Endorsements

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Stephen Willden is a great choice for Saratoga Springs City Council. I have had the privilege of serving with Councilman Willden for over the past several years. Prior to being elected to the city council Stephen served on other committees within the city in addition to being involved in his HOA. Most people are aware of his strong financial understanding, however that is just the beginning of the skills that he brings to the table in service of the residents. Stephen is very levelheaded and willing to look at multiple solutions to various city problems. He is a strong conservative when it comes to the residents’ taxes and balancing out the wishes of those he was elected to represent.  Stephen is willing to attend many additional meetings with business and landowners to help make the city better place and is dedicated to his work.

I’ve known Stephen for over 14 years and have found him to be a bright, thoughtful, engaging, and overall great person. His extensive knowledge in finance and managing risk have been a huge asset to the city. In addition, he’s been a solid and stable member of the Council through the various challenges our city has faced. As a result of his and our other council’s efforts, our city is on a strong and impressive path. Our economic development, transportation, water, and recreation have all continued to improve during his time on the council. I hope you’ll join me in supporting him for reelection.

I am happy to endorse Stephen Willden for the city council of Saratoga Springs. Stephen's financial background has been a huge asset to keeping taxes low while providing increased amenities like Patriot Park.  The accelerated timeline for the expansion of Mountain View Corridor is another example of how our voices as citizens are being heard. I know that Stephen is always looking for solutions while keeping his eye on the bottom line. His vision, his experience, and his principles are what we need for Saratoga Springs now and for years to come. 

 I am pleased to support Stephen Willden for re-election to the Saratoga Springs City Council. I have worked with him for many years both in our neighborhood as well as during my time serving on the City Council. Stephen has always been very thoughtful as he considers all sides of a project or issue. He contemplates not only the immediate results but the long term consequences and results to the community as a whole. Stephen has been a boon to the city as he has used his financial skills, alongside our great staff, to continually improve the efficiency and sustainability of our city. Stephen’s calm demeanor as he handles tough issues is a great stabilizing factor on the City Council team. He communicates well with residents and is always available for questions. Please join me in voting to re-elect Stephen Willden for Saratoga Springs City Council.  

Shellie Baertsch

Former Saratoga Springs City Council

IHC Community Outreach Council and Board Member

20 Year Saratoga Springs Resident

Now that campaign season has started, and the candidates have declared my endorsements will come easy.  My first endorsement is for Stephen Willden to be re-elected to the Saratoga Springs City Council.  Councilman Willden has a long history of serving our city.  He severed on the finance committed during the financial downturn of 2008-2010.   He has worked tirelessly to make sure the city stays strong financially and is able to blend his professional background in finance and banking with his city service.  I hope you join me in supporting Stephen Willden for Saratoga Springs City Council in the 2021 municipal elections.  As a current Councilmember I know I do not want to lose his experience and history as the city experiences our current growth.  - Councilman Christopher Carn

In the 10 years I’ve known Stephen Willden, he has been a great example of well-reasoned and fair decision-making.  He has been a strong advocate for controlling growth in Saratoga Springs, has worked to ensure we maintain our good financial footing, and has been a great partner in our efforts to bring more businesses and jobs to our City.  With Stephen’s help we’ve been able to attract Costco, Fat Cat’s, the IHC Medical Center, University of Utah Medical Center, push forward completion of Foothill Blvd, improve the city’s recreational amenities, and much more in a few short years.  I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to work with Stephen, and encourage you to support him in the upcoming election so that Saratoga Springs can continue the great progress it is making into the future.

 I have thoroughly enjoyed serving alongside Stephen during the past four years that I've been on city council. He is dedicated, involved, and truly cares for what's best for the residents of Saratoga Springs. His expertise in finance has also provided great insight into assisting the city council in safeguarding city funds and helping expenses stay within budget. The city would be in great hands for another four years with Stephen's re-election. 

While working with Stephen on the City Council in Saratoga Springs, I have seen his expertise from a financial perspective benefit the city numerous times. His ability to not only see issues but communicate them effectively to City staff and his fellow members on the Council is an asset  Saratoga Springs absolutely needs for another four years.  It is my pleasure to endorse Stephen Willden for Saratoga Springs City Council.

I have known Stephen for several years. During that time, I have seen his willingness to listen to residents and their concerns about Saratoga Springs.

Stephen’s background in finance and budgeting has helped to keep our city in good financial standing. Because of the city’s good position, the Mayor and city council passed a property tax reduction. Lastly, having served on the city planning commission, I know that Stephen is committed to having developers keep densities down wherever and whenever they can.

For these reasons, I am supporting Stephen Willden for City Council.

Steve has been a staple on the City Council for several years. He is respected by citizens and his colleagues alike. He has been instrumental in directing the growth of the city alongside his councilman and the mayor. One of the greatest challenges has been the financing of city projects; in this realm Steve’s financial acumen has been invaluable. I have known Steve for several years and served with him on several city committees, and he has my endorsement for City Council.

I have known Stephen for nearly 15 years and would absolutely give my highest recommendations for him to represent us on the City Council.  He passionately cares about our community and he upholds the values we all believe in and he will continue to lead our city to a strong future.  He has solid core principles and understands the proper role of government, and he has demonstrated this as our councilman for the past eight years.  As a Utah County Republican Delegate and State Delegate I have for many years represented local citizens with the purpose of helping put good people in office.  Stephen is one of these good people.  For these reasons, and so many others, I wholeheartedly endorse Stephen Willden for Saratoga Springs City Council.

Stephen Willden is the councilman Saratoga Springs needs. As a younger, quickly growing city, we face a lot of unique challenges. Councilman Willden isn’t afraid to dig into those challenges, find creative solutions, and do what needs to be done. When it comes to safeguarding our precious, taxpayer dollars, he’s a fiscal hawk. His record reflects the passion he has for Saratoga Springs. Join me in re-electing Councilman Stephen Willden.

  I have had the pleasure of working with Stephen in numerous capacities on innumerable projects varying from the City, to my community, to Church, and various other endeavors. Without hesitation I can say he is a man of integrity and represents the best of our City. Interestingly enough, he and I have been on opposing sides of some issues and found ourselves unable to agree; however, I’ve always been able to respect his convictions and his ability to analyze the most complicated issues until they are resolved to his conscious. He does not equivocate in dealing in what is honest and fair and I know those traits will continue to guide him as he leads our city. I fully endorse Stephen and hope you will vote for him as it will benefit our city tremendously to continue to have him serve.  

 I am honored to recommend Stephen Willden as Saratoga Springs Council Member for another term. I have worked closely with Steve for many years in different associations. He is extremely knowledgeable, professional, and compassionate in all he does. I have watched him take on large projects successfully and follow through to the end of each one. His level of integrity and trust is beyond reproach. He works in the financial world professionally and has put in the necessary years and energy into his craft and brings that much-needed experience to the Council. Steve believes in the concept of family and is a breath of fresh air when it comes to his priorities. He, indeed, lives what he believes. Steve loves Saratoga Springs and has exemplified what we all should want in our City Council. Stephen Willden is my City Council Member. Let’s work to make him yours. Where there is a Willden, there IS a way. 

 I have known Stephen for several years as both a city councilman and as someone I have worked with in other areas of community service. I respect him for his calm and balanced demeanor and his ability to see both sides of issues and seek solutions to problems. He has served eight years on the city council because he genuinely wants to see Saratoga grow into the beautiful community it is today. With his background in finance, he can accurately assess city budgets and remains conservative on fiscal issues. He and his family are an asset to the community and I look forward to his continued service on the council. 

Having worked with Stephen as a Planning Commissioner, I have found him eager to listen to the reasoning that the Planning Commission used to come to a decision. He has worked hard for the citizens of Saratoga Springs.  In one instance, he made some comments that I thought were ill informed and I talked with him and he was quite quick to apologize privately and publicly.  It takes a confident man and a good man to admit when he is wrong. During his tenure he was quite instrumental in the planning of the ne Police Department , Patriot Park and a new LDS Temple. We have a new Smiths, Costco, Fat Cats, and other retail establishments that were approved while he has been in office.  We have many new restaurants and retailers that have not yet materialized but have been through the entitlement process. I personally want to see him on the Council for another 4 years so he can continue his influence on making Saratoga Springs one of the best and safest cities in which to live. 

While Stephen has served on the City Council, we have experienced unprecedented growth. This has led to both opportunities and challenges. Stephen’s understanding of how decisions by the different City departments will impact our daily lives as residents allows him to advocate for solutions that create sustainable and vibrant growth over the long term. I am grateful to have Stephen using his expertise to guide the City as we grow and develop. Oftentimes getting from where we are to where we want to go can mean unforeseen challenges. Stephen’s measured approach allows him to weigh many differing perspectives and competing agendas to create solutions that not only work but also create excitement within our community. Thank you Stephen for your willingness to ask the tough questions to help the best solutions come to light. Thank you for always wanting the best for Saratoga Springs. 

I have worked with Stephen Willden on an issue that was affecting my neighborhood. I was very impressed with his willingness to listen to the problem and to help solve it. He approaches things with logic, facts and most importantly with integrity. I know him to be an honest, caring and effective city councilman. Our city is better because he is a member of the city council. He truly works hard to make Saratoga Springs an amazing city to live in. He has my vote!

 Stephen's banking background has added greatly to the good work of the City Council,  and I appreciate his service.   He has worked well with other city officials on behalf of Saratoga Springs. Stephen has my vote.