Saratoga Springs, UT — Esther Sekiziyivu, a working mother, community advocate, and financial educator, officially announced her candidacy for Saratoga Springs City Council today with a straightforward message: she understands the daily realities residents face because she’s living them too.
“I’m not running because I need a political career—I’m running because Saratoga Springs families need someone on the City Council who sits in the same traffic jams, worries about the same safety concerns, and faces the same rising costs that keep neighbors awake at night,” Sekiziyivu said. “While our city has incredible potential, rapid growth is creating real problems that demand immediate attention and proven solutions.”
As a mother raising children in Saratoga Springs, Sekiziyivu experiences firsthand the pressure that more than 30 new families moving in each month places on schools, roads, and public services. Her professional background as a financial educator has given her a front-row seat to how increasing housing costs and utility rates are pricing out the very people who built the community—teachers, firefighters, and working families.
Her campaign is built around a clear, actionable platform focused on the issues voters care about most:
- Public Safety First: Equip police with the staffing and resources necessary to keep pace with population growth and maintain neighborhood safety.
- Hold the Line on Taxes: Maintain Saratoga Springs’ 18-year record of no property tax increases while opposing inflated assessments that threaten housing affordability.
- Fix Our Transportation Crisis: Invest in infrastructure solutions that reduce traffic congestion and prepare roads for continued growth.
- Protect Our Schools: Keep politics out of the classroom while ensuring a world-class education system, supported by smart, sustainable development.
“Recent tragic events have reminded us that public safety can’t be taken for granted,” Sekiziyivu noted. “Without thoughtful planning, rapid growth can bring the same higher crime rates and infrastructure failure seen in other fast-growing cities. We owe it to our families to do better.”
Sekiziyivu emphasized that her campaign is not about opposing growth but managing it wisely.
“Residents aren’t anti-growth—they’re asking for leadership that protects our quality of life while planning for a stronger future,” she said. “We must safeguard our way of life and ensure that growth enhances, not erodes, what makes Saratoga Springs special.”
With a background in law, project management, and community organizing, Sekiziyivu brings a practical, values-driven perspective to city leadership. Her deep roots in the community and record of public service make her a trusted advocate for families, faith, and fiscal responsibility.
The general election will be held on November 4, 2025, with a primary election on August 12, 2025
For more information or to get involved, visit www.EstherForUtah.com.
The Cedar Valley Sentinel does not endorse or oppose any candidate for public office. Our mission is to provide a platform for all candidates to share their views and inform the residents of the communities we serve. We strive to present election coverage that is fair, informative, and nonpartisan.
Mike Kieffer – Editor-in-Chief, Cedar Valley Sentinel
Mike Kieffer is a dynamic leader and community advocate based in Eagle Mountain, Utah. He serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Cedar Valley Sentinel, a local publication dedicated to informing, inspiring, and elevating the Cedar Valley community through honest and accurate journalism. With a passion for fostering connections, Kieffer has made it his mission to highlight local businesses, provide reliable news, and support community development.
Beyond his editorial role, Kieffer is the owner of Lake Mountain Media, LLC, a company specializing in media and communications, and the co-owner of Quail Run Farms, which focuses on sustainable farming and community engagement. He also actively contributes to the local economy and culture as a member of the Eagle Mountain Chamber of Commerce.
Kieffer’s dedication extends to preserving and promoting the history and heritage of the Cedar Valley area. He often participates in community-centered events and media, including podcasts that explore the unique aspects of life in the region. Through his varied endeavors, he remains a steadfast advocate for the growth and enrichment of the local community.