During an election cycle, the informed voter tries to learn as much about the candidates as possible prior to the Primary (August 10, 2021) and Final Election in November (November 2, 2021). This election cycle is for the City Mayor as well as two City Council Seats. There will be no primary for the Mayor position, but there will be one for the City Council seats. The City of Eagle Mountain is sponsoring a meet the candidate event on Thursday, July 15, 2021, at Frontier Middle School. The event was mentioned in the last edition of the June 2021 Eagle’s View newsletter put out by the city. “Meet the Candidates Night will be held at Frontier Middle School on Thursday, July 15 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.”
I have attended these events in the past and have found them very helpful in finalizing my decision on who I am going to vote for. It is a chance for you to see how the candidates interact with residents as well as ask any questions you may have for them. If you don’t have questions, or don’t wish to talk to them, it is still valuable to attend. You can always just listen to what other residents are asking, and the responses of the candidates. There have been a couple of them I have gone to that I have just stood back and listened.I am not the only one that finds these events beneficial and helpful for the residents and the candidates. Brett Wright Candidates for City Council, Chair on the Eagle Mountain Planning Commission, and Eagle Mountain resident for 17 years, when asked for his thoughts on these events stated.
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I would love to see as many residents as possible take the opportunity to visit face to face with the candidates. This is an opportunity to build new relationships or foster existing relationships. It is a chance to ask questions, make evaluations about and understand the differences in those who are seeking public office. This is an opportunity to be sure that your future elected officials hear from you directly and then can clearly represent your concerns.”
Colby Curtis who is currently City Councilmember also weighs in on the subject of meet the candidate events. “One of the best ways to learn about candidates, their knowledge, and understanding of issues are meet the candidate events. Please take the opportunity to vet candidates through one of these events.”
If you cannot attend, make sure you follow the candidates on Facebook, check out their campaign sites, and email them your own questions. I will continue to post questions that I have asked the candidates and their answers over the next few weeks.
Mayor Candidates
Tom Westmoreland – Email:tomwwestmoreland@gmail.com
Melissa Clark – Email:melissa4em@gmail.com
City Council Candidates
Brett Wright – Email:brettwright.emcity@gmail.com
Maria R Hopkin – Email:mariahopkin@gmail.com
Donna Rivera Burnham – Email:dburnham@gmail.com
Jason Allen – Email:info@Vote4JasonAllen.com
Rich Wood – Email:richwood.emcity@gmail.com
Tyler Shimakonis – Email:tyler4emcity@gmail.com
You can read the candidate bios that they provided to the City on the City Recorder page here: https://eaglemountaincity.com/elections-voting/2021-city-council-candidate-bios/
If you are a senior (55+) you can also go meet them on July 26th from 5-7 during the Senior Meet The Candidate Night.
“The Seniors (55+) will hold a Meet the Candidate Night at the Senior Center. This will be the candidates running for local office. Refreshments will be served.”

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.