Summit County Councilor Canice Harte has announced plans to run for a second term in 2026. “The work we have taken on as a county is long term, and I want to see it through,” Harte said. “Summit County continues to face intense growth pressure, complex intergovernmental challenges and majo r infrastructure decisions that will shape our community for decades. Experience matters in moments like this.” Harte is the operations manager for Summit County Search and Rescue in addition to his position on the Summit County Council representing District 5. District 5 encompasses the Jeremy Ranch area and Pinebrook. He was elected to his original County Council seat in 2022. “I originally ran for County Council because I care deeply about this community and wanted to help guide its future in a responsible and transparent way,” Harte said. “Summit County is a special place, but it is not immune to growth pressures, state mandates and external interests.” He said he values conservation, public access, fiscal responsibility and community character, and he described himself as someone “who is willing to put in the time to understand the details behind every decision.” Harte first campaigned for the County Council in 2020, but he lost the Democratic primary election to former Summit County Council Chair Malena Stevens. He tried again in 2022, launching a successful bid for Seat E, winning the caucus, and defeating his Republican opponent John “Jack” Murphy, with approximately 56% of votes cast in his favor, during the general election. “I believe steady leadership, institutional knowledge and a deep understanding of our community are essential as we navigate what comes next,” Harte said, touting his four years of experience. “I am committed to protecting what makes Summit County special while making thoughtful, pragmatic decisions that serve both current and future residents.” Harte said his proudest accomplishment as a county councilor so far has been helping to acquire the 8,500-acre 910 Cattle Ranch property for open space conservation. The purchase has been delayed numerous times because of issues with federal funding, but Summit County Lands and Natural Resources Director Jess Kirby recently said she expects to close on the land in early 2026. “Preserving that land ensures permanent protection of critical habitat, recreational access and the rural character of our county,” Harte said. “I am also extremely proud of the acquisition of the Ure Ranch, which protected an additional 834 acres of open space. Together, these projects represent a lasting commitment to conservation and responsible land stewardship that will benefit Summit County for generations.” But serving on the County Council isn’t without its challenges. Harte said it’s difficult to balance competing interests in the county, especially as residents and local officials attempt to plan for rapid growth. He mentioned the need for infrastructure improvements, as well as navigating “state intervention in local land use decisions,” seemingly referring to the Utah Legislature’s involvement in Dakota Pacific Real Estate’s future development in Kimball Junction. “At the same time, inflation and rising assessed values have increased the tax burden on residents, even without a county tax rate increase,” Harte said. “Navigating these issues while remaining fiscally responsible, responsive to constituents and focused on long-term outcomes has been both challenging and rewarding.” Harte said he hopes to focus on “protecting our way of life” and Summit County’s strong sense of community if elected for another term. Doing so involves managing growth, but also defending and advocating for continuing local control without state intervention, according to Harte. “I also want to remain focused on fiscal responsibility and finding ways to reduce the tax burden on residents,” he said. “While the County Council has not raised the county tax rate since 2017, many residents have still experienced significant increases driven by school districts and special service districts. Addressing affordability and transparency will remain a priority.” The County Council as a whole will likely need to emphasize infrastructure improvements over the next four years because of the looming 2034 Winter Olympics, Harte said. He noted the construction of the bus rapid transit system, as well as a parking facility in Kimball Junction to reduce congestion. “Planned improvements to the Highway 80 and Highway 224 interchange will also be critical,” Harte said. “In addition, Summit County is actively planning for the upcoming Olympic Games, which will bring both opportunity and complexity. Ensuring these projects are delivered responsibly, with community input and long-term benefits in mind, will be a central focus of the council’s work.” The candidate filing window for local elections opens at 8 a.m. on Jan. 2 and closes at 5 p.m. on Jan. 8. The county auditor, sheriff, attorney, clerk and two County Council positions will be on the 2026 ballot. The post Summit County Councilor Canice Harte announces reelection campaign appeared first on Park Record. ...read more read less