Eagle Mtn. mayor won't resign over campaign lie

EAGLE MOUNTAIN — Mayor Brian Olsen reiterated on Tuesday that he will not resign from his elected position after hearing mixed comments from residents expressing both support and disappointment for him during a City Council meeting.

"Grave though my errors have been, the consequences to the city of another mayor prematurely leaving office are worse," Olsen said. "Resigning would be the easy way out. Furthermore, the fact remains that I am highly qualified to do the job of running this city, and I have only just begun to accomplish the agenda that an overwhelming majority of the citizens elected me to do. I will not resign."

Olsen's statement about premature departure was a reference to his predecessor — Kelvin Bailey — who resigned after a public scandal. No mayor of Eagle Mountain has yet to complete a full term.

Olsen recently acknowledge that he lied during his campaign for a seat on the City Council, as well as during his more recent mayoral campaign. Olsen noted in campaign literature and in casual conversation that he had earned a master's in public administration, which he had not.

Olsen did earn a certified public manager's certificate through a course he took while employed with the Utah Highway Patrol.

Approximately 50 people attended the meeting, though only 10 made comments during the time allotted for public comment. A majority of the residents who commented recognized Olsen's error, but also expressed their support for the mayor.

"We admire Brian Olsen," said resident Dee Scott. "He is not running from the issue, but standing up and taking responsibility for his mistake."

A few residents called for Olsen's resignation, saying there was no way for Olsen to repair the damage already done. Another resident expressed her support for the mayor, then suggested that he take steps to pursue an MPA.

No members of the council commented on the matter during the meeting.

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