By Aidan Mortensen | KOAL News
Price City Council Candidate Richard Root joined the KOAL newsroom to discuss his campaign, platform and what he aims to accomplish if elected.
“I think what inspired me is just the fact that Diane and I came here 50 years ago, fell in love with Price City. It’s something that I’ve always wanted to do. It’s just that when I was working and everything, I didn’t have time to,” explained Root of his reason to run. “I feel like I want to give back to Price City for all the things they’ve done for me. And I also feel like I can help, maybe try to improve it a little bit more, and maybe get some other things done that I would like to see done.”
Serving previously as a member of the Carbon Country Club board of directors, Price City Planning and Zoning Commission and as a union steward, Root explained how he sees these experiences benefiting him if elected: “I think a lot of it has to do with, number one, problem solving and working with people. In all my years as a union steward, I mean, it was like a daily job. You got to work, and there was an issue, and you dealt with it.”
He added,” And I feel like I’m pretty good at peeling the onion, finding what works for both sides, and then trying to make it happen for everybody. I think all of the board of directors and also the Kiwanis Club have been things that have really pushed me forward.”
Looking at the budget matter, Root discussed how he would approach managing the budget each year,” I think what we need to do, and I’ve looked into it a little bit with Lisa (Richens), is pick out what’s the most important things. And I know the other council’s doing the same thing. I’m not going to say anything bad about them at all because I think everybody tries. But, I think what you have to do is look at where we’re overspending. Do we have some places where we have bids on things, and it’s costing us more than it should? And bringing those back into line. I think that’s the key.”
One of the core tenets of Root’s campaign has been transparency. The candidate explained why he singled this issue out,” first of all, transparency. It’s not my favorite word, but it’s a word that people expect. Nowadays, everybody wants to know everything. And I get that. I’m the same kind of person. But it’s something that has to be done with social media, with everything that happens. I think that’s just one of the things that we have to focus on, is being honest.”
An issue faced by Price City over the past year has been communication between first responders, namely police officers, and the city council and mayor. Root shared how he would seek to bridge this gap,” I’ve sat down with the police, with Capt. Brandon Ratcliffe. I took a ride with Sgt. Sean Sackett. I got an idea from their side of what needs to be done. I know from the city side that there are certain things you can only do. And I think, again, it comes down to getting both sides together, talking it out, getting to the core, the real root of the problem. Is it really the salaries, or is it something else? And making it work for both sides. And that’s what I’d like to do.”
Closing our conversation, Root answered why he thinks citizens of Price should use their vote this November for him: “I feel I’m somebody who is really Price City-oriented. I want to do well for everybody. I know you can’t promise anything. I can’t promise to do any better than the last city council. But I can promise that I will work as hard as I can. I’ll attend the meetings. I’ll do whatever it takes to be a good councilman. I’m honest. I feel like I’m an honest person, and I feel like I’m a straightforward person.”
This article does not serve as an endorsement for the candidate featured. All candidates in the 2025 municipal election cycle are entitled to one free interview. To schedule, email news@koal.net.