By Charlie G. Patreus
Candidates vying for municipal office in Provo are gearing up for the upcoming fall elections. The Municipal Council seats will be up for grabs, and Provo voters will have the chance to choose their representatives in this year’s general election. The primary election is scheduled for September 5, but before that, an opportunity awaits Provo voters to hear directly from the candidates on Thursday.
Utah Representative Tyler Clancy, a first-term legislator representing a substantial portion of Provo (the area east of State Street and generally between 2620 North and 300 North) will host the forum. The event will take place from 6:30 to 8 PM in the Bullock Room of the Provo City Library.
Clancy has emphasized the importance of an informed electorate for a thriving republic and highlights the forum as a platform to actively engage in the political process and make well-informed decisions on election day. In a press release, Clancy expresses his hope that the event will foster open dialogue between the candidates and the citizens of Provo, build community trust, and lead to a more responsive government.
With a total of thirteen candidates vying for the four open seats, there is only one incumbent seeking re-election. In District 1, Craig Christensen and Stan Jensen are contending for the seat currently held by Bill Fillmore. For the District 3 seat, currently occupied by Shannon Ellsworth, the candidates are David Lewis and Becky Bogdin. Incumbent council member Travis Hoban is the sole candidate for District 4.
Meanwhile, Council member David Shipley has decided not to run for re-election for the City Wide II seat. Eight candidates are stepping forward to replace him: Joseph Penrose, Beth Hedengren, Ari Emmanuel Webb, Gary Garrett, Wendy Ahlman, Tanner Bennett, McKay Jensen, and Nathan Smith Jones.
The forum will allow the candidates to address crucial topics, respond to audience questions, and present their ideas for improving the community. After the event, the candidates will have tables set up for further discussions. The forum is free and open to the public, welcoming everyone interested in participating. See the map of Provo Council Districts below.

