West Bountiful Mayor Ken Romney took a few moments to reflect on the previous 12 years he has served in office. Mayor Romney, who grew up in Bountiful, was attracted to West Bountiful due to the rural feel and the open space. The Romneys have been residents of the city since 2001.  

When the developer in the PUD where he and his wife Jacqueline were building a home failed to meet the expectations of the people who bought building lots, rather than sit back and complain, he decided to run for office for the first time in his life. He was first elected to the city council, and then two years later he ran for mayor.  

“I have tried to run the city like a business,” stated the mayor as the conversation turned to financial solvency.  When he was first elected in 2009, the country was in the midst of a severe economic recession. The city was not spared the consequences of the situation. Sales tax revenues fell short of projections and the city came close to not being able to make payroll. Like many Americans, the city was heavily in debt. The city administration and officials set a goal to pay off bonds as quickly as possible as well as work to avoid incurring debt to pay for roads and water lines that were in need of repair/replacement.  

After pondering for a moment when asked what he is most proud of, he explained that the decision was made recently to pay off the remaining bond on the city building. If paid as scheduled, the bond would have been paid off in 2026.To pay it off five years early is quite an accomplishment.  The goal of the early payoff was to allow for a sales tax bond for the new public works facility.  He was also happy to report that the goal of not going into debt for road and water projects has been met, with all projects being paid for in cash.  

“As a civil engineer it is personally satisfying to look at a completed project with brand new asphalt,” said Romney.  

Serving people, working with a wide variety of people, knocking on doors and meeting new people while campaigning are all highlights described by the mayor.  When asked what he would like the public to know that they might not be aware of when it comes to running a city, he reported the following:

• The city does not have as much flexibility or power as people think.  The city is subject to many regulations mandated by the state and the county.  City officials and staff must operate within those mandates.

• City administrators and officials have many responsibilities outside of the city’s boundaries, such as the sewer board.

• Administrative work has quadrupled in recent years, particularly when it comes to public safety.  For example, when there is an incident within the city which requires public safety officers from West Bountiful or any other agency, the body cam and dash cam footage must be reviewed.  Every minute, even from outside agencies must be carefully studied.  An incident that lasts for an hour, and multiple vehicles respond, with each vehicle carrying at least one officer could take upwards of, well, you do the math.  

“Don’t make changes just to make changes. Take the necessary time to make good decisions. It’s OK to move slowly. And DON’T MESS THINGS UP!” stated the mayor about the principles that guide him.

Romney reported that the residents of West Bountiful have done a great job looking out for one another during the pandemic and following the health guidelines set forth by local and national agencies. While our overall infection rates are lower than the county average, there was a brief time when our per capita infections were the highest in the county. He was not aware of any deaths in the city that were due to an individual who was infected by the virus. His observations were that adolescents and the elderly seemed to struggle the most, with the isolation and loss of activities and issues related to mental health that definitely increased during 2020.  On the small business end of the pandemic, he said that a few small businesses closed permanently in 2020.  He then presented Santorini’s Greek Grill and Wingers as examples of businesses who took a significant risk and opened during the pandemic.  

Discussing the decision-making process concerning the run for a third term, Romney said the number one factor was the support of his wife, Jacqueline. Second was the flexibility and support of his employer. He also simply stated that he loves the people he works with. He explained that the staff and elected officials don’t agree on everything and that is a good thing. The diversity of opinions, paired with the integrity and reasonability of his associates in the city creates a functional government without unnecessary contention. 

His final comment concerning the city of West Bountiful was this:  “The people are just SO good here.”