Eagle Mountain appoints new councilman

EAGLE MOUNTAIN — Eagle Mountain swore in a new City Council member this week.

Jonathan Celaya, who has lived in Eagle Mountain for six years, will be replacing Eric Cieslak. Cieslak resigned last week after accepting a job with Discover Card, in Chicago.

Celaya was one of 16 to apply for the council seat and was appointed by the council after answering a series of questions about himself, his background and his philosophies. Mayor Heather Jackson said what stood out most about Celaya was his experience.

Celaya has been chairman of The Ranches' Homeowners Association for four years and served on the board for six. He was also a precinct chairman in the Republican Party and was on the city's economic development board.

"He understands how public meetings work and is somebody that listens and is thoughtful about making decisions," said Jackson, who said she has had dealings with Celaya in the past. "He will be a very valuable asset to the council."

Celaya said the main reason he applied to be councilman was to serve and contribute to his community. Right now, he said he is just trying to make the transition as seamless as possible and said he will continue working on Cieslak's projects like better transportation.

The new councilman also said he would like to continue the city's efforts in economic development.

"I am very honored and grateful for the confidence the mayor and the council have placed in me," Celaya told the Deseret News.

Celaya has lived in Utah for about nine years. He is married with three children and works with databases for his profession. His term will last until the end of 2011, and he said he has not decided yet if he will run for re-election.

e-mail: slenz@desnews.com