West Point man challenging Davis commissioner in Republican convention

FARMINGTON — In Davis County, like most counties in Utah, three commissioners gather weekly to approve contracts, enact ordinances and oversee county operations.

A West Point man who is running for one of those commission seats this year says Davis County's form of government allocates too much power to those three people. He would like to see a seven-member county council to increase representation at the county level.

David Andreasen, 45, is challenging incumbent Davis County Commissioner Bret Millburn, of Centerville, who is running for re-election this year.

Both men are vying for the 800 delegates' votes at this year's Davis County Republican Convention on Saturday at Davis High School in Kaysville.

If either man can secure about 500 votes, he will advance to the November general election against Democrat Kelly Dixon, of Kaysville.

If both Republican candidates score around 400 votes apiece, they will face off in a primary election in June.

Andreasen's pitch to delegates is that a seven-member council and county mayor could better serve the residents of Davis County. The council members could work part-time instead of full-time, and the powers of government would be separated into an executive branch and legislative branch.

Currently, commissioners execute both roles.

"I think we should be able to realize a cost savings by changing the form of government," Andreasen said. "The benefits would be an increase in openness and transparency."

Millburn said he's not so sure. Though he welcomes a full analysis of the pros and cons of a change in county government, Millburn says it could cost more money to have larger representation.

The three full-time county commissioners earn about $115,000 a year in Davis County.

But Millburn said a part-time council would be required to have its own staff, and so would a county mayor.

The smaller county commission can be nimble and act more quickly than a larger legislative body, he said.

"It seems like it would cost a lot of money," said Millburn, 43. "I'm not for growing government."

Both men consider themselves to be "tightwads," but Andreasen says spending by Davis County commissioners needs to be reined in.

"I want to try to take a realistic look at trying to cut unnecessary programs," he said.