Meet the candidates for Kane County offices

KANE COUNTY — With the June 23 Republican primary approaching, candidates seeking seats on the Kane County Commission and the Kane County clerk/auditor position shared their thoughts on some of the issues facing county government in responses to questions from the Southern Utah News. Each candidate was asked the same four questions covering topics including growth, budgeting, transparency and local priorities. Responses are printed largely as submitted and have been lightly edited for clarity, grammar, Associated Press style and length.

Kane County Commission — Seat B

Why are you running for this position?

Matthew LeGrand Cox: I want to serve Kane County and give back to a community that has welcomed my family. I grew up in rural Idaho and have spent my life working in agriculture, tourism and construction. I have owned and operated my construction company for 20 years and have worked on homes, roads, fences and commercial buildings. I have also served four years on the Kane County Planning and Zoning Commission. My wife, Elizabeth, and I live in Johnson Canyon, and we care deeply about preserving the rural character of Kane County while creating opportunities for families who want to live and work here.

Celeste Meyeres: Serving the people of Kane County has been both rewarding and meaningful. My motivation is to defend the rights and opportunities of local residents. Before running for office, I spent years attending commission meetings, studying civics and emergency response, and building relationships with state and federal leaders. I served on the Kanab Planning Commission and Kanab City Council before being elected county commissioner. My husband Nicholas and I were married in Orderville, and Kane County is our home for life. Serving as one of the county’s three commissioners has been the honor of a lifetime, and I want to continue working for the people of this county.

What is the biggest issue facing Kane County?

Matthew LeGrand Cox: One of the biggest issues facing Kane County is infrastructure and public services. We need roads, emergency services and facilities that can handle tourism while still serving residents. Fire service throughout the county also needs attention, and I believe better communication and cooperation can help resolve ongoing concerns. At the same time, we must continue defending local access to public lands for grazing, timber and recreation. I believe Kane County can support reasonable growth while protecting its rural character. We do not have the infrastructure for rapid growth, and I want future generations to still recognize and enjoy the community we have today.

Celeste Meyeres: Protecting opportunities for families and individuals remains one of my top priorities. Because most of Kane County is made up of federal and state lands, decisions about land management directly affect local residents, businesses and industries. I have worked with state and federal partners to defend transportation access and historic uses tied to agriculture, mining, logging and recreation. Those efforts have led to major recent victories involving Hole in the Rock Road and Coral Pink Sand Dunes Road. After decades of advocacy by Kane County leaders and residents, I believe it is important to continue protecting access, infrastructure and local decision-making authority moving forward.

How should the county balance growth, tourism and quality of life?

Matthew LeGrand Cox: Growth is inevitable in a place as beautiful as Kane County, but I believe we can manage it responsibly. We should welcome tourism and support the businesses and workers who depend on it while protecting the places and lifestyle that make this county special. I support marketing the areas we want visitors to see while preserving more sensitive locations. At the same time, we need to advocate for reasonable development and avoid growth that overwhelms infrastructure or changes the rural character of our communities. I believe local residents, businesses and government all play a role in maintaining that balance and ensuring future opportunities for our children.

Celeste Meyeres: Balance is essential. The rights of both existing residents and new neighbors matter, and growth should only occur when impacts on surrounding properties and communities can be reasonably addressed. Tourism tax revenues should help offset the impacts created by visitation, particularly through investments in roads, emergency services and infrastructure. More than half of Kane County’s tourism-related tax revenues already go toward maintaining county roads, with much of the remainder supporting EMS services. I also believe local government must continue standing up for fairness and local control when dealing with large-scale development proposals that could significantly affect the county’s long-term quality of life.

What would be your top priorities if elected?

Matthew LeGrand Cox: My priorities would include responsible spending, infrastructure improvements and protecting Kane County’s rural character. I believe county government should focus on efficiency and careful stewardship of taxpayer dollars while prioritizing core services and infrastructure. I would also work to address fire district concerns, improve emergency services and continue defending grazing access and other traditional uses of public lands. I believe growth should move at a pace local infrastructure and communities can reasonably support while still allowing opportunities for local families. I also believe public office should be centered on service, accountability and long-term planning that benefits county residents.

Celeste Meyeres: During my first term, one of my main priorities has been improving communication and coordination both within Kane County and with state and federal partners. I have worked closely with municipal leaders and have served on several statewide boards and workgroups, including the Constitutional Defense Council. Those relationships have helped Kane County secure funding and support on important issues. If re-elected, I will continue advocating for transportation access, forest management and long-term planning tied to tourism and infrastructure. I also plan to continue working on North Rim rebuilding efforts aimed at improving access, capacity and long-term economic opportunities connected to the region.

Kane County Clerk/Auditor

Why are you running for this position?

Martin Hepworth: I believe voters should always have a choice at election time. I have served on the Orderville Town Board and planning and zoning commission, and I have worked for the Kane County Road Department for nearly 24 years. I care about the future of Kane County and want to continue serving the community. Affordable housing is one of my biggest concerns, and I want young people to be able to return to Kane County, buy homes and raise families here.

Chameill Lamb: Kane County is my home, and the people here are my neighbors, friends and family. I am seeking re-election because I care deeply about the future of our community and believe it deserves steady leadership. During the past three years as clerk/auditor, I have focused on protecting the integrity of county finances and elections while ensuring local government remains accountable and efficient. With degrees in business management and accounting, I believe I bring both professional experience and a strong commitment to public service. My goal is to continue ensuring county government operates honestly, responsibly and transparently for the people of Kane County.

What is the biggest issue facing Kane County?

Martin Hepworth: Affordable housing is one of the biggest issues facing Kane County. I want local young people and working families to have opportunities to stay here, buy homes and build their futures in the communities where they grew up.

Chameill Lamb: One of the biggest challenges facing Kane County is ensuring county expenses do not outpace revenues and place additional tax burdens on local residents. Tourism brings important revenue into the county, but it also creates increased demands on roads, public safety and other county services. I believe county government must carefully manage those impacts and make sure tourism-related taxes help offset the strain placed on infrastructure and resources. My focus is on maintaining strong financial oversight and sustainable budgeting practices while continuing to support both residents and the local economy.

What experience prepares you for this office?

Martin Hepworth: While I do not have direct experience in the clerk/auditor’s office, I am willing to do what is necessary to learn the laws, procedures and responsibilities required for the position. I would seek guidance from county officials and others with experience and expertise to help ensure the office operates properly and effectively.

Chameill Lamb: My experience comes directly from serving as Kane County’s clerk/auditor during the past three years. During that time, I have managed election cycles, overseen county audits and worked to maintain accurate public records while ensuring compliance with Utah law. My educational background in business management and accounting has also prepared me to handle the financial oversight responsibilities tied to the office. I understand the importance of protecting both public trust and taxpayer dollars, and I have worked to carry out those responsibilities carefully and accurately throughout my term.

How would you maintain public trust in this office?

Martin Hepworth: I would follow all laws, policies and procedures already in place to ensure accuracy and public trust to the best of my ability. I would also continue seeking guidance and assistance when needed to make sure the office serves the public responsibly and transparently.

Chameill Lamb: I believe public trust is earned through honesty, accessibility and transparency. I want residents to feel comfortable asking questions about county finances, records and elections. I believe it is important to make financial information clear and accessible while strictly following the laws and procedures that keep government accountable. Accuracy is about more than numbers — it is about respecting taxpayers and ensuring confidence in county government. I will continue working to keep the office open, professional and transparent for the people of Kane County.

The Republican primary election will be held June 23. More information about the June 23 primary election is available through the Kane County Clerk’s Office at kane.utah.gov.