CACHE COUNTY – County Executive David Zook has announced that he plans to retire from public life on Monday, Sept. 8.
“I’m thankful for all we have been able to accomplish together,” Zook said, looking back on his tenure with Cache County.
“We could never have accomplished this much without the teamwork, collaboration and creativity so many partners brought to the table …”
The retiring county executive has chosen to mostly sugar-coat his recollections of Cache County, where his relationship with members of the Cache County Council has had its ups and downs.
That relationship was rocky, almost from the moment that Zook defeated veteran council member David L. Erickson in the Republican special election to replace outgoing County Executive Craig Buttars in January of 2021.
The County Council has also chipped away at Zook’s responsibilities as executive throughout his tenure, particularly while former council member Paul Borup served as the council’s chair looking into what he considered to be “financial shenanigans.”
Despite that on-again, off-again support, Zook was re-elected as county executive in the November 2022 midterm election, defeating challenger Marc Ensign, who was endorsed by some council members.
During his time as county executive, Zook focused on multiple policy areas, especially public safety, open space preservation, mental health/suicide prevention, housing, transportation and economic development.
“This kind of progress only happens when you have an amazing team like the one I’ve been blessed with,” Zook added.
His premature departure from the post of county executive is expected to trigger another Republic Party special election, which is likely to occur between now and the municipal election in November.
Zook has been involved in various forms of public service for 30 years.
His previous experience included 15 years with San Bernardino County in California, where he rose to the post of chief of staff after serving in multiple law enforcement and economic development roles.
After relocating to Utah, Zook was city manager in Nibley for a decade prior to joining the Cache County government in 2021.
The public is invited to a retirement open house set for 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 6.
That event will take place in the Cache County Historic Courthouse at 199 North Main Street in Logan.