As a science teacher in the Uintah School District for many years, the name Stephen Borton rings a bell with locals. Borton enjoys the outdoors and is actively involved with the Friends of the Utah Field House. When asked why he is running for Commissioner, Borton explained that he wants to provide the public with a choice so democracy could be at work. Also on the ballot, Brad Horrocks is well known in the community as a long time business owner and for his civic involvement. When asked why he is running for Commissioner, Horrocks said he is enthusiastic and wants to make a difference. Both candidates expressed deep support of the oil and gas industry as well as a desire to see the county further diversified. “There has been some concern that because I like the outdoors that I’m anti oil,” says Borton. “Nothing could be further from the truth. Oil as well as the gilsonite and phosphate mines are part of life here.” Borton says he would like to see the county give more support to the DC pipeline that will connect the Basin with the rail system in Carbon County. He also emphasized that he believes plans should move forward on a second power plant and that the county needs to deal with the ozone air quality problem before the feds come in and make decisions that could drastically effect the Basin way of life. Similarly, Horrocks expressed his strong support of the oil industry and emphasized the need to make sure the county is not a tax burden for those businesses. He also said the county needs to protect both private and public lands so oil companies can flourish. Stephen Borton is running on the Democratic Party ticket and Brad Horrocks is running on the Republican ticket.
Brad Horrocks
Stephen Borton
