Meet the candidates for Orderville Town Mayor

The Town of Orderville has five candidates run­ning for mayor this cycle, necessitating a primary that will take place on Au­gust 12, 2025. The last day to register to vote in the primary election is August 1, 2025. Early voting will be available from August 5 - 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Orderville Town Office.

The SUN asked the can­didates three questions for publication: why are you running, what are your qualifications, and what is your main campaign issue. Their answers are below - don’t forget to vote!

Left to right: Kellie Frost, Lyle Goulding, Emalene Lake, Shaun Sharkey, Ray Spencer

Kellie Frost

Thirteen years ago, I moved to Orderville, Utah. I have grown to love the small-town life. After at­tending town meetings for the past three - four years, I’ve realized that the town of Orderville needs some­one who can think cre­atively, without bias, and support local businesses. That someone is me! As Mayor, I would improve the town for families and small businesses by improving the sidewalks and ensur­ing our ordinances reflect the wants and needs of the community members. The town has some big projects and things coming up and I’d love to see those come to fruition.

Lyle Goulding

I believe Orderville is in a critical time right now and the town needs strong leadership. From a bud­get perspective we have a solid tax base with money coming from plenty of long-standing businesses as well as newer enterprises. The mayor has a critical role in helping to direct the budget. During the past four years, I have helped to maintain a budget that is responsible in the amount we save for emergency situations. However, the expenditures have also grown in the past two years as we have worked on some projects and purchased equipment that will benefit the town as a whole. I want to continue the progress we have made, finishing some projects that are underway and directing some impor­tant future improvements and growth.

As incumbent Mayor of Orderville I have worked hard to learn the job and the requirements for serv­ing in the position. Four years seems like a long time at first, but as issues arise and problems need to be solved, it is a short time to really learn everything nec­essary. My experience as the mayor during the past four years is very important for continuing to improve the town. I work closely with the County Commis­sion in the coordination of governments meetings and whenever necessary for issues that require input from both government bod­ies. I have served four years on the steering committee for the Five County Association of Govern­ments. That role gives the Town of Orderville a voice and creates meaningful contacts with other leaders throughout Southern Utah. Most important­ly I am proud to be part of Orderville, and I love doing what is best for the community.

My main campaign issue is responsibly leading Orderville through a transitional period unlike anything we have seen. We have thousands of visitors to the area each year. Some of those visi­tors love Orderville so much they return and make it their home. I am excited for addi­tions of new commu­nity members and new business. However, I believe there needs to be a careful approach to growth and we need to maintain the culture and personality that makes Orderville such a great place to live. I have the foresight to help lead the Town in the right direction. We have accomplished a great deal in the past four years. We have a new Master General Plan and a new Master Water Plan. A new Master Transportation Plan and Town Ordinance book will be approved soon. I would appreci­ate the opportunity to continue moving the town forward for the next four years.

Emalene Lake

I am running for Mayor of Orderville because I believe in what our Town stands for - unity, collabora­tion, and strength. I see leadership as a way to amplify the voices of our community - not just to govern, but to connect, listen and act. I want every resident to feel like they matter, that they are not just living in Orderville/Mt Carmel, but helping to shape it with their ideas. Candidacy for Mayor is a natural evo­lution of my dedication to this community, to bringing people togeth­er and creating lasting impact. I’m not here to make promises-I’m here to build progress with you. If you give me the honor of serving as your mayor, I’ll lead with integrity, and heart. And together, we will write a new chapter for Orderville, built on unity, trust and progress.

I believe the stron­gest qualifications come from listening deeply, leading with purpose, and earning the trust of your com­munity over time. My qualifications are built not just on experiences, but on values - trust, transparency, and compassion - shaped by the everyday reali­ties of the town I love. I’ve led with both heart and strategy, organiz­ing community events that bring neighbors together, fundraising to honor our Veterans, and working side-by-side with local busi­nesses to strengthen our local economy. I don’t just speak - I listen, act, and follow through. That’s how I build lasting rela­tionships and create momentum that unites rather than divides.

My main campaign issue is bringing Orderville and sur­rounding communities together - through trust, transparency, and meaningful action. I’m running for mayor to strengthen the con­nection between our local government and the people it serves. That means ensuring public input isn’t just collected - it’s honored and acted upon. Your Voice-Our Vision! I’m focused on balanc­ing sustained smart growth, while protect­ing what makes us special. Supporting small businesses and families, and enhanc­ing essential services. But at the heart of it all is unity. I believe that when neighbors feel heard and respected, we build not only a better town, but a stronger community. And everyone can look back and say “We built this together.”

Shaun Sharkey

I’m running for mayor because I love Orderville. This is my home, and I care deep­ly about the people who live here. I want to make sure that every resident feels heard, valued, and respected. I also believe strongly in protecting property rights and ensuring local government stays accountable to the people. I’m committed to serving with trans­parency, integrity, and a genuine passion for our town’s future.

I believe I’m qualified to be mayor because l work hard and care deeply about our com­munity. I’m actively involved in most local events and activities, which keeps me con­nected to the people of Orderville. I’m ap­proachable, a good listener, and open to hearing all sides. I be­lieve leadership means being consistent and fair, and I will up­hold and follow our ordinances with integ­rity. I’m committed to making sure everyone feels represented and respected.

My campaign focuses on a few key priorities for Orderville. First, I’m committed to com­pleting the town park - a space for families, gatherings, and com­munity pride. It’s time we finish what we started and make the park a place everyone can enjoy. Second, I’ll continue working on property boundary issues. These have caused frustration for many, and I’ll work to find fair, practical solutions that allow us to move forward together. Lastly, I will create consistency in how our ordinances are followed and enforced. Everyone deserves clear, fair, and equal treatment. These is­sues matter because they affect our daily lives, our property, and our sense of com­munity.

Ray Spencer

I chose to become a candidate for Mayor because I think I can help preserve good local government principles associated with a limited budget for a small community against the pressures to become big and overly accommodating for the large number of visitors and guests attracted to our beauti­ful area.

I have a background in accounting and have served in different po­sitions of government for the past 25 years. Living in Orderville for so many years has allowed me to watch its growth and challenges and I appreciate being a part of the commu­nity through that time. My private business experience and proven service record I think will be beneficial to the town government.

I would like to pre­serve the good in­tentions of past gov­ernment actions but provide more consis­tent involvement of stakeholders of the many issues. I hope to encourage the vol­unteer element of our community and with good communication channel it towards projects that are very valuable to the welfare of the Town.