Council Corner

Lifelong Taylorsville Resident Joins Council as Our Newest Member

By Council Member Bob Knudsen

As the newest member of Team Taylorsville, I was asked to give a quick introduction. For a greater introduction, please review the article written by Carl Fauver about me in the December 2021 issue of the City Journal.

Except for two years spent serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in British Columbia, Canada, I have lived in Taylorsville my entire life, in three different homes 0.4 miles between the furthest two by the “taxicab distance” or approximately 1,200 feet according to the “way the crow ies.”

I am a father of three boys, ages 9, 6 and 4, and have been married to my sweetheart, Susan, for 10 years. I have been working for the University of Utah for the past 15 years, and I am grateful for this opportunity to serve Taylorsville City, the place I call home.

Former District 5 Council Member Dan Armstrong told me that he was going to step down from the City Council, and he encouraged me to run to take his seat. I was honored to have him consider me a good t for his spot, so after consideration about what this could mean for our family, my wife, Susan, and I decided that I should run — especially with the blessing of our oldest son who told me that he would be thrilled to share his dad with Taylorsville.

During my campaign, I was asked about what my biggest agenda items were for the city and what I hoped to accomplish. My immediate goal would be to make sure I provide another balanced voice to the Council so we can continue with the great progress that has been made. Having observed Council meetings for the prior year to assuming o ce, I can con dently say that I have seen a good, respectful City Council working with Mayor Kristie Overson for the city’s best interest, especially during times when not all have agreed on every issue.

Knowing the challenges faced, particularly as everyone had to make drastic changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I am even more impressed by the leadership. With the great momentum that we have, I would like to ensure that we can continue forward while fairly considering all items.

I would also like to thank all those who participated by casting votes in the Primary and General Elections for me and fellow candidates Larry Johnson and Paul Schulte, both good men whom I consider friends. We are blessed to be in this country where we are able to participate in elections.

If you would like to contact me, I would be happy to talk to you, and I will do my best to be available as quickly as possible (estimated within one business day, seeing as I am retaining my full-time employment with the University of Utah, in addition to the work with our City Council).

Thank you, all, for the support you have shown me during this time, and I am grateful to all those in the city sta and Council who have welcomed me so warmly to Team Taylorsville; I could not ask for a better group to be able to work with. I am thrilled to be able to serve this wonderful city of ours for the next four years!

LEFT TO RIGHT: Bob Knudsen (District 5), Curt Cochran (District 2), Anna Barbieri, Chair (District 3), Meredith Harker, Vice Chair (District 4) and Ernest Burgess (District 1)

City Council Elects New Leadership City Council Members, Mayor are Sworn In

City Council Members Anna Barbieri and Meredith Harker have been elected by their colleagues to serve as the council's respective Chair and Vice Chair. Both were selected to serve in the leadership positions during the Jan. 5 City Council meeting.

Chair Barbieri, who previously served as a Planning Commissioner, said she has always had a love for Utah and working in a community setting. Barbieri is a small business owner. Vice Chair Harker, who is a teacher at Calvin Smith Elementary School, also expressed her commitment to continuing to make Taylorsville the best city to be. She is a lifelong Taylorsville resident.

Barbieri represents District 3, while Harker represents District 4.

“We extend our congratulations and want to thank them for their service,” said Mayor Kristie Overson. “Both already represent Taylorsville so well, and they each care a great deal about our community. We look forward to continuing to work with them in these new roles.”

Anna Barbieri Meredith Harker

City Council Members Anna Barbieri, Meredith Harker and Bob Knudsen, as well as Mayor Kristie Overson, were sworn in Jan. 5 following their elections in November.

Mayor Overson and Council Member Harker were both re-elected, while Council Member Barbieri was elected following a mid-term appointment and Council Member Knudsen was voted in to serve his rst term, representing District 5.

To reach your elected representative, go to taylorsvilleut.gov/government/elected-o cials.