My name is James Harrison, and I’m running for Lehi City Council. I live in Lehi with my wife and our three children. Born and raised in Utah, I commissioned as an Army Reserve Officer through BYU’s ROTC program and went on to serve for 12 years as a U.S. diplomat in China, Japan, and Pakistan. I currently work at Strider Technologies, where I lead the company’s growth and operations across the Asia-Pacific region.
Lehi is an incredible place to live and raise a family. Our quality of life, strong sense of community, and unique location have made it a magnet for growth—so much so that our population has nearly doubled in the past 15 years. As we approach 100,000 residents, Lehi now ranks as the sixth-largest city in Utah.
We’re also uniquely positioned between two of the state’s fastest-growing cities—Saratoga Springs and Eagle Mountain—and the I-15 corridor. I’m reminded of this every day on my commute. Growth is generally a good thing. But the speed of growth we’ve experienced presents real challenges, and we must take a more proactive, strategic approach to ensure Lehi continues to thrive.
That’s why I’m running for Lehi City Council.
I believe Lehi’s future can be bright if we plan thoughtfully, manage development responsibly, and put families first. Growth should bring opportunity—not overwhelm our infrastructure or diminish our quality of life. If elected, here are three key priorities I will focus on:
1. Prioritize quality of life.
Lehi is a family town, and I want to keep it that way. I will advocate for strong support of schools and extracurriculars, recreational programs for all ages, and equal access to parks, sidewalks (yes, this continues to be an issue!), and city services in every neighborhood. These investments preserve what makes Lehi unique and improve everyday life for our residents.
2. Bring balance to development.
Lehi’s roots as a farm town still shape its character—and I want to preserve that. Development is inevitable, but not every open field should become a high-density project, especially when our infrastructure is already behind. I will approach every council vote with this question in mind: Does this decision help or hurt Lehi’s long-term livability?
3. Strengthen Lehi’s voice with the state and our neighbors.
I will work to build stronger partnerships with state lawmakers and surrounding city councils to address urgent transportation issues. Many of Lehi’s key roads are owned by the state, which limits our ability to make local improvements. And many of the past traffic studies haven’t considered the growth in surrounding cities that flows through Lehi. I already have strong relationships with several state officials and believe we can do more—together—to accelerate the planning and implementation of critical projects.
I believe in small government and low taxes. I also believe government can be more efficient, more responsive, and more effective—especially when it listens to the people it serves.
I’m excited about Lehi’s future and committed to protecting what makes it a great home. I hope to earn your trust and your vote—and, more importantly, to hear what matters most to you and your family.
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.