Steve Gibbs was a candidate in the Paradise Town municipal general election held on November 21, 2023, according to the Paradise Town Election Report canvassed by the Town Council on December 6, 2023. In that election, Gibbs received 86 write-in votes to secure one of two four-year terms for Council Member. He finished behind write-in candidate Doug Jewell, who received 97 votes, and Sabre Brittany Cupello, who received 72 votes.
As of the Paradise Town Council meeting minutes from July 1, 2026, Gibbs was recorded as a council member present at the town hall. During that meeting, he was among the officials in attendance alongside Mayor Larry Johnson, Devin Thomas, Doug Jewell, and Whit Gale. The meeting, which began at 7:30 p.m. on July 1, 2026, included a public comment session where several community members addressed the council regarding a proposed machine shop located at the corner of 9000 S. and 200 W.
Various residents used the public comment portion of the July 1, 2026, meeting to voice specific concerns regarding the industrial nature of the proposed business. Brandon Albrecht addressed the council to discuss concerns over the machine shop, noting issues such as bridge and safety concerns along 9000 S., potential noise and light pollution, and whether the business would comply with the noise ordinance. He also raised questions regarding the business location and whether a machine shop constitutes industrial rather than commercial use. Stuart Davis also addressed the council on July 1, 2026, regarding the same proposed machine shop, bringing up infrastructure concerns such as road and bridge issues, the lack of stop signs or lights on 9000 S., and potential increases in traffic. Davis also questioned if the business would require the removal of trees or the closing of canals, noting that residents enjoy the local vegetation.
Tricia Thomas addressed the council on July 1, 2026, to discuss the proposed machine shop, specifically mentioning concerns regarding parking lot lighting and the potential for bright lights to interrupt the ability to see the stars. She also expressed concern regarding noise and the potential for the business to interrupt the daily lives of neighbors. Liz Jenkins also spoke during the July 1, 2026, meeting regarding the machine shop, requesting more information regarding business plans and a cost-benefit analysis to understand the benefits and costs to the community. She noted her understanding that the business would hire between 3 to 9 individuals.
Wayne Ruud, identified as a potential buyer of the property, addressed the council during the July 1, 2026, meeting to report that the machine shop is not noisy. Ruud stated that the taxes from the business would benefit the city and that the business would provide employment.
What this means for Paradise
Residents encounter the work of Steve Gibbs through official council meetings, such as the one held on July 1, 2026, where he participated in discussions regarding local business proposals. His role, established by the 2023 election results, involves governing the town and addressing community concerns regarding infrastructure, noise, and local zoning during these scheduled sessions.
