Millcreek residents ring in the New Year still a township

Jan. 1 this year brought a fresh start for the community of Millcreek, after the fall general election vote decided issues that will impact the area into the foreseeable future.

The combined communities of Canyon Rim, East Millcreek, Millcreek and Mount Olympus will remain a township under the helm of Salt Lake County government. Voters also selected new representatives for community councils, a county council member to represent Millcreek and a new county mayor.

Salt Lake County Councilmember Sam Granato was elected to represent District 4, an area that includes the Millcreek Township. He said he will work hard to be a strong voice for local residents and supports the good work the community councils are doing.

“It’s a rebirth [for our community],” he said. “Some people have said I’m the newly elected ‘mayor of Millcreek,’ but I see it more as working on a team [with the county council].”

In 2013, the four community councils will continue the work of hearing residents’ concerns and representing their interests to Salt Lake County officials.

Local community councils are responsible to hold meetings and hear issues regarding planning and zoning decisions, economic development and all official county decisions.

The councils then make recommendations to the Millcreek Planning Commission and Salt Lake County Council before decisions are made that impact the community.

Many members of the community have expressed a desire to see local residents come back together in 2013 to serve the best interests of all local residents after the divisive vote on incorporation.

After the election, Millcreek Community Council Chair Diane Angus said she would continue to work to keep local traditions alive to help bring neighbors together.

“I really hope that no matter what side you were on, everyone will work together and extend an olive branch,” she said.

Last fall, Millcreek residents also helped to elect new Salt Lake County Mayor Ben McAdams.

The new mayor has already selected a new group of officials and started to restructure county departments, such as public works.

Former Salt Lake County Public Works Director Patrick Leary will now hold the official position of  township executive within the newly restructured Department of Public Works and Regional Development.

If his appointment is approved by the Salt Lake County Council on Jan. 8 (after press deadline), Leary will have the responsibility to work on goals for unincorporated areas of the county, including Millcreek.

As part of the transition, former mayor of Taylorsville Russ Wall will be appointed to act as director of the new Department of Public Works and Regional Development.