Candidates Isaac Paxman and Brent Bows are campaigning for two available Utah County Commission seats, presenting competing visions for the county's administrative structure and fiscal priorities ahead of the Republican primary.
Isaac Paxman's campaign focus
Isaac Paxman, who currently works for the Utah Attorney General’s Office, is seeking a seat on the commission by emphasizing his executive experience. Paxman, who served eight years as Provo's Deputy Mayor and worked in the Department of Justice, stated he aims to use his background to navigate complex county issues while maintaining principles of limited government.
Brent Bowles' proposed restructuring
Brent Bowles has proposed a significant restructuring of the county commission, suggesting the body expand from three members to five. According to his campaign platform, Bowles also proposes adjusting commissioner salaries to a level at or below the median income of $95,000 annually.
Concerns over commissioner compensation
Bowles expressed concern regarding recent increases in commissioner compensation, noting that salaries rose from $111,376.74 in 2019 to $168,160.04 in 2024, with total compensation including benefits approaching $229,866 per member. He further criticized the addition of a county administrator position and recent staffing increases as unnecessary expansions of bureaucracy.
Shared priorities and development concerns
Both candidates highlighted public safety and growth as central issues. Paxman noted his experience managing public safety and transportation in Provo, while Bowles advocated for law enforcement accountability and expressed concern that rapid development and the use of Tax Increment Financing could place long-term financial burdens on taxpayers.
