Travis Padilla: Saving the Great Salt Lake
Tune in to learn how we can "Grow the Flow" Savings the Great Salt Lake
Tune in to learn how we can "Grow the Flow" Savings the Great Salt Lake
Riley is a builder, public servant, and intelligence officer in the Navy Reserve. As a former White House staffer, he crafted industrial policy to help create and protect American jobs before continuing that mission of building companies in the private sector.
Now, he’s running for Congress to keep fighting for the American dream with results, not rhetoric.
As a little kid, my parents and leaders taught me that service was the highest calling in life.
I believed public service was noble — the place where good was done by the most capable, most virtuous, most courageous among us. But that’s not what politics looks like today.
I grew up visiting my dad’s childhood home in North Salt Lake where I’d learn about our pioneer heritage.
I resolved to get the best education I could so that I’d be not just ready but worthy to serve and build upon the legacy I inherited.
Through great mentors, hard work, and some luck, I enrolled at Princeton where I learned to stand strong and speak up for what I believed in no matter how numerous or loud the opposition.
Leading our rugby program, I learned how to take hits, get back up, and hit back harder until the final whistle.
During college, I paused my studies to serve an LDS mission in Denmark before going to work in the White House. As Covid hit, I worked to mobilize our industrial base to save American lives and create American jobs.
But crafting policy didn’t feel like enough — I wanted to get out and build our country.
From critical minerals to drones, I found myself in the shipyards of the Great Lakes and the warzones of Ukraine — developing technology and capabilities that create jobs and keep America and our allies safe, free, and prosperous.
I decided to continue my commitment to service in uniform because freedom is not free.
While an Eisenhower Scholar at Oxford, I became an intelligence officer in the Navy Reserve.
When the time came for me to choose where to put roots down, the decision was easy: I chose Utah.
No other place in America supports businesses, strengthens families, and provides opportunity amidst such God-given natural beauty like our state.
Together, let’s keep it that way.
https://www.perryforsheriff.com/
Proven Experience Serving Our Community
My name is Aaron Perry, and I’m running for Davis County Sheriff because this community is home, and protecting it has been my life’s work.
I’m a lifelong Davis County resident. I bring more than two decades of law enforcement experience, including senior leadership roles overseeing corrections, enforcement, investigations, evidence, administration and tactical operations.
I believe the Sheriff’s Office should be guided by one principle: protecting people with integrity and accountability.
The role of Sheriff demands experience, judgment, and a steady commitment to service. My promise is simple: to lead with integrity, support the men and women who serve, and keep Davis County safe while earning the trust of the community every day. Meet Aaron My Priorities Get InvolvedAs Chief Deputy at the Weber County Sheriff’s Office, I helped lead a complex organization with a focus on accountability, professionalism, and public trust. I’ve spent my career learning every side of this job, from the front lines to executive leadership.
I was entrusted with leading through one of the most challenging moments in modern law enforcement during the COVID-19 pandemic. By focusing on transparency, safety, and steady decision making, we protected both staff and inmates while maintaining operations. That leadership was recognized statewide, but more importantly, it reinforced my belief that calm, prepared leadership matters most when it’s tested.
Leading from the Front True to My RootsThroughout my career, as I advanced in rank and took on more administrative roles, I have never forgotten where I came from. I always look for opportunities to roll up my sleeves and work side by side with deputies. One such example is at the Roy Days celebration, pictured above. Whether in crisis or celebration, I believe it is important as a leader to help wherever you’re needed.
Leading by Example, Whatever the AssignmentWhile serving as Enforcement Chief Deputy, I responded to the scene of a search and rescue operation at Pineview Reservoir. When I asked how I could help, the Lieutenant stated he needed someone on a wave runner to keep boats from accessing the area they were working. I commandeered a swimsuit and took the assignment.
Prepared to Lead in CrisisSaturday May 30, 2020: While serving as Corrections Chief, Ogden Police Department requested assistance with a planned protest. Although the Ogden protest remained peaceful, there was concern that it may turn violent as had the protests in Salt Lake City. I responded to assist Ogden PD with 47 other Weber County deputies and staff members.
Later that day, an emergency call was sent by the Salt Lake City Police Department requesting immediate assistance from whomever was available. When contacted for specifics, a Salt Lake City Police Lieutenant stated, "Please send everything you've got". I responded with Sheriff Arbon and 22 other deputies. After initially responding to suspected looting at City Creek, I was assigned to a containment position where I remained until the next morning.
Hello Neighbor! My name is Jill Koford, lifelong resident of Weber County, and I’m running to represent you in the Utah Senate. I am running, first and foremost, to give you a strong voice in the discussions of our state’s future. I want to keep our government in check, and empower you to make your own decisions. I want to give back to the community that has so enriched my life, from childhood to now. I am a small business owner and educator. I went to Valley Elementary, Valley Junior High, Weber High, and Weber State University. Ten years ago, I received my Masters Degree in Education from the University of Southern California (while living here at home, of course). I have the best and most supportive husband and life partner in Rod, and three great and inspiring kids in Katie, Alex, and Gracie. Thomas Jefferson once said, “the government closest to the people serves the people best.” I agree with Jefferson, especially in a day where the federal government continues to overreach beyond their already expansive powers. The federal government is not the only problem, however, where everyday people struggle to understand the increasingly complex workings of state and local government. I love this nation and this wonderful state we get to live in, but we can absolutely do better. We can simplify, we can scale back, and we can put more control in the hands of the individual. Limited government is good government. I will be a tireless advocate for you. I pledge to communicate openly, honestly, and frequently because you deserve a representative who listens to you, shares your beliefs, and voices your concerns. I hope I can earn your support. Jill
https://www.votekoford.com/
Chronological Experiences - John grew up in Ogden, Utah. He was the oldest of six brothers and one sister. After serving a church mission in the Canary Islands in Spain, John went to basic combat soldier training at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO. He then proceeded to Ft. Sam Houston, TX to be trained as a combat medic and a surgical technician and was the Distinguished Honor Graduate of his class. He served with the Utah 144th Combat Support Hospital. John went to Weber State University and earned a B.A. degree in psychology. During college, John worked part time on campus for the Services for Students with Disabilities, reading college text books for blind students. John stayed busy by also participating with the folk dance team, the institute chorale, a fraternity, the LDSSA committee, and the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) where he finished as Honor Graduate, class of 1997.
Following a successful Army ROTC Advanced Camp and ranking in the top 5% of the nation, John was commissioned as an Army Intelligence Officer. After receiving his Top Secret Security Clearance and finishing his Tactical Intelligence Officer training in Ft. Huachuca, AZ, he was stationed at Ft. Gordon, GA with the 513th Military Intelligence Brigade. Here he served as a Company Executive Officer, Battalion Maintenance Officer, and Headquarter Company Executive Officer.
John was deployed to Saudi Arabia in 1999 for Joint Task Force Southwest Asia (JTFSWA). He worked directly with the commander, Major General Schmidt, during Operation Desert Fox. He worked in the Joint Air Operations Center during real-time flight operations over Iraq and briefed the commander during these missions when Saddam Hussein was still in power. John was also responsible for theater-wide combat search and rescue (CSAR) operations. John was the liaison to the Saudi Arabian government officials as well as the French and British military officials who were part of the coalition. He produced and disseminated the releasable multinational force intelligence information for these partners.
After several years of active duty, John again joined the Utah Army National Guard and his unit was activated to pull security at the Olympic Village for the Salt Lake 2002 Winter Olympics and Paralympics following the 911 attack. He worked directly with the Presidential Secret Service as well as the directors of intelligence and foreign dignitaries for various security functions.
In 2002, John was deployed to war-ravaged Bosnia and Herzegovina as Operations Officer for Security Force 12. He led a counter intelligence team and nine human intelligence teams, consisting of Army Rangers, HUMINT collectors, and local interpreters. His teams produced intelligence information that was used by President Bush and Dick Cheney as justification for the second war in Iraq (declassified by Dick Cheney). John loved serving his country, but frequent absences were hard for a family with young children. So after a 10 year military career, he separated and finished his master’s degree in business marketing.
John spent several years working in various business ventures and industries including the National Federation of Independent Business. This is a small business lobbying group where he met with hundreds of business owners to understand their challenges with taxes, burdensome regulations, workers’ compensation costs, and government overreach. Most recently, John has worked for major pharmaceutical and medical companies like Novo Nordisk and Myriad Genetics in pharmacogenomics testing. He has received many national awards and recognitions for his leadership and performance.
During these decades, John enjoyed serving in his faith in various capacities and particularly as a scout master and ecclesiastical leader for his church. This time working with the youth has been some of his favorite years. Feeling the need to serve in all aspects of his life, he has also served for the past 20 years as a state delegate, county delegate, and precinct chair for Precinct SY11 in the Republican Party.
Family - John is most grateful for his wife, Carrie. They have been married for 30 years and have six children, a son-in-law, a daughter-in-law, and a granddaughter. He is honored that his three eldest children currently serve their country in the Army. John has always tried to instill the value and blessings of serving in all capacities and for these reasons, he has felt the need to give more during a very turbulent time in our country.
Faith - Above all, John considers himself a disciple of Jesus Christ. This is fundamental to everything he does. His faith, his family, and his freedoms are his greatest fundamental priorities.
Hobbies & Fun Facts - John loves reading, writing, and studying. He is fascinated with eschatology and scripture, including Apocryphal texts. He loves to see how current world events align with scripture and sees prophecy being fulfilled in our day. He enjoys history and science and loves a good documentary. John loves playing basketball, softball, football, tennis, and soccer. He enjoys snow skiing, kayaking, cliff diving, and sky diving. He loves an ice plunge in a cold mountain lake. He still loves to do backflips on skis in his 50s, to the dismay of his wife. He loves hiking, canyoneering, camping, backpacking, fishing, gardening, and landscaping.
He once made news on Disappointment Peak Grand Teton after a half ton boulder dislodged and landed on him breaking both his legs, among other injuries, but was miraculously saved. Rescuers needed a 300 foot rope and a helicopter to hoist him off the mountain.
Working with youth has always been a priority for John and he especially enjoyed being a Scoutmaster. He is an Eagle Scout and helped many youth earn theirs. John saved two lives using the Heimlich Maneuver that he learned in scouts. He also loves coaching youth in soccer, basketball, and tennis.
John enjoys a good workout and does marathons, triathlons, and Spartan obstacle course races. He once placed 51st out of 3999 contestants and 2nd in the 45-50 age category in a Spartan Super Race. He plays the piano and percussion/drums and has taught drum lessons. He has played in bands and once performed a drum set solo at the Venetian in Las Vegas for over a thousand people. He loves writing and composing music on the Clavinova and has composed several soft-pop songs. John loves to dance and will be seen on the dance floor at every work social or wedding reception. He loves to sing and do karaoke.
John has worked many interesting jobs with his entrepreneurial spirit including the following: selling golf balls as a kid, washing dishes and prep cooking at Carol’s Kitchen restaurant, building a house from foundation to finish work in high school construction, and peeling logs by hand. He worked for Mr. Mac, Matrix Marketing, Office Max, RGIS Inventory Specialists, Bell Janitorial sales, NFIB political lobby consulting, Buckeye International chemical sales management, and K-Designer remodeling. He once worked as a paid Girl Scouts instructor for high-risk girls in downtown Ogden. He was an EMT and a surgical tech and has assisted in a wide variety of surgeries. At WSU Disability Services, he assisted blind students.
He is up for any challenge including wearing the Deranged Easter Bunny outfit for a company presentation in front of 500+ peers as well as wearing the same said outfit to a job interview at Kneader’s restaurant. John is known for being fearless and is always up for a good adventure. He is known for his work ethic and is always willing to volunteer. John believes we should enjoy all the ups and downs in life, that pain is gain, and that integrity and service are paramount attributes to develop.https://www.johntaylor4utah.com/about