Austin Teuscher is a write-in candidate for Harrisville City Council. She has lived in Harrisville for the last 15 years with her family. Teuscher remembers visiting her grandparents in Harrisville and always loved the community. She loves volunteer service, running the Baby Contest for Heritage Days, coaching recreation softball, and being a Girl Scout leader. She says it’s important to give back to the community, and that’s what she would like to do as a council member.
Ms. Teuscher managed a retail clothing store for the last 9 years. Knowing the importance of balanced budgets and meeting deadlines, she feels like she could be an asset as an average citizen. She wants to make sure resources are being used wisely and making the best decisions can be made for the community as a whole. Teuscher believes that people from all demographics, ages and beliefs should make up the city council to fairly represent the make-up of the city. That way there is a better representation of the thoughts and opinions of the community. She said, “I would love to hear from anyone in the community to discuss any concerns they would like addressed. I think every citizen should have a voice.”
Michael Murtha has been working with the council since May of this year. He and his wife Vivienne moved to Harrisville in 2013, after retiring from the USAF in 2009—closing a 27-year career. He has extensive experience in leadership, management and budgeting. He brings to the table a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting.
When asking Mr. Murtha what his agenda is, he simply stated, “I work for you, the citizens and businesses of Harrisville.” His areas of focus is writing and implementing a long- range strategic plan with economic development. He would like to place emphasis on helping with more veteran-owned businesses and looking at the City budget to see where it could become more efficient.
Mr. Murtha has a great take on the future for Harrisville. He stated, “Just because we’re small doesn’t mean we can’t be great.” He has a deep desire to serve the community just as he served his country. These are the driving reasons why he wants this job.
Gary Robinson has been in the Harrisville area for over 40 years. He was on the City Council about 10 years ago, serving a 4-year term. Mr. Robinson has worked as an accountant for 35 years. He spends a lot of time analyzing expenses and budgets, with the experience he brings he wants to fairly represent the citizen helping keeping taxes in check. Robinson has been married for over 40 years and has raised 5 children here. He has spent time refereeing over the past 35 years, and feels like this has helped him to handle the tensions that may come up. He believes that government should have minimal impact on the lives of the citizens. Robinson wants Harrisville to be a place where your children will want to live.
Ruth Pearce has been attending City Council and Planning Commission meetings on a regular basis over the last 10 years or more. She has been there when most of the ordinances have been written or rewritten. Having been there, Pearce brings to the table the knowledge of what the ordinances are and how they are being used.
Ms. Pearce is currently serving as the city CERT coordinator and has served on the Weber County CERT board. She works as a controller for five RV dealerships, three in Utah and two in Washington. She works with budgets, payroll, payables, and receivables.
Ms. Pearce would work to support business development, which would enhance and grow the tax base. She would like to encourage emergency preparedness for the City. She believes that Harrisville is a great city and would like to work with everyone to make it better. “Working together we can make things happen.”
Jacob Schlegel has aspirations to contribute his talents, ideas, and knowledge in a way that can assist residents as their voice on the council. As a homeowner, he wants to assure that there are good zoning decisions made, a balanced budget, and a good relationship with the surrounding cities. Schlegel has a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science with a minor in Business Administration from the University of Utah.
Mr. Schlegel is a stay-at-home dad to his two children. His wife, Heidi, teaches history and Spanish at Ogden High School. They enjoy traveling, playing tennis, reading biographies and spending time with the family. He says, “My family and I look forward to living in Harrisville for many years to come.”
Mr. Schlegel is running for Harrisville City Council because he has a strong desire to serve in the community. He believes that Harrisville is at a critical juncture. With Ogden working toward a revitalization plan, the economy seems to be on a continuing rebound. Now seems like a good time to set goals that guarantees that Harrisville is on the right track as an affordable place to live, and a vibrant and admired city.
