Salt Lake County councilman Jeff Allen resigns

Republican Salt Lake County Councilman Jeff Allen announced Wednesday he will resign his District 5 seat at the end of the year.

In a letter released at 3 p.m., Allen cited an ever-expanding time commitment related to his council post that no longer balances with the needs of his family.

"I have five children which require the increased attention of their father," Allen wrote. "As the county continues to work on budget issues in these uncertain economic times and as significant changes are being made across the county — the time needed to commit to this cause has significantly increased, as well."

Allen, who owns a commercial real estate consulting business, leaves the council with the final year of his term remaining. He won the seat in a decisive 2006 victory over Democrat Nate Hendricks.

Allen has led the council Republicans since January, when the party became a minority on the board for the first time since switching from a commission to council format nearly a decade ago.

Democratic Council Chairman Joe Hatch said Allen was an effective and committed member, whose presence will be missed.

"It's been a pleasure working with Jeff the past three years," Hatch said. "He's a member who has battled for his constituents and, in particular, been a fantastic force the past two years in dealing with budget issues."

Allen's Republican colleague and former council chairman, Michael Jensen, said the news cast a pall over his day.

"I'm personally saddened by Jeff's departure," Jensen said. "We've worked together for years now and have become friends over that time. He brings a unique expertise to the job, and his leaving is a loss for me personally and for the council as a body."

The task of filling Allen's vacant seat falls to the Salt Lake County Republican Central Committee, which will choose three nominees from whom the eight remaining council members pick a replacement. Salt Lake County GOP Chairman Thomas Wright said the party stands in full support of Allen's decision and will do its best to find qualified nominees for the council to consider.

"Our challenge now is to find three great candidates," Wright said. "The process is in place, and we'll be moving forward with vetting names."

Asked whether a decision could be made before Allen's departure on Dec. 31, Wright said several factors must be taken into consideration.