Winder running for mayor of West Valley City

WEST VALLEY CITY — First-term City Councilman Mike Winder announced his candidacy for mayor Wednesday.

The campaign declaration on the steps of City Hall comes a few weeks after West Valley City Mayor Dennis Nordfelt announced he will not seek re-election this fall. About 100 people, mostly supporters, attended the event. They included several generations of the Winder family, as well as local politicians.

Winder, 33, is vice president of marketing for his sixth-generation family-owned company, Winder Dairy/Winder Farms. He has also worked as business development manager for West Valley City and is a published author of several religious history books.

During his short tenure on the City Council, Winder has focused on cleaning up the city's image and fueling economic growth.

Winder hopes to pay down city debt, improve city transit infrastructure to relieve traffic congestion, build a new city center and add parks and trails, he said in Wednesday's speech.

"A new generation must now take up the torch and lead the city to greater heights," Winder said. "We need to preserve our neighborhoods, protect our children and provide for a thriving community."

Early supporters of the Winder campaign include Sen. Karen Mayne, D-West Valley; Rep. Ron Bigelow, R-West Valley; fellow Councilman Corey Rushton; and Taylorsville Mayor Russ Wall.

"Mike Winder is a trusted name in West Valley City," Bigelow said. "We need someone with his energy and drive to make a positive impact for our city and for our state."

Winder said his youth and family ties are a great mix for the next leader of West Valley City. He'd bring a fresh face, but one rooted in the community, he said.

The councilman's decision to seek the mayor's office come from a lifelong interest in politics and giving back to the community, he said.

Nordfelt declined to voice support for Winder, saying he wants to get out of politics and knows of at least one other person that may run for the office.

"I think, in our form of government, the important thing for a mayor is to make sure that we have a good city manager and then to facilitate that city manager moving the city forward," Nordfelt said.

The filing deadline for mayor and City Council positions is in July. So far, only Winder has made his candidacy public.

The at-large councilman's decision to run for mayor leaves his seat open. Interested applicants should visit wvc.ut.gov for filing information.

E-MAIL: rpalmer@desnews.com