West Valley City’s new mayor, Ron Bigelow, was officially sworn into office along with three city council members Monday. The new mayor’s speech highlighted the diversity of the city’s residents as both strengths and challenges for the city. Bigelow called on West Valley citizens to play a larger part of making the city a better place to live.
“We are aware that our city is not perfect. We are aware that we have problems and challenges. But we are ready and willing to deal with the problems and face the challenges.," says Bigelow. "We will embrace our growth. We will plan for our future and we will strengthen our city,” he says.
Bigelow recognized the efforts of the city’s new police chief, Lee Russo, to clean up that department. He also says a decision on whether to continue to support the internet service UTOPIA is going to be one of the first orders of business.
Bigelow says today’s ceremony makes him suddenly much more engaged in the tasks at hand.
“…and it’s not someone else to look to to solve the problem. But I’m excited to represent the people, I really am,” Bigelow says.
Lars Nordfelt was sworn in as the new Council Member At-large, replacing long time Council Member Don Christiansen. 2nd District Council Member Steve Buhler was sworn in for his second term, along with District 4 Council Member Steve Vincent, who is serving his fourth term.