Leadership Class Learn from County Commissioners

APRIL 4, 2025 |

Photo – Carbon County Leadership Class of 2025 – Courtesy Facebook

This week, Carbon County commissioners explained why they chose to run for office and what’s involved with serving on the board. At Tuesday’s commissioners’ meeting, State District 15 Representative Pam Thayer introduced the Carbon County Leadership Class of 2025. Thayer explained the students are learning how local government operates.

During the meeting, Leadership Class member and Carbon County Museum Director Tom Mensik asked the commissioners what motivated them to run for the office and serve on the Board.

Commissioner John Johnson was the first to respond, explaining he joined the county government to have more influence over decisions affecting him and his community.

Commission Chairman Travis Moore, an English teacher, explained that he decided to run for a seat on the board of commissioners after a student encouraged him to follow his own advice regarding public service.

Commissioner John Espy said he has been serving in local government for roughly 30 years. Fourteen years ago, Commissioner Espy was prompted to run for county commissioner.

Commissioner Sue Jones explained she has dedicated over 40 years to serving on local boards, including two terms on the Saratoga town council. Following this, she was encouraged to run for the county commission. Commissioner Jones acknowledged while the job can be stressful at times, it is generally a rewarding and enjoyable experience.

Next, the board was asked how much time it takes to fulfill the duties of a county commissioner.

Commission Chairman Moore said the job requires a lot of reading.

Commissioner Jones said being a commissioner takes as much time as someone is willing to invest. The most important aspect of serving in government, whether at the state or local level, is possessing a thorough understanding of the responsibilities of the office, a quality that Commissioner Jones said many state legislators often lack.

Commissioner Jones emphasized the importance of participating in local government.

Commissioner Espy explained that he spends an average of 20 hours every week performing the duties of a county commissioner.

Commissioner Johnson acknowledged that listening to constituents also takes a significant amount of time. However, despite the occasional inconvenience, it remains one of the most important aspects of the job.

Commissioner Espy said as a county commissioner, you can’t simply ignore calls from constituents.

The Board of Commissioners encouraged the Carbon County Leadership members to serve on local boards and committees.