One of my mottos is: with great opportunity comes an even greater responsibility to serve and give back. That is why I am here. That is why I am running for Lehi City Council.
I was born and raised in Utah. After graduating from Brigham Young University in history, I moved around the midwest with my husband to pursue educational and job opportunities. After studying nursing at The Ohio State University, I worked as a nurse for almost a decade from public health to occupational health. In 2016, I completed my masters’ degree in Illinois and then moved back to Utah.
Moving back to Utah with three kids in tow and one on the way, we felt Lehi was the perfect fit for our family. As our family grew, so did Lehi. Lehi gained businesses and homes. I watched the new junior high be built up on Traverse and the addition of many parks. I got more involved with the community. I volunteered at all the school levels with kids from elementary to high school. I served as a county delegate multiple times. When traffic increased near a walking route to school for the neighborhood children, I was able to work with a city traffic engineer to study and get a crosswalk and pedestrian signs installed.
I’ve been fortunate to use my nursing education to bless the lives of others. When the war broke out in Ukraine, I helped provide medical support to Ukrainian refugees in Utah. I currently work in a free clinic that serves all uninsured Utah County residents. I’ve been able to listen to these patients and their families and see the struggles of some of our most vulnerable. Service is a way of life for me and my family, and I’ve always sought opportunities to contribute in meaningful ways.
Now, I feel it’s time for me to give back to Lehi—a community that has given me so much. I believe we are at a crossroads. We are electing a new mayor and two city council members. Explosive growth has placed a strain on our systems and we need a strong voice for the people of Lehi. The basic foundation of a healthy city, our infrastructure–roads, sidewalks, and public safety–need to be addressed. We need council members who are connected to the schools, and will be able to work well and help with the challenges of a new school district. We need those who will be intentional about growth while preserving green space. We need council members who are connected to the most vulnerable in our community–those who don’t often share their voices, but whose needs need to be known. We need leaders who are committed to serving, not just managing. My track record of service has led Senator Balderree, Senator Brammer, and Council member Michelle Stallings to endorse me as a candidate for Lehi city council. They understand I will lead out in service to Lehi.
I know the impact we can each have for good in our communities. I see it every day in the people I meet and work with. And I am thankful for the good people of Lehi. I believe it is our duty to serve, to make the world a better place. I am ready to serve Lehi, if Lehi will have me serve. That’s why I am here. That’s why I am running. Rachelfreeman4lehi.org Please reach out to connect at Rachelfreeman4lehi@gmail.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.