NORTH LOGAN – Val Potter announced he is seeking a third term to represent North Logan residents in Utah House District 3.
In a press release Wednesday, Potter said, “I love serving this community. I promise to support families, cut red tape for business owners, reduce taxes, and keep government minimal and effective.”
Potter will be challenged by newcomer Mike Petersen, who announced this week he will oppose the current representative.
Petersen, a local businessman, said he wants to hold Potter and other legislators accountable for the 2019 tax reform bill that was passed then repealed during the first week of the 2020 legislative session.
“I supported tax reform. It was a long, painful process,” Potter said in an interview Thursday morning. “I’m not saying I was supportive of the food tax and that’s what people have really gotten hung up over. That was a small part of reform. The tax system in the State of Utah has to be re-balanced, something has to be done. We have the responsibility as legislators to get to the bottom of it, balance the budget now and make it work long term.”
Potter has served in a number of capacities including Mayor of North Logan City and as a member of the Cache County Council. As he wraps up his fourth year in the Utah Legislature he wants residents to know he has earned the trust of fellow legislators and experience is a “good thing.”
“The beauty of having some experience in the legislature is that you know the people, you understand what’s coming at you,” he said. “You get to know the budget very well, you get to know the people running the departments and you get to know the strengths and weaknesses of the state and state government. I’ve got a great relationship with those I work with.”
While his relationship with those at the state level may be good, Petersen claims “folks are telling me his votes don’t represent us anymore.”
“To say I don’t listen is not being genuine, not being truthful,” Potter countered. “I’m working hard for the people of Cache County. My number one concern is making sure we are heard.”
Potter has passed several pieces of legislation the last three years that he is proud of and said he continues to work on behalf of local residents.
“I’m working with my county attorney, I’m working with my sheriff on some legislation this year. I’m working with a local plumbing contractor in Cache Valley that needs some construction changes made in the code. I listen to people and I make decisions based on that,” he said.
You can contact Potter at Val.potter@comcast.net or call him at (435) 757-9834.