My name is Emily Buss, and I’m thrilled to officially announce my candidacy for Eagle Mountain
City Council.
I’m a licensed Social Service Worker, community engagement specialist, and proud Eagle
Mountain resident. I am currently the Development & Volunteer Program Manager at The
Wellness Farm. I’m also a wife, mother, library advisory board member, local Girl Scout troop
leader, and the Co-Founder & Executive Director of the Birthday Box Foundation, a nonprofit
that brings joy to local children experiencing hardship.
My educational background is rooted in advocacy, policy, and research, with a focus on child
welfare and social impact. I’ve spent my life fighting for families and building programs that
serve real needs in real communities. Whether it’s creating resources for underserved youth,
expanding access to support services, or partnering with local organizations, I know how to
turn ideas into action, and action into outcomes.
I’m not a politician. I’m someone who understands the pressures families in Eagle Mountain
face every day—because I live them, too. Rising costs, lack of roads, long commutes, and
limited job opportunities shouldn’t be our reality.
Eagle Mountain deserves leadership that reflects the needs and values of today’s families—not
just the priorities of longtime insiders or developers. Our city is growing rapidly, and the
decisions we make today will shape what kind of place Eagle Mountain becomes for decades to
come. That’s why we need someone on the council who understands what it’s like to juggle the
day-to-day responsibilities of building a better future and raising a family in today’s economy.
My platform is built on practical, principled, people-first leadership. I believe government is more efficient and more effective when it listens to the people it serves.
Key priorities I will focus on, if elected include:
- Smart, Responsible Growth – With over 26,000 vested building permits, we can’t stop
growth—but we can plan for it. I support land-use policies that require developers to provide
school sites, improve roads before adding traffic, zoning that protects citizens from high-density
housing, and preserve water through enforceable, not performative, conservation. - Recreation and Support for Youth & Families – I’ll champion initiatives that create
after-school programs, teen activities, on-site childcare with employers, and a community center
that serves the families who live here. - Infrastructure That Keeps Up – From overcrowded roads to lack of emergency evacuation
planning, our infrastructure hasn’t kept pace. I’ll push for better regional collaboration, state
funding, and stronger city code to give the council more negotiating power with developers. - Creating Economic Opportunity – We need more high-paying, family-supporting jobs right
here in Eagle Mountain. I will fight to attract companies that commit to hiring locally, and push
for job training and return-to-work programs for parents and displaced workers. - Fiscal Responsibility – My commitment is to introduce common sense into our city’s budget by
prioritizing fundamental services and pursuing long-term solutions over temporary fixes. It also
means giving local businesses a fair shot at public contracts and demanding multiple bids with
transparency in the bidding process.
For a city that is half children, we are severely lacking facilities and activities for older kids and
teens. We should be attracting recreation companies and working with nonprofits that can
partner with us to bring facilities and programs to our city without the city having to shoulder all
the operational and personnel costs.
Leadership succeeds when everyone is working together. Collaboration and strategic
partnerships like these are how I will help the city work smarter and stay within budgetary
constraints.
If we plan strategically, put families first, and manage development responsibly, growth can
bring opportunity to Eagle Mountain residents. My promise to you is simple: I will lead with
integrity, advocate with compassion, and always put the needs of Eagle Mountain families first.
Follow along and get involved at emily4em.com
Let’s build a better Eagle Mountain, together.
Emily Buss
Candidate for Eagle Mountain City Council
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.