Scott Neilson for Mayor of Spanish Fork
Prioritizing community needs through limited government
meet scott
I have lived in Spanish Fork for 26 years. I love the Spanish Fork community and my wife and I are blessed to raise our family here. I graduated from North Sanpete High School in 1996. After serving an LDS mission to central Peru, I moved to Spanish Fork in 1999. I hold Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Brigham Young University and Utah Valley University (UVU). I teach political science and U.S. History at Maple Mountain High School. I am a former U.S Army officer and combat Veteran, having served as a battle captain with the 101st Airborne Division during Operation Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan, 2012 - 2013. In 2016, I was elected to the Utah State Board of Education, serving until 2021. I married the former Camille Hurst of Spanish Fork in 2002, and we have four children: Deacon, Levi, Lauren, and Asher. In my free time, I enjoy, reading, hiking, hunting, archeology, coaching, and spending time with my wife and children.
ISSUES
GROWTH: Growth is Spanish Fork’s top issue. I welcome growth. A growing community is a prosperous community. That being said, I am a proponent of medium density, single family growth because I want Spanish Fork to maintain a more traditional feel that many of our residents have come to love. I do believe there is room for higher density housing in many areas throughout the city, especially in areas that do not conflict with established neighborhoods. I also believe Spanish Fork’s infrastructure should be managed to avoid increased traffic congestion, especially in new developing areas. Fortunately, Spanish Fork City’s General Plan is malleable and can be changed when willed by the SF City Council. Given Spanish Fork’s geographic location, I'm confident our city is primed to benefit greatly from growth, and I look forward to hearing more from residents and businesses on how they believe such growth should proceed.
PUBLIC SAFETY: Spanish Fork has benefitted greatly from the many public safety officers and personnel who keep our city safe. I look to build upon that tradition by ensuring our public safety personnel have the tools and support necessary to succeed. Public safety also includes roads, bridges, and trails. As mayor, I will work to ensure new developments and roads are planned in such a way to reduce traffic congestion and accidents.
RECREATION: Recreation is a wonderful and important part of the community, but recreation should not become a tax burden. I love Spanish Fork’s parks, trails, fields, and pickleball courts, but I opposed then and I oppose now using $65,000,000 (that number is growing) to build and maintain a recreation center that many residents will rarely use, especially our seniors. And while physical and mental health are important, neither should pose a tax burden on city residents. Now that the recreation center is near completion, my goal will be to ensure it pays for itself without further taxpayer subsidy.
TRANSPARENCY: Transparency in local government is essential for fostering public trust and ensuring accountable governance. When officials operate openly, citizens feel more confident in leadership intentions, reducing skepticism and promoting positive community engagement. For instance, transparent processes signal honesty, allowing residents to monitor decisions and hold leaders responsible. This openness is crucial in combating corruption, as it minimizes information gaps between government and the public. As mayor, I will work to improve the city's community outreach.
Endorsed by the Utah County Republican Party
OPTIMISM and gratitude
My wife and I feel so blessed to live in Spanish Fork. We love this community and its people. Regardless of who wins politically, we believe in the promise of America.
"The stream will not permanently rise higher than the main source; and the main source of national power and national greatness is found in the average citizenship of the nation. Therefore it behooves us to do our best to see that the standard of the average citizen is kept high." -Theodore Roosevelt
I am optimistic about the future, especially Spanish Fork's future. The days ahead will be filled with opportunities for each of us to progress, contribute, and lift those around us. May God bless each of you in your pursuit of happiness. -Scott Neilson