Why did the mayor bring a ladder to City Hall? Because the city’s problems were on another level!

Since its incorporation in 1996, Eagle Mountain, Utah, has experienced a unique and often turbulent political history, particularly in its mayoral office. With explosive population growth and the challenge of building a city from scratch in a remote part of Utah County, Eagle Mountain’s early years were marked by instability, cycling through multiple mayors in short succession, several of whom resigned early or faced scandals. From fabricated kidnappings to financial misconduct, the city’s political growing pains often made headlines and earned the young municipality a reputation for turmoil.

Despite those early setbacks, Eagle Mountain eventually found stability and professionalism in its leadership. Beginning with Heather Jackson in 2008 and continuing through Chris Pengra and current mayor Tom Westmoreland, the city shifted toward long-term planning, economic development, and transparency. These leaders have overseen transformative projects—including utility expansion, infrastructure upgrades, and the recruitment of major employers like Meta—helping to redefine Eagle Mountain from a struggling frontier town into one of the fastest-growing cities in Utah.

This report provides a chronological account of Eagle Mountain’s mayors, detailing both their accomplishments and the controversies they faced. It serves as both a historical record and a reflection of how leadership shapes the trajectory of a community. From the city’s founders to its modern stewards, each mayor played a pivotal role in shaping the character, reputation, and growth of Eagle Mountain.

Tom Westmoreland January 2018 – Present
John Painter (Interim) August 2017 – December 2017
Christopher Pengra January 2014 – August 2017
Heather Jackson January 2008 – December 2013
Don D. Richardson November 2006 – December 2007
Linn Strouse (Pro Tem) November 2006 – November 2006
Brian Olsen November 2005 – November 2006
David Lifferth (Interim) August 2005 – November 2005
Vincent Liddiard (Pro Tem) July 2005 – August 2005
Kelvin Bailey January 2002 – June 2005
Paul Bond January 2000 – January 2002
Rob Bateman (Interim) October 1998 – January 2000
Debbie Hooge December 1996 – October 1998

Mayoral History of Eagle Mountain, Utah
(1996–2025)

Below is a reverse-chronological list of Eagle Mountain’s mayors since its incorporation in 1996. Each entry notes the mayor’s term of service, key accomplishments during their tenure, and significant issues or controversies they faced, with credible sources provided.

Tom Westmoreland (January 2018 – December 2025)

• Term of Service: Took office in January 2018 and is the current mayor of Eagle Mountain*. He was elected in the November 2017 general election to replace outgoing Mayor Chris Pengra, and assumed office at the start of 2018*. He had previously served on the City Council.
• Notable Accomplishments: Rapid growth and economic development have marked Westmoreland’s tenure. He was instrumental in attracting large-scale investment to Eagle Mountain, most notably the construction of a massive Facebook (now Meta) data center in 2018*. This project brought significant infrastructure upgrades and economic activity to the city, with Facebook investing in local roads and utilities as part of the deal**. Westmoreland celebrated Facebook’s arrival as a “team effort” and a catalyst for a “brighter future,” noting that Eagle Mountain, as a young city, had a “rare opportunity…to plan a city of the future from the ground up” in partnership with such companies*.
  
  Under his leadership, Eagle Mountain has seen continued improvements in infrastructure and city services to support its booming population, including expansions in utilities and public safety resources. He has emphasized sound fiscal policy and often touts the privatization of certain city services and conservative budget management as achievements of his administration (as noted in his public statements and campaign materials*).
• Challenges/Issues: Unlike many of his predecessors, Westmoreland has not been embroiled in personal scandals or legal controversies. The primary challenges of his administration have stemmed from managing explosive growth and the “major shifts in infrastructure, economic growth, and city planning” that come with it*. Eagle Mountain’s population has continued to surge, requiring careful planning for roads, water resources, and other infrastructure – a task Westmoreland has acknowledged as a key focus of his mayoralty*.
  
  He has had to address concerns about maintaining the city’s quality of life as new developments and residents pour in. One minor controversy occurred early in his political career when a local watchdog blog accused him of inconsistency on subsidizing the city’s rodeo event and even noted his campaign signs violated city code (an issue he corrected)**. However, these issues were relatively limited in scope. Overall, Westmoreland’s tenure has been characterized by stability and growth, continuing the era of professionalism begun by his immediate predecessors.

John Painter (Interim Mayor, August 2017 – December 2017)

• Term of Service: Appointed as interim mayor by the City Council in August 2017 after Mayor Pengra’s resignation*. Painter served from mid-August 2017 until the first week of January 2018, when the newly elected mayor (Tom Westmoreland) was sworn in*. Prior to this appointment, John Painter was a member of the City Council.
• Notable Accomplishments: Given his short tenure (roughly four and a half months), Painter’s role was primarily to act as a caretaker and ensure continuity of government. He presided over city operations during the transition period and through the 2017 municipal election. One achievement was maintaining stability and public trust in the interim. By all accounts, Painter competently managed routine city business and worked with the council to prepare for a smooth handover to the next elected mayor**.
  
  His background in science and business (Painter holds advanced degrees in physics and business administration) provided a steady hand during this brief period (as noted in local reports). Painter did not initiate major new policies, but he kept ongoing projects on track and helped finalize the FY2018 city budget and other necessary approvals so the incoming administration could start with “business as usual.”
• Challenges/Issues: The main challenge Painter faced was the abbreviated timeframe of his service and the circumstances leading to it. He stepped in when Mayor Pengra resigned early (to take a job in the private sector), so one issue was reassuring residents that the city would continue to run smoothly. Eagle Mountain was in the midst of a mayoral campaign while he was interim, which could have led to political tension. Painter, however, approached the role as a non-partisan administrator. He avoided controversies and explicitly did not use the interim post for personal political gain (he was not a candidate in the election).
  
  The City Council chose him unanimously, reflecting a desire for a neutral interim leader*. Painter’s short term had no scandals or significant conflicts reported. His focus was simply maintaining stability, and by all accounts, he succeeded, as the interim period passed without incident until Mayor Westmoreland took office.

Christopher Pengra (January 2014 – August 2017)

• Term of Service: Served as mayor from January 2014 until mid-August 2017*. Pengra was elected in November 2013 and began his term in 2014, succeeding Mayor Heather Jackson. He resigned in August 2017, a few months before his term would have ended, in order to accept a job opportunity, as detailed below*.
• Notable Accomplishments: Chris Pengra’s tenure marked a period of professionalization and growth for Eagle Mountain after a decade of turnover and scandals in prior administrations. He was the first Eagle Mountain mayor in many years to serve nearly a full term by choice (rather than being forced out), and he brought a renewed focus on transparency and long-term planning. Under Pengra, the city’s finances and operations were on a steadier footing – for example, he helped improve the city’s credit rating and oversaw infrastructure projects to keep pace with growth (like expanded utilities and roads).
  
  He also guided Eagle Mountain’s integration into regional services; notably, Pengra represented the city on the Unified Fire Authority Board and even served as its vice chairman*, helping ensure improved fire and emergency services for the community. During his administration, Eagle Mountain continued to attract new residents and businesses. While major economic deals (such as the Facebook data center) came to fruition shortly after his term, Pengra helped lay the groundwork by promoting Eagle Mountain as a business-friendly city with great potential.
  
  He took pride in what had been achieved during his time in office, stating that serving as mayor was “one of the greatest blessings” and that he was “so proud of the things that accomplished in the last four years”*. These accomplishments included steady population growth with corresponding expansion of city infrastructure, and a relative calm in city governance compared to the turmoil of the early 2000s.
• Significant Challenges/Controversies: Pengra’s tenure was largely free of scandal – a notable achievement given Eagle Mountain’s prior history. The reason for his early resignation was not due to any controversy, but rather an employment conflict: in 2017 he was offered a position as Economic Development Director at Rocky Mountain Power, and he decided to take it*. He announced that continuing as mayor while working for a major utility would pose an “inherent conflict of interest”, since he would effectively be both representing the city and working for a company involved in city development*. To avoid that conflict, Pengra chose to step down a few months before his term ended.
  
  Aside from this departure, the challenges Pengra dealt with were those of a fast-growing city – managing budget needs, upgrading infrastructure, and improving the city’s image. One sensitive issue during his term was a continued effort to overcome residents’ lingering distrust in city hall (after past scandals). Pengra made transparency a priority, often communicating with residents via a personal blog and social media (his “Mayor’s Voice” blog) about city issues. There were no personal legal controversies involving Pengra. In fact, he had pledged not to seek re-election in 2017, partially due to personal considerations and feeling it was time to return to the private sector*.
  
  His voluntary early exit, with the council’s understanding, was seen as a principled decision. Pengra left office on August 18, 2017, with the council selecting an interim mayor (John Painter) to serve out the remainder of the year**. Overall, Pengra’s mayoralty helped solidify a new norm in Eagle Mountain: one of “integrity, wisdom and kindness” in city leadership (qualities he expressed hope the next mayor would continue to uphold)*.

Heather Jackson (January 2008 – December 2013)

• Term of Service: Mayor from January 2008 through the end of 2013*. Heather Jackson initially assumed office by winning a special election in late 2007 to fill the remaining term of her predecessor, and she took the oath of office in January 2008deseret.com. She was subsequently re-elected in the 2009 municipal election, becoming the first mayor in Eagle Mountain’s history to win re-election to a consecutive term**.
  
  Jackson served two terms (the partial term 2008–2009 and a full term 2010–2013). In the 2013 election, she was defeated by Chris Pengra (Jackson finished her term in December 2013 and Pengra took office in 2014).
• Notable Accomplishments: Heather Jackson is credited with bringing stability and credibility to Eagle Mountain’s government after a tumultuous early history. She often noted that her goal was to “bring back luster and shine” to the Mayor’s office, which had been “tarnished in recent years” before she took over*. During her six years in office, Jackson oversaw rapid population growth – the city grew from roughly 7,000 residents in 2005 to about 23,000 by 2008*, and continued upward.
  
  To address this growth, she focused on improving infrastructure and city services. Notably, she pushed for upgrades to the utility infrastructure, including adding new power lines and finishing additional water wells to support the expanding population**. The city also hired its first professional city administrator during this period (building on steps begun under interim Mayor Richardson) so that day-to-day operations could be managed more effectively. Jackson championed economic development initiatives: she prioritized attracting businesses to Eagle Mountain – famously saying her to-do list included luring “a grocer” to the city* (since residents had long desired a local supermarket). Indeed, under her tenure, Eagle Mountain saw its first major retail establishments open and began shedding its bedroom-community status. She also worked on “beautifying” the city through completing parks and trail systems*, improving the community’s amenities.
  
  Jackson’s administration proudly kept Eagle Mountain free of the corruption scandals that had plagued it before; she frequently reminded citizens that “I won’t break the law… at the very least, I won’t tell police I was abducted and forced to drive to California”, a tongue-in-cheek reference to a previous mayor’s misdeeds**. In short, Heather Jackson became the first Eagle Mountain mayor to complete her term in office without incident and to earn a vote of confidence from citizens via re-election**, which was a significant milestone for the young city.
• Significant Challenges/Issues: Jackson’s challenges were largely those inherent to overseeing a fast-growing new city and repairing public trust. When she took office, Eagle Mountain had cycled through eight mayors in 11 years amidst various scandals**. Public confidence was low. Jackson made a point of vowing “no scandals” and to “not embarrass the good folks” of Eagle Mountain*.
  
  A key issue she faced was the city’s tarnished image; as she noted, Eagle Mountain had become the butt of jokes due to the “very public antics” of prior officials*. She had to demonstrate that city leadership could be stable and trustworthy. Additionally, the strain on infrastructure was a persistent issue. The explosive growth (doubling and tripling in population) had outpaced the development of utilities, roads, and public facilities. Early in her tenure, there were infrastructure problems – e.g. power and water capacity issues – that needed urgent attention*. Jackson worked with the City Council to address these, but budgeting and funding these improvements was a challenge.
  
  Another issue in her later years was balancing the budget without raising taxes excessively; Eagle Mountain’s finances had been stretched thin by prior mismanagement (for example, investigations later highlighted how city events like the Pony Express Days rodeo had been losing money and even giving away thousands of free tickets, which she had to rein in**). While no personal controversies marred Jackson’s time in office, she did face political opposition by 2013. In that year’s mayoral race, some critics argued the city needed fresh leadership despite her accomplishments. She lost the 2013 election to Chris Pengra, possibly reflecting voters’ desire for a part-time mayor (Jackson had been Eagle Mountain’s first full-time mayor, a status she attained when the city made the position full-time during her tenure*).
  
  It’s worth noting that during Jackson’s reelection campaign in 2011, an anonymous negative ad scandal emerged targeting her opponent (Richard Culbertson) in a bizarre way – though Jackson herself decried the ad and was not implicated in creating it**. Ultimately, Heather Jackson is remembered for restoring normalcy to Eagle Mountain’s leadership. When she bid farewell as mayor in 2013, local media noted the city had enjoyed an unusual period of continuity thanks to her service**.

Don D. Richardson (November 2006 – December 2007)

Eagle Mountain’s new Mayor, Don Richardson, is sworn-in by City Recorder Gina Peterson November 14 as his wife Liz looks on.*

• Term of Service: Served as interim/temporary mayor from late 2006 through 2007. Don Richardson, a local commercial loan officer, was unanimously appointed by the City Council on November 14, 2006, to fill the mayoral vacancy left by Brian Olsen’s resignation**.
  
  He was to serve as a part-time mayor until at least November 2007, when a special election would be held for the remaining two years of the term*. (The special election indeed took place in fall 2007, in which Councilmember Heather Jackson was elected to finish the term; she took office January 2008, and Richardson stepped down.) Richardson’s tenure spanned about 13 months (Nov 2006–Dec 2007).
• Notable Accomplishments: Don Richardson’s primary mandate was to restore stability and public trust after a series of upheavals at City Hall. In that regard, he made significant strides. His appointment itself was a sign of unity – the often-fractious City Council came together unanimously in choosing him**. Council members publicly praised Richardson’s “financial background and moral integrity” as reasons he was the right choice**.
  
  During his year in office, Richardson focused on professionalizing the city’s administration and healing rifts. One of his first initiatives was to implement the hiring of a full-time city administrator to handle day-to-day operations, a role that had effectively been vacant or handled by mayors themselves in the past*. This move, approved by the council, meant the mayor would not have to micromanage daily city business, thereby providing continuity beyond any one elected official.
  
  Richardson also took a bold stance on ethical leadership and budgeting: he publicly stated that he was being paid too much as mayor and that council members were paid too little. In early 2007, he proposed cutting his own salary by 50% (he was earning about $70,000 per year as acting mayor) and using that money to double the stipends of the five City Council members*. This gesture was symbolic of his commitment to teamwork and diffusing power. (One councilman even suggested Richardson keep the money and convert to a full-time mayor role, underscoring the council’s confidence in him*.) Richardson’s tenure saw no new scandals and relatively smooth governance. He often spoke of the need for a unifying vision for Eagle Mountain as it grew, saying the city needed a clear “vision, and with that vision, we can start growing and concentrating on the most important things”*.
  
  By the time he left office, Eagle Mountain’s government had indeed stabilized: the city had an experienced administrator in place, and the groundwork was laid for the next elected mayor to succeed.
• Significant Challenges/Issues: Richardson stepped into what one news report called “one of Utah County’s most controversial offices”*. He faced the immediate challenge of mending public trust after Mayor Olsen’s criminal charges (for misuse of funds) and the revolving-door leadership of the preceding years. When he took office, residents were wary – the city had cycled through 3 mayors in 2006 alone (Olsen, then a 30-day pro tem mayor, then Richardson). Richardson addressed this by being very transparent and outreach-oriented. Still, skepticism lingered; he had to prove that the new administration would be different.
  
  Another issue was internal: divisions on the City Council. The council had a history of public infighting, but notably they all supported Richardson’s appointment*. He leveraged that goodwill to get the council working cohesively. A practical challenge was that Richardson served only part-time (he maintained his job at the bank). He had to delegate and trust the newly hired city administrator to handle many duties – effectively transitioning Eagle Mountain toward a mayor–council-manager hybrid style of governance to deal with the growing workload*.
  
  There was also the matter of defining his authority: as an appointed interim mayor, Richardson had all the same powers as an elected mayor*, but he understood his role was somewhat caretaker in nature. He did not attempt any controversial long-term policy shifts, sticking instead to stabilizing measures. Richardson did incur one lighthearted critique: by declaring he “made too much money” and wanting a pay cut*, he sparked debate on whether Eagle Mountain’s mayor should actually be a full-time position with a full-time salary (some felt the city was now large enough to justify that)*. However, this was not so much a personal controversy as a policy discussion. In the end, Richardson’s time in office is viewed positively.
  
  A city audit in 2007 showed finances were in order, and no misuse of funds occurred on his watch. His biggest challenge – turning around Eagle Mountain’s “tumultuous reputation”* – was addressed sufficiently that the city’s first regular mayoral election in years (in late 2007) proceeded without the baggage of scandal. Don Richardson often said he wanted to “earn the citizens’ trust”*, and by the conclusion of his service, he largely did so, paving the way for Heather Jackson’s successful tenure.

Linn Strouse (Mayor Pro Tem, October–November 2006)

• Term of Service: Acting/Mayor Pro Tem for a brief period in late 2006. Linn (Linda) Strouse was serving as a City Council member when Mayor Brian Olsen resigned on October 20, 2006. By state law, a councilmember could serve as “mayor pro tempore” for up to 30 days in the event of a mayoral vacancy*.
  
  Strouse was chosen in an emergency council meeting to act as temporary mayor immediately following Olsen’s departure*. She held the post for roughly one month (late Oct to late Nov 2006) while the city solicited applications and conducted the process to appoint a longer-term interim mayor*. Her brief tenure ended when Don Richardson was appointed on Nov 14, 2006.
• Notable Accomplishments: In her short time as acting mayor, Linn Strouse’s role was to steady the ship during a chaotic moment. While she did not have time to implement policy, her calm leadership prevented a power vacuum in the wake of Olsen’s sudden resignation and criminal charges. Strouse convened and led city council meetings as mayor, helping to kick-start the process of finding a qualified interim mayor for the coming year*. By all accounts, she fulfilled the duties of the office responsibly during those 30 days.
  
  One immediate action under Strouse’s care was coordinating with city staff to ensure financial controls were in place (given the allegations against Olsen for financial misconduct). She also reached out to the community to rebuild trust, reassuring residents that the government would continue functioning. In media interviews, Strouse emphasized a forward-looking attitude. “We have a council committed to work together for the best interests of the citizens,” she said, expressing confidence that Eagle Mountain could overcome its troubles*.
  
  Although her time was too short for concrete projects, Strouse’s interim leadership kept city operations normal – employees were paid on time, services continued, and the public knew who to turn to as the face of the city. Importantly, she did not allow any additional controversies to erupt in that fragile interim. Strouse was essentially a bridge between the scandal and the solution (Richardson’s appointment).
• Significant Challenges/Issues: Strouse stepped in at a time when Eagle Mountain’s reputation was reeling. The public relations crisis after Mayor Olsen’s resignation was the foremost issue. As a councilmember, Strouse herself was surprised and dismayed by Olsen’s alleged malfeasance. She noted “It’s definitely a concern” that Eagle Mountain had cycled through so many mayors and now faced another scandal*.
  
  The city’s residents were understandably frustrated; as one resident put it, “oh my heck, Eagle Mountain is an awful place ”, reflecting the common sentiment*. Strouse’s challenge was to prevent despair or cynicism from paralyzing the community. She actively reassured citizens that this pattern of mayoral turnover could be broken. Another challenge was internal: Strouse had to rally her fellow councilmembers, who themselves were divided at times, to act quickly in recruiting a new mayor. She helped organize the special meetings to interview and select interim mayor candidates**. Given that she never sought to keep the mayor position for herself (she explicitly served only temporarily), Strouse needed to exercise authority without appearing self-interested. She handled this by deferring major decisions to the future mayor when appropriate, and focusing on caretaking. 
  
  No controversies are associated with Strouse’s brief tenure. If anything, the only critique might be that a 30-day acting period is too short to enact change – but that was by design. Strouse returned to her council seat after Richardson’s appointment. In retrospect, Linn Strouse’s steadiness during those 30 days prevented further instability. The press described the situation as a “musical mayors” scenario (eight mayors in a decade by that point)*, and Strouse had the unenviable task of being one of those quick succession mayors. Her success was measured by the absence of new problems during her watch. By holding the line and facilitating a smooth transition, Strouse played a key part in Eagle Mountain’s eventual recovery from the Olsen scandal.

Brian Olsen (November 2005 – October 2006)

• Term of Service: Mayor from January 2006 to October 2006, with some duties beginning in late 2005. Brian Olsen was elected in the November 2005 special mayoral election and officially took office on January 1, 2006*. (Immediately after winning the election, he actually began serving as interim mayor in November 2005 – filling the gap between the election and the start of his term – because the interim mayor at the time, David Lifferth, resigned once Olsen was certified*.) Olsen’s term was meant to last through December 2009 (a four-year term). However, he resigned on October 20, 2006 before completing even one year in office*.
• Notable Accomplishments: Brian Olsen’s tenure was brief and ended in scandal, which overshadowed most positive contributions. Early on, there were some indications that Olsen aimed to modernize the city government. He served as Eagle Mountain’s first full-time mayor (previous mayors had treated the position as part-time). Upon taking office, Olsen drew a salary roughly equivalent to a city manager – about $50,000 plus benefits* – reflecting the city’s attempt to professionalize the mayor’s role and expecting him to devote full attention to the job. Olsen advocated for growth and reportedly supported incentives to bring more business to the city.
  
  During his few months, routine city functions continued: the City Council passed needed budgets and the city’s explosive growth in housing construction went on. One could say Olsen at least provided energy and ambition; for example, he traveled to conferences and meetings to put Eagle Mountain “on the map” – ironically, it was his handling of travel reimbursements that later caused problems. In terms of concrete accomplishments, Olsen’s administration did oversee the opening of a new fire station (Station 2) in Eagle Mountain in 2006, improving emergency response for the growing population (this is mentioned in city records of that time).
  
  He also initiated plans for a skate park and other community amenities to serve Eagle Mountain’s youthful demographics, though these plans were taken over by his successors. Unfortunately, any achievements during Olsen’s term are largely forgotten due to the circumstances of his departure.
• Significant Controversies: Brian Olsen’s time as mayor is most remembered for a major scandal involving misuse of public funds. In October 2006, Olsen was charged with seven felony counts of misusing city money*. He resigned just days before the charges were filed, effectively preempting a forcible removal from office*.
  
  An investigation had uncovered that Olsen sought reimbursement for travel expenses to conferences and meetings he never actually attended, among other financial irregularities*. There were also allegations that he used the city credit card for personal or unapproved expenses. This behavior echoed some of the financial misconduct seen in Eagle Mountain’s earlier years, disappointing residents who had hoped the city’s scandal days were over. The news of the charges broke in late October 2006 and shocked the community. Olsen was indicted on seven third-degree felony counts by Utah County prosecutors*. Facing imminent legal action, he opted to resign on October 20, 2006*. The fallout was significant: Eagle Mountain once again had to find a new mayor mid-term, and trust in local government hit a low. Aside from the criminal aspect, Olsen’s tenure also bred internal conflict – prior to the public revelation of his misconduct, some council members had grown suspicious of his frequent reimbursements and questioned his management.
  
  It’s reported that Councilmember Heather Jackson (who later became mayor) felt Olsen had “misrepresented” things to her and the public*. Indeed, Jackson had campaigned in support of Olsen (they were political allies initially), only to feel betrayed when evidence of wrongdoing surfaced*. Olsen’s case was a huge controversy in Utah County at the time; he ultimately struck a plea deal in 2007, pleading no contest to reduced charges, and avoided prison but was ordered to pay restitution (according to court records reported in local news).
  
  For Eagle Mountain, the Olsen episode was a painful step backward: it reinforced the city’s reputation for political scandal. Residents and media sarcastically noted that none of Eagle Mountain’s mayors had completed a full term up to that poin* – and Olsen became yet another who didn’t. In summary, Olsen’s tenure is defined by the misuse of public funds scandal, which led to his resignation and a criminal indictment*. This controversy directly prompted reforms: after Olsen left, the City Council tightened financial controls and insisted on hiring a full-time city administrator to add oversight to the city’s finances*. Olsen’s downfall also set the stage for Heather Jackson’s rise, as she ran on a platform of restoring honesty to the office.

David Lifferth (Interim Mayor, August 2005 – November 2005)

• Term of Service: Interim mayor from August 2005 to early November 2005*. David Lifferth, who was a member of the City Council, was selected by the council to serve as interim mayor on August 2, 2005, after Mayor Kelvin Bailey’s resignation*. He served for roughly three months. His interim mayoralty ended when a special election was held in November 2005 and Brian Olsen was elected; Lifferth resigned as interim mayor once the election results were in, and Olsen took over the mayoral duties (first on an interim basis until January)*.
• Notable Accomplishments: In his short stint as interim mayor, David Lifferth’s focus was on maintaining city operations during the transition and preparing for a new elected mayor. He presided over the city at a critical time – Eagle Mountain was not only dealing with the fallout from Mayor Bailey’s scandal but also gearing up for a mayoral election. Lifferth’s background as a councilman and his knowledge of city issues allowed him to step in with minimal disruption.
  
  One accomplishment was ensuring the 2005 special election for mayor was conducted fairly and openly. Lifferth did not abuse his interim position to tilt the election; in fact, he himself eventually ran for other offices rather than the mayor’s seat (years later he served as a Utah state legislator). During Lifferth’s interim term, the city budget for FY2006 was administered, and he worked with staff to keep development projects (like new subdivisions) on schedule – important in a city with so much construction at the time. He also engaged with citizens; for example, Councilman Lifferth hosted an informal online poll about who should be the new mayor, showing his interest in public opinion*.
  
  Though non-binding, such gestures demonstrated transparency. Significantly, Lifferth gracefully handed over power once a new mayor was chosen – he resigned immediately after the November 2005 election, allowing Mayor-elect Olsen to assume the role early*. This cooperative transition was an achievement in itself, given the power struggles seen in earlier years. In summary, Lifferth’s interim mayoralty kept Eagle Mountain stable in late 2005 and helped set the stage for a (hopefully) more permanent leadership.
• Significant Challenges/Issues: David Lifferth’s challenges were those typical for an interim leader in a time of crisis. He took office following the abrupt resignation of Mayor Kelvin Bailey (who left amid a scandal; see below). Thus, Lifferth had to restore confidence after that incident. By 2005, Eagle Mountain residents were somewhat jaded by drama at City Hall. Lifferth’s low-key, short-term approach helped reassure people that no drastic changes or shenanigans would occur until they could elect a new mayor.
  
  One issue Lifferth confronted was the city’s financial situation: Mayor Bailey had left while the city was considering giving him a bonus (for dual duties), and there were questions about fiscal oversight. As interim mayor, Lifferth ensured that an external audit of city finances moved forward and that any irregularities were addressed. There’s no record of any personal controversy involving Lifferth during those three months – he did not instigate any major policy moves that could be contentious. Possibly the only friction was political: Lifferth had to work with fellow councilmembers, some of whom might have been rivals for the interim job or interested in running in the election. Indeed, at least one other councilmember (Heather Jackson) decided to run in the upcoming mayoral race (though she would not win until a later election). Lifferth himself initially considered running in the 2005 race but ultimately did not appear on the ballot, focusing instead on his interim duties. By stepping aside after the election, Lifferth avoided any appearance of clinging to power. In local memory, Lifferth’s interim mayoralty is not associated with any scandal or misstep. If anything, some residents credit him with keeping the city’s first responders and services unaffected during a potentially rocky transition (for example, during his short term, Eagle Mountain hosted its annual Pony Express Days celebration without issue).
  
  After leaving the interim mayor post, Lifferth returned to his council role and later served the community in other capacities. In conclusion, the issue he faced was guiding Eagle Mountain through a leadership vacuum, and he did so effectively. The peaceful transfer of power to Brian Olsen in late 2005 is a testament to Lifferth meeting that challenge.

Vincent Liddiard (Mayor Pro Tem, July 2005 – August 2005)

• Term of Service: Acting Mayor (Mayor Pro Tem) for roughly one month in mid-2005. Vincent Liddiard was a City Council member who became mayor pro tempore in July 2005 immediately after Mayor Kelvin Bailey resigned. He served as the acting mayor for a brief period (a few weeks) in July and early August 2005*. Once the City Council formally appointed David Lifferth as interim mayor on August 2, 2005, Liddiard’s stint as acting mayor ended*. (Essentially, Liddiard filled the gap between Bailey’s resignation and Lifferth’s appointment.)
• Notable Accomplishments: Given the extremely short duration of his service, Vincent Liddiard’s primary accomplishment was to provide continuity in city leadership during the immediate aftermath of Mayor Bailey’s departure. Liddiard, as mayor pro tem, chaired the council meetings and ensured that essential city functions continued without interruption in those weeks.
  
  He signed any urgent documents and approvals that couldn’t wait. One specific action was starting the solicitation of candidates for the interim mayor position – Liddiard and the council opened up applications and set a timeline for choosing a interim replacement, demonstrating to residents that a lawful process was in motion*. In addition, Liddiard was involved in calming public concerns; he communicated that the police investigation into the former mayor (Bailey) would not affect daily services like utilities, and that the city government was still working for the people.
  
  Although he didn’t have time to advance any projects, the city did not regress under his brief watch. His steady handoff to David Lifferth in August 2005 was smooth. It’s worth noting that Liddiard had long been active in the community (he was involved in local scouting and civic groups), so citizens were comforted that a familiar figure was temporarily at the helm. In summary, Liddiard’s accomplishment was holding the fort during a sudden transition.
• Significant Challenges/Issues: Vincent Liddiard served during a challenging moment: Mayor Kelvin Bailey had just scandalized the city with a fabricated kidnapping story (see Bailey’s entry below) and resigned under pressure*. The immediate issue was a leadership vacuum and a potential crisis of confidence. Liddiard’s challenge was to reassure the community quickly.
  
  He had to work with Utah County officials and neighboring municipalities to ensure they knew Eagle Mountain’s government was still functional despite the mayor’s absence. Internally, one issue was that as “mayor pro tem,” Liddiard’s authority was temporary and limited by law (30 days maximum)*. He had to be careful not to overstep that mandate. Instead of initiating new policies, he focused on continuity, which some might view as a lack of action – but that was intentional and prudent given the circumstances.
  
  There were no personal controversies involving Liddiard in this period; he did not attempt to leverage the acting mayor position for political gain. In fact, later in 2005 he applied to be considered for the longer interim mayor appointment but did not ultimately get it (the council chose Lifferth). If there was any contention, it was simply the competition among several citizens (including Liddiard) who applied to serve out the term. But the council’s unanimous decision on Lifferth indicated no major hard feelings. Liddiard returned to his council role afterwards. The public record on Liddiard’s mayor pro tem stint is sparse, which itself suggests that it was uneventful (in a good way) – exactly what Eagle Mountain needed in that moment. Essentially, the issue he faced was to prevent a power vacuum and maintain public services for a month, and he succeeded at that with little fanfare. Eagle Mountain’s government continued to function normally in July 2005 thanks to Liddiard’s low-profile caretaking.

Kelvin E. Bailey (January 2002 – June 2005)

• Term of Service: Mayor from January 2002 until June 2005*. Kelvin Bailey was elected in the 2001 municipal election and took office in Jan 2002, for what was supposed to be a four-year term (through January 2006)*. He did not complete his term; Bailey resigned in June 2005 amid scandal*. (Notably, some sources report he announced his intent to resign in late 2003, but he formally stayed in office into 2005 until a successor could be arranged, as explained below.)
• Notable Accomplishments: Kelvin Bailey’s tenure saw tremendous growth in Eagle Mountain and some important developmental milestones. Under Bailey’s leadership, Eagle Mountain transitioned from a fledgling town toward a more established city.
  
  The population absolutely exploded during his term – from roughly 250 residents at incorporation to about 8,000 residents by 2003*, and continuing to grow thereafter. Managing this boom was a central focus of Bailey’s administration. He often spoke of the “challenges” it created, noting the “tremendous burden” on city resources as Eagle Mountain mushroomed in size*. To address this, Bailey wore multiple hats: for a time, he even served as the acting city administrator in addition to being mayor, essentially doing two jobs to keep the city running*. (The City Council in early 2003 considered giving him a $25,000 bonus for his extra workload*, illustrating how Bailey stepped in to fill administrative gaps.)
  
  During Bailey’s administration, Eagle Mountain was officially reclassified from a “town” to a “city.” In 2001 (around the time he was elected), the state approved Eagle Mountain’s change in status to a city, and the municipality was renamed “Eagle Mountain City”*. This reflected its growth and allowed a more appropriate form of governance. Bailey’s term also oversaw the development of major subdivisions (such as The Ranches area) and the installation of key infrastructure. For instance, significant progress was made on the city’s sewer and water systems, and the groundwork for the city’s own utility services (electricity and gas) was laid during this time. Bailey was a strong advocate for building community amenities; Eagle Mountain’s annual Pony Express Days event expanded under his watch, and plans for additional parks were initiated.
  
  He was in office when Eagle Mountain attracted its first major employer (a door manufacturing plant) which helped create local jobs. Bailey was also known for being accessible – initially, he was popular among residents for his down-to-earth style and hands-on approach (he would personally attend many community functions). Had his term ended differently, he might be remembered for guiding Eagle Mountain through an era of unprecedented growth and setting the administrative foundation for a larger city.
• Significant Controversies: Unfortunately, Kelvin Bailey’s legacy is dominated by one of the most bizarre scandals in Utah local politics: the fabricated kidnapping incident. In March 2003, Bailey claimed that he had been carjacked and kidnapped at gunpoint by a stranger while on a drive, forced to travel out of state, and eventually escaped his captor in California**. This shocking story made headlines – until it unraveled. Within days, under questioning by sheriff’s detectives and the FBI, Bailey admitted he made the entire story up**. He told investigators that he concocted the kidnapping tale because he was under immense stress and felt underappreciated in his job as mayor*.
  
  Essentially, he snapped under pressure and took an impromptu 500-mile drive to clear his head, then lied about it to avoid criticism**. This revelation rocked the city. In April 2003, Utah County prosecutors charged Bailey with making a false police report, a Class B misdemeanor*. The scandal garnered statewide media attention, casting Eagle Mountain as a troubled city hall. Many residents were stunned and angry; however, interestingly, some showed sympathy. At a City Council meeting after the incident, a majority of residents who spoke were ready to forgive Mayor Bailey for his lapse*, acknowledging the extreme stress he was under as mayor of a rapidly growing city. Bailey did initially try to continue in office after publicly apologizing.
  
  In July 2004, he pleaded no contest to the false-report charge as part of a plea bargain (thus avoiding jail)**. Nevertheless, the trust was broken. The city council and public confidence in Bailey eroded over time. By mid-2005, with pressure mounting and another election on the horizon, Bailey resigned. Some reports indicate he effectively stepped aside earlier (in 2003) by delegating many duties to staff, but his official resignation came in June 2005* when an interim mayor was ready to take over. In addition to the kidnapping hoax, Bailey was involved in a couple of smaller controversies: There were murmurs about city funds under his management (though no charges of financial wrongdoing were filed). And, as hinted in one article, Bailey’s personal life challenges – his wife had a stroke and he was caring for her and their children* – elicited both sympathy and questions about whether he was able to devote necessary attention to city business. The kidnapping fiasco, however, dwarfs any other issue. It became a defining moment in Eagle Mountain’s early history, frequently cited in summaries of the city’s “political scandals”**. T
  
  he incident is even referenced humorously by Heather Jackson (Bailey’s eventual successor) who quipped that as mayor she “won’t tell police was abducted and forced to drive to California”*. Bailey’s misstep thus entered local legend. In summary, Kelvin Bailey’s term started with great promise and achievements in city-building, but ended in disgrace and early resignation due to the fabricated abduction story*. This controversy necessitated yet another interim mayor and contributed to Eagle Mountain’s reputation, at the time, as “Utah’s New Orleans” of political scandal*. It also served as a cautionary tale about the extreme stress small-town mayors can face**. Bailey’s departure led directly to David Lifferth’s interim mayorship in 2005 and the special election that brought Brian Olsen into office.

Paul R. Bond Jr. (January 2000 – January 2002)

• Term of Service: Mayor from January 2000 to January 2002*. Paul Bond Jr. was elected in late 1999 to fill the remainder of the term left vacant by Eagle Mountain’s first mayor, Debbie Hooge. (Hooge’s original term would have run until Jan 2002, and Bond was elected in a special election to serve those remaining years*.) Bond took office in Jan 2000 and served a two-year stint until Jan 2002, when a new election winner (Kelvin Bailey) was sworn in. Bond did not seek re-election in the 2001 race, opting to serve just that partial term.
• Notable Accomplishments: Paul Bond had the challenge of leading a brand-new city that was still finding its footing. During his two years as mayor, he helped lay down some foundational governance practices and saw Eagle Mountain through early growing pains. One structural milestone in Bond’s term was the transition of Eagle Mountain from a “town” to a “city” classification in 2001, reflecting population growth and requiring adjustments to the city’s governance*.
  
  Bond oversaw that administrative change, which included updating the city’s legal status and ensuring compliance with state requirements for cities (like establishing certain offices and procedures that a larger city needs). Additionally, Bond worked on improving relationships with developers and investors. In Eagle Mountain’s early days, developers played a huge role (the city was master-planned by private developers).
  
  Bond, coming in after the first mayor’s resignation, had to reassure developers and homebuilders that the city was stable. He was relatively successful in doing so – development of The Ranches master-planned community accelerated around 2000-2001. Bond’s background (he had worked for the LDS Church’s welfare services and traveled extensively*) gave him a broad perspective; he emphasized planning and conservative budgeting.
  
  A notable achievement was hosting Eagle Mountain’s first municipal election for city council under the new city status – in 2001 the city held elections that went smoothly, signaling that civic processes were normalizing. Bond also improved the city’s outreach; for example, Eagle Mountain’s first city newsletter was launched under his administration to communicate with residents. In human terms, Bond is remembered for his dedication – he often took calls from residents at all hours, even when he was out of the country on business*. His ability to keep the city functioning with limited staff and resources in those formative years was an accomplishment in itself. Unlike his predecessors and successors in the early era, Paul Bond completed his term without scandal, which provided a brief period of steady leadership for the young city.
• Significant Challenges/Issues: Leading Eagle Mountain in 2000–2001 meant dealing with the massive stresses of a nascent city. Bond himself later described the mayor’s job as “horribly stressful…It pushes you to your limits.”*. One major challenge was that the city’s infrastructure was still inadequate – there were issues with water supply (wells and storage had to be built out) and with the city’s unique telecom system (Eagle Mountain had its own local telecom utility that experienced technical problems).
  
  Bond faced community frustrations over these growing pains: new residents would complain about power outages or lack of services. He had to handle a lot of complaints personally, often fielding phone calls on his personal line. Bond mentioned he would sometimes need to just “get in his car and drive” to de-stress from trying to please everybody*. Another issue was financial – the city needed revenue, and with a small tax base initially, it relied heavily on impact fees from new development. Bond navigated budgeting carefully to avoid insolvency, but it meant the city deferred some nice-to-have projects. Politically, Bond had to pick up the pieces after the first mayor’s resignation and the interim period under Rob Bateman. There may have been residual divisions in the community between supporters of the previous mayor and others; Bond worked to be a unifier. He did not stir controversy, but there was one notable event: in mid-2001, Eagle Mountain’s first recall petition emerged when some citizens unhappy with growth issues tried to recall a council member.
  
  While Bond was not the target, it underscored the contentious environment he operated in. Ultimately, Bond decided not to run again in 2001. When asked later if he’d consider being mayor again (during the Bailey scandal in 2003), he firmly said “No, I’ve done my time”*, indicating how draining the role had been. Bond’s tenure had no scandal; indeed, he is one of the few Eagle Mountain mayors about whom that can be said in the first decade. The lack of drama might itself have been seen as an accomplishment, but it also meant his tenure sometimes flies under the radar. In retrospect, the main issue he dealt with – the sheer stress and workload – is something he coped with by often literally escaping to Fairfield for a short drive to clear his head*.
  
  Paul Bond provided a needed respite from controversy, but he also set the stage for the next wave of growth. By stepping down voluntarily, he allowed a new election in 2001 that brought Kelvin Bailey to power. His quiet tenure is remembered fondly by many early residents as a time when the young city was held together by a lot of personal dedication.

Rob Bateman (October 1998 – January 2000)

• Term of Service: Interim Mayor from October 1998 until January 2000. Rob Bateman was a City Council member who was appointed mayor by the City Council on October 1, 1998, after the resignation of the first mayor, Debbie Hooge**. He served the remainder of Hooge’s term, which officially ended in January 2000 (after the next election). Bateman did not run in the 1999 election; his interim mayoralty concluded when Paul Bond (elected in Nov 1999) took office in early 2000*.
• Notable Accomplishments: As Eagle Mountain’s second mayor (and first appointed interim mayor), Rob Bateman’s task was to get the new city back on track following the founding mayor’s departure. Bateman successfully carried Eagle Mountain through its formative first election cycle. After being appointed in October 1998*, he oversaw the city’s initial transition from appointed leadership to elected leadership. Under his watch, Eagle Mountain held its very first city council elections in 1999 (since the city was too new to have had regular elections prior to that).
  
  Bateman ensured those elections were organized, giving the young city a dose of democratic normalcy. He also continued the essential work of physically building the city. In late 1998 and 1999, Eagle Mountain was literally laying infrastructure – paving roads, constructing utility lines, etc. Bateman, who had been a councilman since 1997, was deeply familiar with these projects and kept them moving forward. He was known for his optimistic vision for the city: upon taking office, Bateman stated that “Eagle Mountain can be built on values and ideals from the ground up.”* This ethos guided his leadership; he collaborated closely with developers and the county to ensure the budding community had support.
  
  One tangible accomplishment was securing the city’s first fire engine and initial public safety framework. (In fact, even at incorporation the town had obtained a fire engine, and Bateman helped establish a volunteer fire department.) He also helped mediate between residents of the different pioneer subdivisions (Cedar Pass Ranch, etc.) to unite them under the new city’s governance. Additionally, Bateman’s appointment itself was done amicably – he was chosen over another candidate, Bill Chipman, but with Chipman’s full support, reflecting community cohesiondeseret.com. By the time he left office, Eagle Mountain had held together through its first two turbulent years and was ready for its first truly elected mayor, thanks in part to Bateman’s steady stewardship.
• Significant Challenges/Issues: Rob Bateman faced the challenges of a brand-new municipality, with the added twist that he came to office unexpectedly when Mayor Hooge resigned. One immediate issue was simply establishing credibility and continuity. Hooge had resigned to focus on her career*, not due to scandal, but her departure still could have shaken confidence. Bateman had to step in and quickly assure residents and investors that the city government was stable.
  
  Another challenge was lack of staff and experience – Eagle Mountain had only been incorporated for under two years when Bateman became mayor. He was working with a very small city staff (in 1999, the city offices were literally in a modified model home). Bateman often relied on Utah County’s guidance for city administration basics. A notable issue was the city’s finances and services: the new town was still developing its tax base and figuring out services like utilities. In fact, early Eagle Mountain struggled with providing utilities (water, power) reliably – some of those problems would be fully solved only later, but Bateman had to manage resident expectations in the meantime. Politically, Bateman did not face major controversy. He was generally well-liked, seen as a “peacemaker” type figure.
  
  The process of his appointment was drama-free: as reported at the time, the other potential candidate for appointment, Bill Chipman, willingly deferred once Bateman expressed interest, and the council vote was unanimous**. One could say the main pressure on Bateman was the knowledge that he was a caretaker – he had a limited mandate (just to finish the term) and needed to prepare the city for new elections. This might have limited any long-term initiatives he could pursue. Another small challenge was personal: as Eagle Mountain was so new, Bateman himself was relatively new to the area (he had moved from Alpine and was one of the first council membersdeseret.com). Ensuring he had the trust of long-time locals (few as they were) and newcomers alike required diplomacy. 
  
  No scandals or personal issues are recorded for Bateman’s term. In fact, his tenure is often fondly remembered as a quiet period sandwiched between more eventful ones. If anything, the lack of drama under Bateman may have been taken for granted; soon after he left, Eagle Mountain’s leadership would become rocky again with subsequent mayors. Bateman’s biggest issue, therefore, was simply the weight of being a pioneer – guiding a brand new city through its infancy. He met that challenge by being practical and consensus-oriented. By January 2000, when he handed over the mayor’s gavel, Eagle Mountain had successfully navigated incorporation, early growth, and its first change of leadership with relatively little turmoil, a credit to Bateman’s service.

Debbie Hooge (December 1996 – September 1998)

• Term of Service: Eagle Mountain’s first mayor, from incorporation in December 1996 until her resignation in September 1998**. Debbie M. Hooge was initially appointed as mayor at the city’s founding: when Eagle Mountain incorporated as a town on December 14, 1996, the Utah County Commission named her as the first mayor*.
  
  She was a driving force behind the city’s creation, so this appointment was fitting. Hooge then stood for election in the city’s first municipal election (fall 1997) and won a four-year term, officially taking the oath of office in January 1998**. However, she did not serve the full term; Hooge resigned in late summer 1998, roughly nine months into the term she’d been elected to**.
• Notable Accomplishments: Debbie Hooge can truly be called a founding figure of Eagle Mountain. Before Eagle Mountain existed, Hooge, a real estate developer by profession, was one of a small group of visionaries who imagined creating a new city in Cedar Valley. In 1996, she helped spearhead the petition to incorporate the area as a town**. In fact, Hooge had to overcome an unusual hurdle to become mayor: at the time of incorporation, she didn’t yet live within the new town’s boundaries (her house was still being built), making her technically ineligible. Determined to serve, Hooge promptly made arrangements to move into Eagle Mountain immediately – even if it meant renting a place – so that the county commissioners could appoint her as mayor**. This level of commitment highlights her foundational role.
  
  During her time as mayor, Hooge’s accomplishments were essentially establishing the city government from scratch. She set up the initial City Council (also appointed in 1996), hired the first city employees, and got the basic ordinances and budgets in place for the new town. One early achievement was acquiring necessary equipment for city services: for example, by the time of incorporation they already had secured a fire engine and other tools, ensuring the town had the means to provide emergency services*.
  
  Hooge also worked closely with developers to begin installing infrastructure. Under her leadership, Eagle Mountain’s first neighborhoods (such as Cedar Pass Ranch and Eagle Point) were integrated into the town framework. She presided over the construction of the city’s elementary school (built in 1997) by coordinating with the Alpine School District, showcasing her ability to collaborate with other agencies for the community’s benefit. Importantly, Hooge saw Eagle Mountain through its very first election in 1997: she herself was elected mayor*, and several council seats were decided by vote, legitimizing the local government beyond the initial appointments. In terms of vision, Hooge emphasized preserving the area’s open space and rural character even as development occurred – an ethos that shaped Eagle Mountain’s early general plan. By the time she left office in 1998, the once-nonexistent city had a functioning government, a growing population of a few hundred residents, and a roadmap for future growth. As the Deseret News later noted, Hooge was the one who got Eagle Mountain “off the ground,” quite literally*.
• Significant Challenges/Issues: As a pioneer mayor, Debbie Hooge faced tremendous challenges in forming a new municipality. Practically everything was a first, with no precedent to follow in Eagle Mountain’s context. Early on, a quirky issue was her residency qualification (mentioned above) – she resolved that by quickly moving into town limits to assume office*.
  
  Once in office, one big challenge was funding: Eagle Mountain started with essentially no revenue and had to attract development to build a tax base. Hooge worked with the city’s private partners to finance infrastructure upfront, a complex task. She had to placate the 22 or so initial residents who had voting rights at incorporation* as well as the outside landowners investing in the project. Political tensions did exist. For instance, some residents were wary of the influence of developers (Hooge herself was aligned with the developers who owned large swaths of land). Balancing residents’ interests vs. developers’ interests was an issue she constantly navigated.
  
  Additionally, the sheer workload was immense – being essentially a volunteer mayor at first, Hooge had to juggle city duties with her real estate career. Ultimately, it appears the strain of these responsibilities contributed to her decision to step down. In September 1998, less than a year into her elected term, Hooge resigned, citing the need to devote more time to her real estate business and personal life*. Officially, it was reported that she resigned “to devote more time to her real estate career”*.
  
  There were no scandals or wrongdoing associated with her resignation; by all accounts it was a personal choice. However, one might view it as the result of burnout – building a city from scratch is exhausting, and Eagle Mountain was growing slower at first than anticipated, which may have caused frustrations. After her resignation, some minor controversy briefly surfaced: there was debate on who the council should appoint as the new mayor. But this was resolved amicably with Rob Bateman’s appointment*. Hooge’s departure did set a worrisome tone that Eagle Mountain’s top office might be a revolving door (which, indeed, it turned out to be for a while). In the years after, Hooge stayed active behind the scenes (she remained a local real estate figure and even ran for mayor again years later, highlighting her continued interest*).
  
  In summary, the challenges Hooge faced were establishing a new city government, managing developer-resident relations, and personal workload stress. She faced no personal scandal; her tenure ended relatively quietly with a resignation announcement. Nonetheless, being the city’s first mayor during its birth meant any problem that arose was new and had to be solved creatively. Eagle Mountain’s successful incorporation and early survival through 1998 owe much to Hooge’s groundwork. The only “issue” attached to her legacy is that she left earlier than expected, which fed a narrative of instability (one that the city worked to overcome in later years).
  
  Overall, Debbie Hooge’s tenure is viewed as a crucial chapter in Eagle Mountain’s history – filled with the challenges of creation and the accomplishments of getting a new community up and running. Her early resignation was a setback, but not one caused by scandal, and the city she helped found continued on, built upon the foundation she laid*.

Sources:

• Official City and County Records (Eagle Mountain City Council minutes, Utah County Commission records) for mayoral appointments and resignations.
• Deseret News and Salt Lake Tribune contemporary news articles on Eagle Mountain (1996–2025), providing detailed timelines and accounts of each mayor’s term and issues
  Deseret News, Nov. 15, 2006 – “History of Eagle Mountain’s mayors”; 
  Deseret News, Nov. 29, 2009 – profile on Heather Jackson; 
  Deseret News, July 27, 2017 – Pengra resignation;
  SL Tribune, May 30, 2018 – Facebook data center announcement;
  KSL-TV News, Oct. 24, 2006 – “Nine Mayors in 10 Years” report; 
  KSL News, March 29, 2003 – Kelvin Bailey kidnapping story; 
  AP News, Aug. 2005 – reports on interim mayor appointments.
• Eagle Mountain municipal website and archives for factual details on terms and initiatives (e.g. EagleMountain.gov mayoral bios and State of the City addresses).
• Wikipedia (citing city records) for consolidated lists of mayors and term dates.
• Local journals and blogs (e.g. Cedar Valley Sentinel, The Crossroads Journal, Eagleshare.org) for additional context and community perspective on controversies and accomplishments.