There’s been a switch in Democratic candidates for Wasatch County Council at-large Seat A. Patrick Saucier withdrew from the race and was replaced by Robert Duncan McNeill. 

McNeill, a Democrat and Heber City resident, filed his declaration of candidacy on Sept. 1, one day after Saucier withdrew from the race. 

According to Utah law, a political party may certify the name of a different person after the close of the filing period if the candidate who already filed withdraws from the race. 

Wasatch County Democratic Party Vice Chair Claire Hassett said her party conducted a review for new candidates after Saucier decided to accept a new job in his home state of New Hampshire. 

“We found a really fabulous candidate who was willing and able to run in Patrick’s place,” Hassett said. 

McNeill, Hassett said, is a lifelong Democrat and progressive who “really understands Wasatch County” and its needs. 

“I think he will really represent our community well on the council, and he brings unique life experience that I think is going to be very helpful as we try to balance growth and development with serving our communities, being true to our community values and roots,” Hassett said. 

McNeill is the only Democratic Party candidate seeking the seat. In November, he will face Republican Party candidate Rachel Kahler and write-in candidates Jami Hewlett and Shawn Taylor. 

Taylor, from Charleston, filed his write-in candidacy on Aug. 27. Hewlett filed her write-in candidacy on Aug. 26. 

The Democratic Party vice chair said the most important thing for a candidate is to have an “ethic of public service.”

“I think too many of our elected officials in the state have gotten away from actually serving the public, listening to what their needs are and working on solutions to address them,” Hassett said. 

The position for County Council Seat A is a four-year term. 

Saucier and McNeill were both unavailable for comment by the time of publication. 

The voter registration deadline is Oct. 23, though same-day registration is available on Election Day, Nov. 3. Regular general election ballots are mailed Oct. 13, and all ballots must be in the Wasatch County Clerk-Auditor’s Office by 8 p.m. on election night.

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