By Aidan Mortensen | KOAL News
Price City Council Candidate Tina Urbanik joined the KOAL newsroom to discuss her campaign, platform and what she aims to accomplish if elected.
“I love this community. Carbon County has been my home for over 35 years, and I’ve lived in Price for the last 11. I’ve been married to my husband Andy for almost 35 years. We raised our four children here, and now five of our grandchildren are growing up here in Price. I’m running because I believe in leadership that listens, learns, and leads with purpose,” said Urbanik of her reason to run.
She continued,” Serving isn’t about politics. It’s about people. Over time, I’ve heard from residents who feel that decisions are being made behind closed doors, and I understand that frustration. I share it. Residents deserve to know what’s happening in their city and to have a voice in decisions that affect their lives. So that’s why I’ll push for practical changes, possibly moving public comment to the beginning of meetings, allowing maybe up to 15 minutes total, two to three minutes per person holding closed sessions at the end, listening and listing the consent agenda items clearly, and starting meetings at 5:30 p.m. instead of the 4 p.m. that they are right now so that residents that are working can attend. These are meaningful steps toward restoring trust, transparency, and accessibility in our local government. So this reflects one of my core values, which is transparency. So I decided to run because I do care deeply about where we’re headed as a city. I don’t come with an agenda. I come with a heart to serve, and I want to be transparent, accountable, and bring unity back into the city government and make sure that residents always feel heard and valued.”
Urbanik also discussed what she has done to prepare for a potential seat on the city council: “I’ve spent years learning how city government functions, attending leagues of cities and towns, conferences and meetings, talking with residents, and studying city budgets and ordinances. I currently serve as the Carbon County Republican Chair, where I’ve gained valuable experience in leadership, communication, and collaboration. I also recognize and deeply respect that this council position is nonpartisan, and I will represent all residents equally. Professionally, I work as an eligibility specialist, which means I deal with policies and procedures and determine eligibility while being mindful of people’s different circumstances. I work with individuals from all walks of life during times of gladness, sadness, grief, and gratitude.”
She added,” These experiences have taught me to listen, make informed decisions, and serve others with both compassion and accountability, qualities I will carry into my role on the council.”
One major task the council faces each year is managing the city budget. Urbanik explained how she would approach this Herculean task,” managing the budget starts with responsibility and, again, transparency, one of my core values. I believe in living within our means and prioritizing the essentials first, things like public safety, infrastructure, and basic city services. Before raising taxes or fees, I’d make sure we’ve used every available opportunity, every available grant and funding opportunity, as well as funds that we currently have. I’d also support clearer communication with residents about where their tax dollars go. Fiscal responsibility isn’t just about numbers; it’s about building trust and confidence in how we operate as a city.”
Looking at her goals over the next four years, if elected, Urbanik discussed what her priorities would be: “Some of my main focuses will be fiscal responsibility, infrastructure, and unity. I want residents to feel informed and involved in city decisions. That means open communication, public participation, and better access to information.”
She continued,” We also need to focus on our roads, water systems, and beautification, the kinds of improvements that make our city safe and welcoming. And just as important, we need unity within our leadership. We can accomplish a lot more when we work together instead of against one another. We can work better when we include our residents, keeping them informed.”
An issue Price City has faced over the past year is communication between first responders – namely, police officers – and the city council and mayor. Urbanik shared how she would seek to bridge this gap,” our first responders are essential. They are absolutely essential to our community’s safety and deserve to feel valued and supported. I believe we can strengthen communication through regular meetings, transparency, and mutual respect. There’s no question that we have the best of the best. I’d start by listening, sitting down with our police officers, administration, and city staff to understand concerns from every side. Then I’d help build a sustainable plan that’s fair to employees and responsible for the city’s budget. We all want the same thing: a safe, respected, and unified community. And if needed, I would support a public meeting.”
Closing our conversation, Urbanik answered why she thinks citizens of Price should use their vote this November for her: “Because I’m running for the right reasons, not politics, but people. I care deeply about this community, our families, and our future. I bring experience, compassion, and common sense to the table. I’ll lead with integrity, ask the hard questions, and always be transparent, even when it’s not easy. My promise is simple: to listen, to learn, and to lead with purpose. Together we can preserve what makes Price City special and build a stronger, more connected community for everyone.”
This article does not serve as an endorsement for the candidate featured. All candidates in the 2025 municipal election cycles are entitled to one free interview. To schedule, email news@koal.net.