Summit County voters deserve clarity, especially when it comes to how local government works. Recent commentary has suggested that the process for filling vacancies in county offices is somehow manipulated or predetermined. That claim is not just misleading. It reflects a fundamental misunderstandi ng of the law. Utah law is clear. When an elected county official resigns or dies, state statute provides precise and time-sensitive procedures to be followed depending on the vacant office and the time left in the elected term. It is a public, multi-step process designed to ensure both party input and governmental oversight. No single individual “chooses” their successor. That distinction matters, particularly at a time when confidence in institutions is already strained. Suggesting otherwise may generate attention, but it does little to inform the public. It is also important to correct the implication that recent resignations were political maneuvers. When Summit County Sheriff Justin Martinez stepped down, it was because he was appointed by the president of the United States to serve as U.S. marshal for the District of Utah — a significant professional honor that reflects well on both him and our community. To frame that as anything else misrepresents the facts. More broadly, the narrative that one party is orchestrating outcomes behind closed doors ignores what is plainly visible: competitive races. In recent elections, multiple candidates have sought open seats, including for County Council and clerk. The same has been true when vacancies occur mid-term. When elected officials — including County Council members and the previous county clerk — have stepped down, there has been an open application process, multiple qualified individuals have applied, and the statutory selection process has been followed. That is not the hallmark of a predetermined outcome. It is the hallmark of a functioning democracy. In this instance, as well, there was an open call for applicants, and only one individual, Malena Stevens, chose to apply. If we are going to talk about elections in Summit County, we should also be honest about participation. In the current cycle, of six countywide positions up for election, Republicans have fielded a candidate in just one race. It is difficult to argue that one party is dominating a process while largely declining to compete in it. Voters will have a choice in this election, as they should. That choice should be grounded in qualifications, not insinuation. The role of county clerk is administrative, not political. It requires expertise in election administration, public process and governance. Malena Stevens brings extensive experience working inside local government — including in education, administration, and county-level service — with a clear understanding of how these systems function day to day. That kind of direct, on-the-ground experience matters in a role responsible for running elections and maintaining public records. It is unfortunate that roles like county clerk, which are fundamentally administrative and require technical competence, are treated as partisan offices at all. Voters are best served when the most qualified individual is elected, regardless of party. Healthy debate is welcome. But debate grounded in incomplete or inaccurate information does not serve voters — it distracts from the real decisions in front of us. As this election unfolds, Summit County voters deserve facts, transparency and a focus on qualifications. That is how we maintain trust in our institutions, and in each other. Frank Lynch Pinebrook            The post Let’s be honest, tell full story appeared first on Park Record. ...read more read less