BOUNTIFUL–It’s been a busy start to 2022 for Utah Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson, who has made the rounds swearing in new mayors and city councilmembers in the state. On Jan. 11, she came to Bountiful to welcome the city’s new mayor and two new council members.

Mayor Kendalyn Harris joined with newly-elected councilmembers Jesse Bell and Cecilee Price-Huish in taking their oaths of office from Henderson. It was a celebratory affair, with former city council members, former Chief of Police Tom Ross, and new Kaysville Mayor Tami Tran among those who attended and participated.

All three said they were humbled and grateful for the support of the community in being elected to four-year terms. Mayor Harris has been serving as a council member for the past eight years, but this is the first time around for both Bell and Price-Huish to be part of the governing board. After taking their oaths, each made a few remarks.

“I have so many people to thank who have been an example to me throughout my life,” Bell said. “I’m grateful for our forefathers of Bountiful. We have an amazing legacy of wonderful leaders who made wise choices, hard choices, that have given us the foundation that we have today. I’m grateful for those that have served and are sitting behind me right now, for the examples they’ve shown me as I’ve watched and listened and been involved in Bountiful. I’m honored to be counted as one of their peers. I want Bountiful to be a place of belonging and a place of identity, where future generations will be proud to call Bountiful home. Where residents know that they have a voice and they can share it, and it will be heard.”

Price-Huish followed, saying “it is such a privilege and honor to be elected as a member of the Bountiful City Council.” She cited three guiding principles she said will help her as she fulfills her duties on the council: impeccable integrity like her father, treating everyone with dignity and respect as her mother did as a long-time high school teacher, and encouraging all to give service and helping hand to make the community a better place.

Harris thanked her family and friends, saying “it’s impossible to reach a goal like this without a lot of help.” She said, “I want to be the kind of mayor that gives everyone a seat at the table. We can learn a lot from each other if we will. I want all Bountiful residents to know that they have a seat at the table.”

She praised those who have served as mayors before her, with photos of all 29 of those men on the wall of a hallway just outside the council chambers. “I appreciate their work and continue to benefit from their service.” She also praised and gave thanks for the city staff members she has worked with and will continue to work with in the years ahead.

“We have such a talented team, and they do the real work it takes everyday for our city. I will be forever grateful for you, Bountiful residents, for giving me this opportunity to serve.”