08 03 2021 Council Meeting

- The council unanimously passed Resolution 2021-17 opposing President Biden’s nomination of Tracy Stone-Manning to lead the Bureau of Land Management. Members cited concerns about her past involvement in tree-spiking and related environmental extremism, and the resolution was to be sent to Utah’s senators. - The meeting’s main business was interviewing candidates for Cache County Attorney: Dane Murray, Jacob Gordon, and John Lukey. Each candidate answered questions about the role of the office, balancing criminal prosecution with civil legal work, their plans if not selected, and their views on criminal justice reform. - Dane Murray emphasized his long tenure in the county attorney’s office, his work prosecuting violence against women and child abuse cases, and his desire to continue focusing on victims while also strengthening the civil side of the office. He said he would prioritize being present in the office, improving civil planning, and addressing growth-related legal issues. - Jacob Gordon highlighted his 12 years in the office, broad criminal court experience, and work with civil legal advice through Utah State University. He said he would support prosecutors and civil attorneys, improve transparency, and pursue a county justice court to increase efficiency as local justice courts close. - John Lukey described his background in appellate work, litigation, and current role as chief civil deputy, and said he would largely maintain the current prosecutorial approach while expanding proactive civil work. He stressed updating the county code, improving road-related legal planning, and providing more training and coordination across county departments. - Council members repeatedly asked how each candidate would balance criminal and civil responsibilities, especially given the county attorney’s leadership role. The candidates generally said they would rely on experienced staff, stay available in the office, and spend more time on civil matters than the office has historically had. - A major discussion topic was Utah’s criminal justice reform efforts, especially JRI. Murray strongly criticized it as too lenient and harmful to victims, Gordon supported the rehabilitation goals but said some provisions undermined drug court, and Lukey said reforms should better address mental health and avoid releasing dangerous offenders too quickly. - The council also focused on future county growth, road ownership and maintenance issues, water rights, and the need for more proactive civil legal planning. Lukey and Murray both said the county should anticipate litigation and development conflicts rather than only reacting after problems arise. - After the interviews, the council said it would make its attorney selection at the regular meeting on August 10 and hold the swearing-in ceremony the following day at 12:30 p.m. with Judge Kennel presiding; families were invited, and the council thanked all three candidates and their families for serving.