I am excited to announce my candidacy for State House District 4, a multi-county district that includes parts of Summit, Morgan and Rich counties.
As a native of Summit County with dear friends and associates throughout House District 4, it would be my honor to serve the citizens here in the Utah State Legislature and help strengthen the communities in which we live.
My wife (Elizabeth) and I, married for 44 years, are proud parents of six wonderful children and their spouses, along with 12 grandchildren.
Because of my rural roots and extensive background in public finance, business
management and community service, I believe I am uniquely qualified to serve. I grew up farming and ranching throughout Weber Canyon and the Kamas Valley. I managed my father’s grocery store, Ken’s Kash, for years. I served an LDS mission in Toulouse, France, and I speak fluent French.
Since earning an accounting degree from the University of Utah, I have gained nearly 40 years of leadership experience in public education administration, including the last 12 years as the business administrator for the Ogden School District. This background has given me broad expertise in managing government budgets, personnel and
public facilities. I take my responsibility as a steward of the public trust seriously and strive to manage resources wisely.
I have served on the Oakley City Planning Commission for over 20 years. I have played a key role in updating the city’s General Plan and Development Code, focusing on promoting sustainable growth, preserving agricultural rights, and encouraging open spaces and trails while respecting individual property rights.
I have also recently completed a rewarding term as mayor of Oakley City, serving our beloved local citizens. Along with all the traditional duties of a mayor, I am especially proud to have worked with the Summit Land Conservancy to help protect waterways and critical agricultural lands as permanent open space, while providing ways for multigenerational farming and ranching families to receive compensation for keeping their land in agriculture.
I also had the honor of serving on the board of the Mountainlands Community Housing
Trust for nearly 10 years. During that period, the organization played a vital role in
developing affordable housing units in Oakley and surrounding communities. Attainable housing remains one of the most urgent challenges our state faces today.
Like many of you, I am saddened by the growing political polarization and division in our country, and if elected, I promise to work hard to build bridges, not walls.
As shown, I hold deep respect for the public process and the trust we place in this sacred service. I look forward to meeting many new friends in the coming months to better understand citizens’ concerns and help find practical solutions to improve our community.
Zane Woolstenhulme
Oakley