PROVIDENCE — With winter recreation space scarce across Cache Valley, candidates from southern Cache County cities are staking out sharply different positions on a publicly owned and operated indoor recreation center — from full support to firm opposition — according to statements gathered by the Cache Valley Indoor Recreation Initiative Team.
The question posed to candidates: “Do you support community interest in creating a community recreation center, and are you willing to explore collaboration with other communities to make that possible?”
Responses covered Millville, Providence, Hyrum, Wellsville, Nibley, River Heights, Paradise and Mendon. Several candidates did not respond.
Millville
Mayoral candidate Kim Ashcroft said decisions “should start with our residents,” adding she would be “open to exploring collaboration” if there is clear support. Opponent David N. Hair said, “Elderly people cannot afford a tax increase,” favoring a privately funded center.
Council candidate Darcy Ripplinger said she sees a need but worries about taxes, adding, “We have one shot at this so I would like to get it right.” Daniel Grange said he is “definitely in favor of looking at a proposal” and “open to have those conversations.”
Council member Pamela June opposed a taxpayer-funded facility, writing, “It belongs in private industry.”
Jacob Daniel Ames and Clay G. Wilker did not respond. Council members Ryan Zollinger and Jeremy Ward did not respond.
Providence
Council candidate Scot W. Campbell answered “Yes,” to collaboration if there is “significant interest.” Nate Worthen called a south-valley facility a “wonderful amenity” but said it must be “transparent” and “fiscally sound.”
Council candidate Jeanell Sealy cited limited facility access and said residents should vote on any special-district funding, while expressing reservations. Ladd Kennington said he is “very fiscally conservative” and would need to study the impacts, adding, “I absolutely wouldn’t rubber stamp it.”
Council member Jeff Nebeker opposed government-run rec centers, saying, “I DO NOT believe that is the proper role of government.”
Mayor Kathleen Alder and Council members Carrie Kirk and David Kunz did not respond.
Hyrum
Mayoral candidate Steven “Steve” Miller said he favors a center “as long as the numbers regarding tax and cost are in line.” Mayoral candidate Stephanie Miller said demand is growing but raised concerns about a dedicated tax; she floated a phased, pay-as-you-go city facility with rentals to offset costs.
Council member Craig Rasmussen said valid cost data is needed before collaboration, adding he is “not willing to explore collaboration…until there are specific numbers” for construction and ongoing expenses.
Council candidates Nalyn Nelson, Rebecca Foulger and Jared Clawson did not respond; Council members Paul James, Michael Nelson, Jared Clawson and Steve Adams did not respond.
Wellsville
Council candidate Tom Maughan said, “I’m against additional taxation to fund this.” Mayoral candidate Carl Leatham said he supports “community interest,” with collaboration depending on specifics.
Mayoral candidate Chad Bankhead Lindley and Council candidates Angela McBride Olsen, Tom Bailey (mayor), Bob Lindley, Kaylene Ames, Denise Lindsay and Austin Wood did not respond.
Nibley
Mayor Larry Jacobsen said he supports creating recreation space in southern Cache County and has worked for years with city, county and consultants toward that goal, calling for a “well-formed proposal” that includes funding realities and a citizen vote.
Council candidates Nick Kenczka and Troy Ribao voiced support; Kenczka said regional partnership is essential, and Ribao emphasized health and connection “for all ages.” Randy Lloyd Spaulding called a center “a long-term investment,” citing health benefits, and noted Cache County is “the largest county in Utah without” such a facility.
Council candidate Nick DiSalvo backed a multi-use facility but opposed a “double financial burden” of higher taxes and membership fees without a clear cost plan.
Nibley Council members Garrett Mansell, Erin Mann and Nathan Laursen each supported continued work toward indoor recreation, with Laursen urging other councils to join a special service district.
River Heights
Council candidate Mark Malmstrom supported a center and collaboration but said he does not favor a swimming facility. Council candidate Chris Milbank also supported a center, saying, “Exercise really is the best medicine.”
Council candidate Janet Mathews said she had no comment yet. Mayor Blake Wright and Council members Kandi Evans, Lana Hanover and Lance Pitcher did not respond.
Paradise
Council member Devin Thomas opposed the idea, saying residents he has heard from are “completely against it” and “If they build it, it needs to be paid for by those who use it.” Mayor Larry Johnson and Council members Steve Gibbs, Doug Jewell, Whit Gale and Jason Winn did not respond.
Mendon
Mayor Ed Buist offered no comment. Council members Bob Jepsen, Amy Garbe, Ian Nemelka, Brian Myers and Jon Hardman did not respond.
The Cache Valley Indoor Recreation Initiative Team conducted the outreach to candidates and current officials to inform voters across Cache Valley’s south end, including Millville, Providence, Hyrum, Wellsville, Nibley, River Heights, Paradise and Mendon.
More details about the survey can be found here: https://cachevalleyrec.org/