City council member Donna Burnham vows to protect small-town values, bring jobs home, and build a brighter future for residents.
EAGLE MOUNTAIN, UT — The office of mayor requires a leader with diplomacy, integrity, and experience. My name is Donna Rivera Burnham, and I am that leader.
I have served as a council member for the last 7 1/2 years and want to use my experience and knowledge to help lead this city to a bright future. Eagle Mountain has been my home since 2001. I raised my family here, and now I get to watch my grandchildren grow up in the city I love.
I’ve seen first-hand how far we’ve come, and I’m excited to see where we can go next. Here’s how I plan to lead us there:
Keeping our small-town feel
I often hear residents say, “I love our small town!” As a city of almost 75,000, we are hardly a small town, but our sense of community is strong. Our community values our open spaces, parks, and trails. Our amazing events bring us together. If we want to keep our community feel, we must continue to strengthen these elements that are part of our city’s identity.
Creating jobs, not commutes
We need more jobs in our community. Most of our residents leave our city for work and have to deal with the horrible traffic in Saratoga Springs and Lehi. Let’s keep them here instead by making our city the best city in the state to do business, by strengthening our small businesses, and by encouraging industrial and other large employers to find a home here. We have to make our city competitive by using out-of-the-box approaches to development and incentives, getting needed infrastructure in place and continuing to make this a great city to live in.
Improving transportation infrastructure
Our region has over one billion dollars in transportation, which will be used to build the 2100 N freeway, add flex lanes to Pioneer Crossing, extend Mountain View Corridor, and widen SR 73. Getting this funding was hard; it took a coordinated effort from cities and amazing work from our state representatives, with a special thanks going to Jefferson Moss and Stephanie Gricius. I have the experience and relationships needed to keep transportation flowing to our city and region.
Standing up to state housing mandates
The entire time I have been on council, I have fought against one-size-fits-all state housing mandates that are bad for Eagle Mountain. I have been a fierce advocate for our city, speaking to legislators about bills that would negatively impact us. I currently serve on two committees with the League of Cities and Towns that have empowered me to be your advocate.
Protecting our water and power
We live in a desert, and water will always be an issue. I have been proactive in working to find solutions to increase our water supply and conserve water. Power has also become a major issue for the city and its future. If we can’t access more power, businesses and jobs won’t come. I have personally met with legislators and fought for our city on both of these issues and have worked with our council to plan for the future.
Our future is bright. I believe in Eagle Mountain, and I believe in what we can do together. I’d be honored to serve as your next mayor.
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.