Herbert swears in Kaysville officials

KAYSVILLE — Most mayors and city councils are sworn into office by their city recorder. That works just fine.

But if you can have the governor of Utah swear you into office, you'll pack the house.

"I just thought I would ask," said newly sworn-in Kaysville Mayor Steve Hiatt. "He's a great down-to-earth man."

On Monday, Gov. Gary Herbert administered the oath of office to Hiatt and Kaysville City Councilmen Gil Miller and Jared Taylor, all of whom were elected Nov. 3.

While Miller was sworn in for a second term on the City Council, it was a new experience for Hiatt, who was sworn in as mayor after serving on the City Council; and Taylor, a City Council newcomer whose wife, Kristi, planned their October wedding during his campaign.

It was Herbert's first swearing-in ceremony as governor.

"I have a great affection for local government," said Herbert, himself a former Utah County commissioner. "In many ways, they're the unsung heroes, and they're criticized vociferously."

But, he told the crowd packed into Kaysville City Hall, "that's where rubber does meet the road."

Herbert said most services Utah residents enjoy come from local government.

"The government closest to the people tends to be the most responsive," he said. "City Council meets weekly. You know where they live."

Herbert said it's important for elected people to work together to get their jobs done.

"We've elected you to do the right thing regardless of the consequences," he said.

Hiatt said he's humbled to serve Kaysville.

"We have a wonderful town and wonderful residents," he told the crowd. "I appreciate your support in going forward."

Among Kaysville's challenges, Hiatt said, is finding more revenue and stretching every dollar the city spends on city services.

The City Council also will be charged shortly with finding a replacement for Hiatt, who had served just two years of a four-year term on the council.

Residents interested in applying for this position may submit an application to Linda Ross, Kaysville city recorder, by 5 p.m. Tuesday.

The City Council will hold a special meeting at 7 p.m. Jan. 12 to appoint a new council member.

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