Coalville voters elected a new mayor on Tuesday, ushering in a new era of leadership for the eastern Summit County town.
Rory Swensen is likely to take office in January, earning 276 votes, or about 52%, according to preliminary election results. He ran against Coalville City Councilor Lynn Wood, who garnered 251 votes, or almost 48%. Outgoing Mayor Mark Marsh did not seek reelection.
“My intent is to listen first and advocate strongly for (Coalville residents). This starts with listening. It starts with being open, and my door will always be open,” Swensen said.
The mayoral campaign was spirited, and at times, divisive — though not between the candidates themselves. Social media and passionate supporters amplified tensions. But despite the charged environment, Swensen said it actually provided him a platform to clearly communicate his values and priorities.
“There is a bit of a split in the city,” Swensen reflected. “I actually think it worked to my advantage because it gave me an opportunity to respond to some of those questions. They weren’t anything that I would be preparing for because I was really focused on what the issues are in Coalville, but the personal or the political efforts to define me on the outside, it really brought some attention to it, and it gave me the opportunity to very clearly say who I really am.”
Swensen and Wood recognize it was a close race. Wood said the results show an almost even divide, and she believes “healing that division is the most important issue facing our city right now.”
To Swensen, the results of the mayoral and Coalville City Council elections send a clear message that citizens want a new approach to city government.
His campaign was rooted in an intent to bring a fresh perspective and bridge the divide in Coalville. He outlined a vision of unit, community engagement and collaborative leadership for the city’s next chapter.
The last few weeks of his campaign combined active outreach through Facebook groups, updates to his website, traditional door-knocking and frequent conversations with voters. Swensen also reached out to local business owners to better understand their concerns and aspirations.
Improving Main Street by adding more businesses, improving the walkability and maintaining the community’s unique character is a top priority for Swensen.
Looking ahead to the start of his term in January, Swensen recognized that collaboration is essential. He plans to meet with Wood, whose City Council term ends in 2028, as well as the other sitting council members and the two new people — Matthew Boyer and Jeff Peterson — who were elected. Swensen feels optimistic about the diversity of skills and experience on the City Council, which he said will strengthen local leadership.
Wood said that while the new leaders may have different priorities than what the City Council has been working on, which could create some initial tension, she said she feels encouraged after speaking with Swensen.
“He expressed an awareness of the many residents who supported my ideas and a willingness to have meaningful discussions about common ground,” she said. “I’m genuinely hopeful that both current and newly elected leaders can set an example by fostering better conversations and working toward greater unity in our community. It won’t be easy, but if we stay committed to that goal, the results for our city will be well worth it.”
The mayor-elect looks forward to working with community groups when he takes office. He is most excited about becoming more closely involved with events such as Coalville’s Memorial Day services.
“Communities change over time, and (Coalville) has grown,” Swensen said. “It’s not the same community that I grew up in, but it has the same bones. I think there’s an opportunity to do things that strengthen neighborly bonds, the communities, and really value what this small town means to people.”
Boyer, a planning commissioner, and Peterson, a businessman, easily topped the City Council field. Boyer was the top vote-getter with 321 votes, or almost 33% while Peterson earned 202 votes, or 31%. The other candidates were Andrew Nelson, who earned 200 votes, or about 20%, and Steve Richins, with 151 votes, or 15%.
Boyer said he’s excited to get to work in 2026. His top priority was also improving the city’s infrastructure by focusing on Main Street, continuing to connect community spaces and making Coalville more accessible.
“I’m going to come to my service with an attitude of, I’m going to work together and we’re going to find solutions. Anyone who wants to sit down and figure out a way to help Coalville succeed, I’m willing to work with them, and we may see things a little differently, but I think we all want the same things,” Boyer said.
All election results are preliminary until certified in mid-November.