Richard is widely recognized as a hard working and dedicated public servant with an outstanding track record of solid results for the people of Salt Lake County. He continues to fight for safe neighborhoods, well funded police, clean air, clean water, law and order, government efficiency and accountability. As your Councilman, he is committed to enhancing the quality of life for ALL Salt Lake County residents.
As a member of the Salt Lake County Council, Richard Snelgrove has been strong advocate of openness and transparency in government. For example he sponsored an ordinance requiring that bond elections be placed on the ballot only in general election years when voter turnout is greatest. He proposed the citizen comment period at all County Council work sessions. He spearheaded the citizen comment by phone opportunity at the beginning of all Salt Lake County Council meetings. He holds impromptu “Council on the Corner” sessions throughout Salt Lake County, where Richard can listen and learn and hear what citizens have to say outside the walls of county government.
Richard Snelgrove was re-elected as an at-large member of the Salt Lake County Council in 2016. As an at-large member, he represents all residents of the County, including all cities, townships, and unincorporated areas. The Council serves as the legislative branch of County government and is responsible to approve budgets, taxes, ordinances, and policies. Richard believes in bipartisanship and collaboration in working with his Democrat and Republican colleagues in order to better serve the families of Salt Lake County.
The Utah Taxpayers Association recognized Richard with its coveted Taxpayer Advocate of the Year Award, “In recognition of his exemplary defense of taxpayers against tax increases and non-essential county spending.” He has delved deeply into each year’s budget, ferreting out ways to save money and avoid tax increases. He pressed UTA to open its closed committee meetings by threatening to delay $150 million in county funding unless needed changes were made. He has tirelessly pushed to re-establish performance auditing on Salt Lake County operations to maximize efficiency.
Richard is widely know to be a leader and outspoken advocate for clean air and water. He recognizes this is vital for a sustained quality of life for current residents and future generations. He planned and spearheaded Salt Lake Counties participation with UTA for a "no fare" transit during the winter inversion months. Richard is working to mitigate contamination to our water supply from run off from mine tailings and waste piles in Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons. Richard is opposed a proposed new limestone quarry near 1-80 in Parleys Canyon due to its negative impact on air quality, water quality, landscape and wildlife.
Poor air quality is harmful and we must do better! A recent study by 23 Brigham Young University researchers confirms what we see and feel. Poor air quality along the Wasatch Front has been found to decrease life expectancy by two years on average. Richard's plan for improved air quality includes wild fire mitigation in the canyons, expanded no fare UTA during the inversion season, casual car pooling (slugging) and more.
Salt Lake families expect and deserve safe neighborhoods. Supporting law enforcement and first responders is essential in a civilized society. THANK YOU to all Utah police officers for your service. You are appreciated! Sadly since 2020, there has been a 63% increase in police officers in America who have been shot in the line of duty. Richard Snelgrove believes we must DEFEND the police.....not defund them which is why he has been endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police.
The drinking water for many Salt Lake County families comes from streams in our canyons. During spring runoff, water flows over tailings left over from mining activity. This causes heavy metals to seep into our watershed and is a public health concern. These mine tailing heaps are unhealthy as well as unsightly. Richard believes we must do more to protect our vital watershed to insure water purity. Water contamination due to a wild fire in our canyons is a significant concern.
There are few west bench and Oquirrh Mountain outdoor recreation venues. Additional venues to benefit families on the west side will also take pressure off the canyons on the east side. Near term development in the Oquirrhs must include additional trails in Butterfield Canyon. In the long term, opportunities exist for working with private landowners in Coon Canyon in the northern Oquirrh Mountains. Coon Canyon should become an outdoor picnic, hiking & biking venue to benefit west side residents similar to how Milcreek Canyon is mostly used by east side residents.
Nobody in Salt Lake County likes to pay high taxes. Excessive taxation is irresponsible and unnecessary. Reasonable taxes are the dues we pay to live in a orderly and civilized society. Richard Snelgrove has voted against all proposed Salt Lake County property tax increases. While recognizing taxes are a needed tool, Richard believes a "deep dive" looking for waste and inefficiency in government operations must come before any tax increases that burdens Salt Lake County families. In this period of high inflation, low and middle income families as well as those on fixed income are getting hit hard. Richard believes the last thing they need is a tax increase.
Traffic congestion pollutes our air and restricts our economy. Salt Lake County, the cities and UDOT must do more to encourage use of UTA and engage in a thoughtful expansion of our road network. An expanded transit network and a greater reliance on telecommuting will help. There is no single answer that will solve all our transportation challenges, rather a combination of thoughtful solutions. Richard is opposed to the proposed gondola up Little Cottonwood Canyon at a cost of at least $600 million. It is much to expensive and will take money away from other, more pressing needs when proven, less costly alternatives are available.
Richard grew up in Sugar House. He attended Highland High School and is a graduate of the University of Utah. An accomplished business executive, he has founded and managed several successful businesses including Snelgrove Travel Centers Inc. which recently celebrated its 30th anniversary. As a businessman, Richard knows how to read and interpret financial balance sheets, analyze budgets and plans for organizational efficiency, which ability is directly applicable to his role as a County Councilman.
Richard has served in numerous government capacities including the district director for a U.S. Congressman, an election observer in Latin America for the U.S. State Department, and as a member of the National Small Business Advisory Council during the George H.W. Bush administration.
Richard and his wife JoLynn make their home in Murray and are the parents of four children. He has been a baseball and soccer coach and a Boy Scout leader. In his spare time, he enjoys camping with his family. He hikes in the mountains of Utah whenever possible year-round.
• KSL: Snelgrove supports 'Slugging' carpool program to relieve skier traffic
• KSL: Snelgrove opposes tax give away
• KSL: Snelgrove opposes new property tax increase
• KSL: Snelgrove supports bans mining in forestry, recreation areas
• Tribune: Snelgrove supports ban on new mines in Wasatch foothills and canyons
• KTVX: Snelgrove supports prohibition on new Parleys Canyon mine
• Deseret News: Snelgrove says we have police for a reason. Don’t defund them
• Deseret News Op Ed: Snelgrove lauds no fare UTA during inversion months
• Tribune: Snelgrove seeks to limit bond approvals to general election years
• KSL: Snelgrove questions cost of gondola and/or road widening up Little Cottonwood Canyon
• Snelgrove urges action to save the Great Salt Lake (fox13now.com)
• KSL cites Snelgrove on Wasatch Canyon fire danger
• KUTV Interviews Councilman Snelgrove On Proposed Gondola Up Little Cottonwood Canyon
Your donation is an opportunity to be part of our team as we work towards a better Salt Lake County. Your support is appreciated and will make a difference. Give today! Campaign donations can be made by Venmo @SnelgroveVictoryFund or by check mailed to Richard Snelgrove 1700 East 6525 South, Murray Utah 84121. Please include your address and occupation. Thank you!
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