Bruce Zollinger said his experience as a real estate broker makes him qualified to be a Wasatch County Council member. Zollinger, a Republican, hopes to use that knowledge to guide the county during a four-year term occupying Seat F on the council.
Zollinger named affordability as a top issue in Wasatch County. With the county’s open space, recreation opportunities and rural atmosphere, Zollinger said it’s no wonder that more residents are moving into the area. But that, in turn, has caused housing prices to increase over time.
He said it’s time to keep affordability and development in check.
“I just think that I can help with a good vision and kind of bridging the rural and the development side, and try to keep our county more on the unique side,” Zollinger said. “We can let it just develop out normally, or else we can really put some plans and real thought into it.”
Zollinger has been a resident of Heber City for 25 years. As a real estate broker for CRBE in Salt Lake City, Zollinger specializes in land services, including commercial, residential, agricultural and ranch property throughout Utah and Idaho.
Providing housing for future generations, he said, is crucial.
“I think that’s possible in the stage that we’re in right now,” Zollinger said.
Zollinger is no stranger to public service. He spent time working on the Wasatch County Planning Commission from 2018 to 2019 and served on the Wasatch County Board of Adjustments from 2017 to 2018.
He said Wasatch County has done a good job so far preserving open space and keeping with the rural feel of the community. But Zollinger said much is on the horizon to plan around, including the Heber Valley bypass route and the upcoming 2034 Olympic Games.
“I feel like, from my development experience in land, that I can help,” Zollinger said.
Zollinger is a supporter of property rights. It can be, he said, a sensitive subject, but he asserted that it is important to preserve people’s rights, “versus the greater good of the county or the town.”
When it comes down to it, Zollinger said he would be a responsible County Council member because of his experiences working in Wasatch County. He emphasized that listening is one of the most important things a council member can do, and that communication is a top priority.
“I think communication is very important, especially from the council, and having a clear vision — you’re not going to get where you want unless you are able to communicate through it,” Zollinger said.
While Zollinger admitted he is not a politician, he is hopeful that he can bring a fresh perspective to the County Council and “make some good choices within our county” in the next four years.
Republican candidates, including incumbent County Councilor Karl McMillan and Michael Murphy, and Democrat Joe Tugaw, are also vying for Seat F. The position is for a four-year term. A primary election could be held on June 23 after nominees are chosen at their respective party conventions.