FARMINGTON—After the censuring of County Commissioner John Crofts last week at the July 7 commission meeting, some residents came before the commission July 14 during the public comment period, one asking for his resignation and others supporting him.

Kaysville resident Layne Kamalu expressed his concerns about Crofts’ actions. “To start I want to be clear that I am not here at the behest of my wife (Commissioner Lorene Kamalu),” he said. “This is completely my own decision. I am here, however, to set the record straight.”

One would expect a newly elected commissioner to commit to working collaboratively with fellow commissioners in pursuit of the county’s best interests, he said. “Unfortunately, Commissioner Crofts chose a very different path upon taking office 18 months ago.”

Almost immediately he told numerous county leaders that his primary goal was to prevent the reelection of several officials, Kamalu said. “Since then Davis County leaders and employees have endured repeated slander, verbal abuse and bullying. Commissioner Kamalu in particular has been the target of persistent defamation and unfounded attacks. These behaviors have affected many others as well, including myself.”

Kamalu said as a result of the investigation he was stunned to learn that he had become the subject of Commissioner Crofts’ damaging accusations. “Despite not knowing me well his actions have needlessly exposed both himself and the county to potential litigation. This pattern of conduct is unprecedented in Davis County. A community well known for its strong reputation among residents and state leaders.”

The perceived discord within the commission has not been mere disagreements among officials, he said. “Rather it’s been a relentless cycle of attacks by Crofts, but with efforts to protect what is good and functional in our local government, one individual, one, has created a toxic work environment that permeates the entire organization.”

Because he cannot be fired the damage has been significant, said Kamalu. “Under Commissioner Crofts, the workplace became so hostile that several valued employees chose to resign rather than continue enduring hostility.”

The county has suffered long enough, he said. “I urge you to join me in doing what is right for Davis County. I call for Commissioner Crofts’ resignation.”

“I’d like to share a personal story not long before I met Commissioner Crofts,” said a Kaysville woman. I had not been intrinsically involved in politics local or otherwise. County commission meetings were simply not a part of my life. What brought me here was a feeling shared by many of my neighbors that someone might listen.”

Commissioner Crofts did listen, she said. “He responded and showed up. In the 2024 general elections more than 106,000 Davis County voters chose John Crofts to represent them.”

He worked to reduce spending, to decrease it, she said. “During the property tax debate he was the only commissioner to propose a zero percent increase. He worked to find a solution that respected the needs of the homeless in the code blue shelter, instrumental in finding an approved and appropriate location.”

She said her comments are not about determining whether the allegations are true or false. “They are about public confidence in the process. As a citizen, I was not aware that the commission would be voting to censure Commissioner Crofts and remove him from leadership. Our public confidence is strengthened when actions involving elected officials are conducted with transparency, truth and respect. I respectfully ask this commission to conduct work in a manner that reflects the trust that the public has placed in each of you.”

“Commissioner Crofts is the only one that I know that was trying to get our taxes not raised,” said a Layton woman. “I understand the increase on expenses but there are people coming to me saying, ‘I own my house but I can’t afford my taxes that I’m going to have to pay in November so I have to sell my house that I’ve had and raised my children in.’”

He’s trying to do his best for the citizens when they tell him what they need, she said. “As far as I’m concerned he’s the only one on this committee that’s actually trying to do what's right for the people that live in Davis County and trying to make sure we have a voice in what happens.”

Commission candidate Susan Lee finished up public comments. “I appreciate all the comments that were made today,” she said. “We’re not all going to agree. We all have different perspectives, different outlooks on life and we all have to work together. I hope that we take these comments seriously so that we can work together and move forward and not back.”