January 2024 | Vol. 11 Iss. 1
FREE
CITY COUNCIL INCUMBENTS EARN EASY WINS LOOK AHEAD TO CHALLENGES AWAITING THEM IN 2024 By Carl Fauver | c.fauver@mycityjournals.com
W
e’re likely to see plenty of national election drama this year as we continue heading toward what still appears to be an inevitable Biden vs. Trump rematch for the White House. Taylorsville voters should have plenty of stamina to handle the ballot fireworks to come because there was no such drama in their municipal election late last year. Incumbent city council members Curt Cochran (District 2) and Anna Barbieri (District 3) knew way back in the heat of summer they would be around at least another four years. When the race filing deadline came and went, they were each unopposed. Meantime, in City Council District 1, Ernest Burgess faced a challenger. In fact, he’s never had the luxury of running unopposed. But just as he did in 2011, 2015 and 2019, Burgess emerged victorious, earning roughly two out of every three votes. “That first election in 2011 was very close; and I never take these elections for granted,” Burgess said. “I rode my green bicycle door-to-door, talking to as many voters as I could for several weeks. Some voters told me ‘I’ve been waiting to see you on your bike.’ I’m grateful for all the support I received. We (city council members) aren’t perfect; but we try to do what’s best for our citizens.” In the entire nearly 30-year history of Taylorsville City, there have only been two people to ever serve the city council from District 1. In the first couple of years the city existed, council members were elected “at-large” – there were no districts. That changed in 1998 when D.L. Bud Catlin began representing the newly-established District 1. He remained in the post through 2011 – and might have remained longer had ill health not forced him to not seek reelection. At the moment, Catlin remains the longest serving Taylorsville City Council member ever, at 13 years. But the record will pass to Burgess about a year from now. Continued page 9
This hill on 5400 South near 1300 West is where Councilman Curt Cohran wants to see a sidewalk constructed to make the route safer for pedestrians going to and from Millrace Park. (Carl Fauver/City Journals)
COME TO TRUEWOOD BY MERRILL, TAYLORSVILLE — WHERE AGE IS JUST A NUMBER • Loving staff • Tight-knit community • Weekly entertainment • Fun social events
Call today for a tour and FREE lunch!
(801) 216-3462 FORMERLY GOLDEN LIVING
2011 W 4700 S • Taylorsville
UP TO
$500 OFF
First Month 's
Fees!
Call for det ails. Expires 2/ 15/24.