voice in how our county is governed. Unfortunately, it’s under attack by those who want to maintain the status quo and continue marginalizing the east side of the county.
We must stand up and push back against:
-
-
The push for at-large council seats – Every at-large seat is effectively a Park City seat. H.B. 356 guarantees that North and South Summit each have their own representative. We must protect the ability for ALL people to be represented.
-
Attempts to gut the bipartisan districting commission – As written, H.B. 356 empowers mayors to represent their communities on the commission, ensuring fair representation and eliminating the risk of council-led gerrymandering. The Snyderville Basin seat is council-appointed, and the county clerk holds a non-voting role—a balanced structure we must defend.
-
Any move that gives the Council the power to override the final map – Allowing sitting councilmembers to redraw their own seats undermines the entire reform.
-
Make your voice heard. Please attend the COG Meeting tonight, April 15, at 6:00 PM at the County Courthouse, Council Chambers. We need every delegate and conservative leader in the room early at 5:30 and speak up.
Summit County Republican Party Executive Committee
Resolution in Support of District-Based Representation and Full Implementation of HB 356
Date: 4/11/2025
To the Honorable Mayors and City Council Members of Summit County,
We, the undersigned members of the Summit County Republican Party Executive Committee, submit this resolution in strong support of Utah House Bill 356 (HB 356) and call on you to join us in endorsing a fully district-based Summit County Council, with no at-large seats.
WHEREAS,
Summit County’s current at-large election system has consistently marginalized rural and unincorporated communities, despite their representing the majority of the population;
WHEREAS,
HB 356 rightfully mandates five single-member districts to restore geographic equity, greater accountability and fair representation for all areas of the county;
WHEREAS,
The inclusion of at-large seats would undermine the intent of HB 356 and preserve the very imbalance the law aims to correct;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED,
That the Summit County Republican Party Executive Committee urges all mayors and city councils in the county to publicly support full implementation of HB 356, and to oppose any attempt to retain at-large council seats;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED,
That we affirm the principle that every community — rural or urban — deserves a dedicated voice on the Summit County Council.
Respectfully submitted,
Tory Welch
Summit County GOP State Central Committee representative
Former candidate for Summit County Council
HB356 References: 4/18 Park Record: East side residents voice support districting County Council seats https://www.parkrecord.com/2025/04/18/east-side-residents-voice-support-for-districting-summit-county-council-seats/ 04/17 ABC4: Cox Confirms there will be a special session in May https://www.abc4.com/news/politics/inside-utah-politics/utah-governor-special-session/ 04/17 KPCW: Eastern Summit supports districting County Council https://www.kpcw.org/summit-county/2025-04-17/eastern-summit-county-supports-districting-county-council 04/02 Tory Welch: Only Fair https://www.parkrecord.com/2025/04/02/only-fair/ 03/25 Ari Ioannides: A Step toward fairer representation https://www.parkrecord.com/2025/03/15/the-porcupine-quill-a-step-toward-fairer-representation/ Summit County Council's alternate take which is contrary to the intent and purpose of HB356: https://summitcountyutah.gov/2588/HB-356-Council-Districting