OPINION

September 5th begins a new chapter in Ogden's political landscape: and we, active and engaged Ogdenite citizens, have the chance to shape this landscape with our vote. I’m proud to say I’ll be voting for Taylor Knuth—as he carries a platform built on community, connection, and character. If elected Mayor, Taylor would breathe new life and energy into our already-lively city by building on what Ogden has to offer.

I’m an Ogdenite of 20+ years. Growing up in a dynamic, loving household as a homeschooled kid I experienced all of the great community stuff Ogden has to offer: the Weber State Storytelling Festival, Treehouse Children’s Museum, Ogden Nature Center, and local year-round events held by the Ogden Downtown Alliance. I married my high school sweetheart, Aaron, and we moved away for a few years, but then came back—because Ogden is where it's at. Fast-forward to today and my life doesn’t look like I ever planned it would: my mom and husband both died in the last several years and I have a four-year-old daughter with profound disabilities and medical needs. She attends Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind, we frequent Primary Children’s, and more than ever before we rely on the Ogden community as we navigate our day-to-day.

Before, during, and after all of these life changes Taylor has continued to be a constant in my life, both as an Ogden citizen and a caring community member. When my mom passed away in 2019, Taylor was working as the Director of Development at Weber State University and helped us create a memorial scholarship in her name. My dad, sister, and I met Taylor and his husband Sean at WBs Eatery for brunch as we signed the contract for her scholarship, gave a toast to my mom, and shared our Ogden stories and experiences through laughter and tears. Since then, my sister and I have sold scrunchies through Sloan’s Scrunchies at local events to fund the scholarship. Taylor continues to show up at almost every event, ready to buy anyone he can think of a scrunchie (or ten!) because he wants to honor, support, and celebrate the Ogden community.

Ogden is home to the original Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind campus—a school that hasn’t received enough attention and accolades from the local government. Taylor often asks me for updates on the campus, its educators and staff, and the programs offered—because he’s genuinely interested in learning more. He knows this school is a key (underrepresented) part of our Ogden community. Along with his questions about USDB, Taylor continues to make positive strides in fostering accessible spaces in his current career. And—with the current shape of our parking, roads, and sidewalks here in Ogden—accessibility is going to be a critical issue for the city in the years to come.

Taylor Knuth truly embodies all that makes Ogden a great place. Not only does he love this city and the people in it, but he makes it a better place to live through his actions every day. Taylor navigates conversations with kindness and can show up for anyone in any phase or moment of life: good or hard. This is a rare quality for anyone to have, but especially someone at a leadership level in government.

I would feel excited, supported, and safe knowing someone like Taylor Knuth was Mayor of Ogden City.

Overall, I’m truly proud to say I’m voting for Taylor Knuth on September 5th and hope you will consider it, too. Ogden will greatly benefit from his service, contribution, and perspective as Mayor.

And—as LeVar Burton always said—you don’t have to take my word for it! Read Taylor’s take on community issues here or send him an email 1:1.

—Kari Harbath