John Kucera, former chair of the Snyderville Basin Planning Commission, announced his candidacy for Summit County Council District 4 on New Year’s Day, pledging to bring thoughtful planning, public service experience, and financial decision-making skills to the council.
Kucera served for six years on the Snyderville Basin Planning Commission, where he said he obtained a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding growth and development in Summit County.
“My track record on the Planning Commission is clear,” Kucera said. “I opposed the Dakota Pacific and Highland Flats projects because I believed they represented irresponsible growth based on their scale and impacts to the community.”
He stressed managing development responsibly.
“We have millions of square feet of entitled land in the county that will eventually be built,” Kucera said. “When we cannot say ‘no,’ we must incentivize intelligent growth. Traffic mitigation, affordability, mixed-use development, and preservation of open space must be carefully addressed as we update our general plans and development codes.”
But the council’s responsibilities extend beyond land use and development, he said, noting that the council oversees a $100 million operating budget and provides direction on community infrastructure, law enforcement, taxation and public health.
“Growth, traffic, and open space are primary issues. However, they represent only part of the council’s responsibilities,” Kucera said. “I believe my combination of professional experience and public service will help me contribute to the full scope of council decision-making.”
Kucera is the managing partner of a small, Utah-based real estate investment partnership. He oversees all financial aspects of the business in addition to acquisitions, lease negotiations, and tenant relationships. Before moving to Summit County, he lived and worked in New York City, holding fixed-income and equity analyst positions at institutional investment firms.
Kucera pointed to his time working in New York City during the financial crisis.
“During that period, I was working with strong personalities in very challenging circumstances,” Kucera said. “It taught me the importance of active listening, finding
common ground, and working toward solutions that create win-win outcomes. Those are skills that translate directly to effective council leadership.”
Kucera is a Utah native who has lived in the Silver Springs neighborhood for over 10 years with his wife and two school-aged children. He earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Utah, is a chartered financial analyst, and participated in the Park City Citizens’ Police Academy and Leadership Park City, Class 23.
He said he enjoys skiing, mountain biking, trail running, hot yoga, or playing pickleball and tennis.
For more information: www.john4council.com