Davis County is home to more than 380,000 residents across 15 wonderful cities. For most of our history, we had a countywide newspaper – the Davis County Clipper – that kept families informed, kept government transparent, and kept our community connected. When it closed, we didn’t just lose a newspaper. We lost one of the most important tools a community can have: a trusted source of local information that reaches everyone.

Today, we feel the effects of its absence every single day.

The Davis Journal is doing excellent work, and I appreciate their commitment to local reporting. But their readership reaches only a small percentage of residents. A county of 380,000 people deserves a newspaper that reaches all households – consistently, clearly, and reliably. Without that, misinformation spreads more easily, confusion increases, and residents are left trying to navigate important issues without a central place to turn.

We saw this firsthand at our recent Truth in Taxation hearing. Attendance was outstanding, and the public comments were heartfelt and often difficult to hear. Many residents described the financial strain they are under from inflation and rising costs. Their testimonies deeply influenced my vote against the proposed tax increase.

Another theme also emerged – many residents were unsure about which decisions belong to the County and which belong to the Davis School District, the cities, our special service districts, and other entities entirely outside the County’s control. Some believed the County had raised taxes when those increases were made by the school district. This confusion is understandable. Without a countywide newspaper explaining these distinctions week after week, residents are left piecing information together from social media or word of mouth – and that is no substitute for reliable, consistent local reporting.

To help address the information gap, we voluntarily held three Town Halls – more than required and more than many counties would attempt. Were they perfect? No. And I was criticized and even mocked for holding them. But I will never apologize for creating opportunities for civic engagement. Even imperfect Town Halls are better than silence. Criticism makes us better, and public participation makes our county stronger.

But Town Halls alone are not enough. We need a countywide newspaper – one that explains not just what is happening, but why. One that highlights the stories, decisions, debates, and opportunities that affect our lives every day. One that keeps government accountable and keeps residents informed.

And here is the good news:
For roughly the cost of a gallon of milk per household per year, we could bring this vision to life.

That small investment could dramatically improve transparency, civic engagement, and public trust. It would give every Davis County resident a reliable source of local news.

Some say newspapers are a thing of the past. But local newspapers are not relics – they are lifelines. They inform voters, protect taxpayers, strengthen communities, and help good government function the way it should.

Davis County is strong because its people are strong. A countywide newspaper would make us even stronger. It’s time to bring one back.

Editor’s note: We are excited for the possibility of increasing our coverage and distribution. Currently we are distributing news monthly to 50,000 homes in Davis County and also provide a daily email with local news. Our hope is to increase our subscription count so we can relaunch the weekly print newspaper and grow the daily email. You can help support the Davis Journal by subscribing at https://www.davisjournal.com/pages/subscribe.