Taylorsville mayor looks back

WEST VALLEY CITY— Since Janice Auger was a child, politics has interested her. As she has lived her life, she has aspired to do what she can for the public in the political circle.

"I've been interested in politics since the sixth grade," Auger said. "All my life I've been involved in other people's campaigns and local politics."

After 10 years of public service, Auger has decided not to run for re-election for Taylorsville mayor.

"I chose not to run again because of the combination of several reasons; including the need to be with my family more, and 10 years is a good amount to be in public service, " Auger said.

Auger served two years as a councilwoman before she became mayor for eight years. Now that she is not running for mayor she said she is going to take some time to assess other opportunities.

"I've been encouraged by others to seek another office," Auger said. "I'm weighing my options before I make any decisions."

Midvale Mayor, Joann Seghini, said although Auger isn't running for re-election, she isn't the type of person to stop helping.

"She does more than run for office then walk away," Seghini said. "She's an advocate for her community in every way possible."

Russ Wall, city council chairman, said he worked with Auger for four years.

"She worked hard to put herself out in the political arena," Wall said.

Wall said Auger was a good mayor.

"We didn't always agree on things but all in all I think she did a great job for Taylorsville," Wall said. "I wish her the best of luck in whatever she does."

Auger said if she could do it all over, she would spend more time getting to know business owners.

"It's something we did in the last year or two that I didn't really understand the importance of in the beginning," Auger said.

Auger has been serving Taylorsville in a public office since it became a city. Since then, she has dedicated her time to helping the city grow.

"My platforms were conservativeness, acquisition of open space, citizen involvement and economic development," Auger said. "I think we've accomplished a lot but there's still a lot to be accomplished."

Seghini said she started working closely with Auger about eight years ago. Throughout those years, she has been amazed with Auger's dedication to her community.