ST. GEORGE — Emphasizing his experience dealing with public lands and natural resource issues, Victor Iverson will seek the Republican Party nomination for Washington County Commission, Seat B, at the Washington County Convention to be held on Saturday.
Iverson, 42, is the former natural resource advisor for Utah Sen. Mike Lee. He resigned from the position earlier this year so he could run for Washington County Commission.
For the past 3 1/2 years, Iverson said, he has been working for Lee as his natural resource advisor, handling land and natural resource issues all across the state of Utah. His responsibilities have included handling issues relating to the Bureau of Land Management, The U.S. Forest Service, endangered species, energy, agriculture and tribal affairs.
Concerning the dispute involving Bundy and the BLM, Iverson said, “This is much more than a trespassing issue. It is an issue of free speech and government overreach.”
As part of his work with Lee, Iverson said he has worked with many of the county commissioners across the state assisting them with natural resource concerns.
An expertise and understanding of public land issues and the relationships built with both federal and state agencies are some of the strengths he will brings to the County Commission if elected, Iverson said.
“It’s really kind of what I bring to the table, is experience, the learning curve will be quite short for me as far as stepping into the county commission,” he said.
The next 10 years are going to be substantial, he said, as to how we grow and what kind of community we are able to maintain. The top priorities Iverson sees will involve endangered species, transportation and the development of the northern corridor, public land issues and economic development.
He developed a passion for natural resources and land rights issues early on, growing up in Hurricane and LaVerkin on a farm. He has several family members who are ranchers and farmers and therefore he is sensitive to issues important to them. Iverson said his father, who was also a rancher, inspired him to pursue a career in politics.
“My Father believed a person needed to be independent,” Iverson said. “And although government is needed within its proper role, he believed we all need to be free.”
Iverson graduated from then Dixie College and Southern Utah University where he and earned a Bachelor’s degree in political science. Following school he ran a masonry business doing block, brick and stone work for about 10-12 years before launching his political career which has included serving as a precinct chair and one term on the LaVerking City Council.
Hurricane resident John Wadsworth, 64, has known Iverson for over 20 years. Being young, energetic and experienced in both local and national politics, are some of the strengths Iverson would bring to commission, Wadsworth said. Having someone who represents the conservative interests of the more rural eastern portion of Washington County is also important, he said.
LaVerkin City Councilman, Kenneth Hooten, has endorsed Iverson, whom he has known for about five years as a neighbor. “He is one of the finest young men I have known, he is an honest man, he is determined, whenever he takes on a task he does his very best,” Hooten said.
The Washington County Convention will be held on Saturday, at the Gardner Center Ballroom on the campus of Dixie State University, 225 South 700 East in St. George. Registration and electioneering will begin at 7 a.m. and the convention will begin promptly at 8 a.m.
Commission race
Candidates for Commission Seat A
- Greg Aldred – Commission Seat A: Greg Aldred draws inspiration from father, from youth
- Mark Boyer – Commission Seat A: Mark Boyer, conserving for future
- James Eardley (Incumbent) – Commission Seat A: Eardley seeks to retain spot for continuity, help new commissioner
- Slade Hughes – Commission Seat A: Slade Hughes of Veyo seeks to represent county’s future
- Zachery Renstrom – Commission Seat A: Renstrom says background as civil engineer, patent attorney will benefit county
Candidates for Commission Seat B
- Chet Hughes – Commission Seat B: Sheriff’s Sgt. Chet Hughes seeks to serve community he’s protected
- Victor Iverson – Commission Seat B: Victor Iverson seeks county commission nomination
- Daniel McArthur – Commission Seat B: Dan McArthur, ‘Dixie’s biggest cheerleader’ seeks county victory
Resources
Related Posts
- Lee advisor resigns, seeks nomination for county commissioner
- Democratic candidates seek to bring different perspective to Utah House, County Commission
- Washington County loses one of its commissioners
- Range war: BLM, Iron County to work together on feral horse issue
- Range war: County resolves to solve wild horse problem if BLM prioritizes Bundy cattle
- Range war: County Commissioners oppose BLM bringing Bundy cattle to Utah
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I have personally known Victor since we were five years old. He has always been someone who thought deeper and cared about the role of government. I remember in High School he had always had a law book in his room which we thought was strange for a high school aged kid but it was his desire to really understand the law and specifically understand why so many of our rights are being trampled on.
He is honest and direct. He does not seek for power but really wants to secure our constituitional rights. He will make a wonderful Commissioner and may get into a little trouble because he is not swayed by the polls and will speak his mind.
He has my vote!!
Darren Prince