Get to know the Ogden Mayoral candidates

OGDEN — One of the biggest races in this election cycle is the mayoral race in Ogden, and now there are only two candidates left.

On primary election night in September, the race went from having seven candidates to two. Taylor Knuth won with 2,073 votes. Ben Naldoski placed second with 1,887 votes. They will now face each other on election night, Nov. 21.

KSL at Night interviewed both Ogden mayoral candidates to discuss why they are running, and the issues they want to tackle if elected.

Candidate Taylor Knuth

According to his campaign website, Knuth graduated from Weber State University. He began his career at United Way of Northern Utah as the community services and engagement director. He now works with the Salt Lake City Department of Economic Development.

Knuth said one of his focuses is on Ogden’s growth.

“Our city’s general plan hasn’t been updated since the early 2000s. Most municipal governments use the plan every 5-10 years to help guide the growth,” he said.

A lot of our growth in Ogden City has been a little disconnected and disorienting because it’s not being properly guided by our local government.”

One of the reasons he decided to run is because he wants to show “Ogdenites” that their local government can help them succeed the same way the community has helped him succeed.

“People like me are not meant to run for office, let alone win one of the most competitive primaries in Ogden city’s history … that reality was afforded to me because of the community that was built with me right here in Ogden.”

Candidate Ben Naldoski

Naldoski graduated from Weber State University. According to his campaign website, after college, he began working at the Utah Division of Wildlife Services, jumping from helicopters. He is now the Regional Operations Supervisor at the DWS. He is currently a member of the Ogden City Council.

Growth is also a campaign focus for Naldoski. It’s an issue he says is affecting the entire Wasatch Front.

“The number one word that we hear is apartments. And I think what that relates to is that people are concerned about the growth that’s happening, where the growth is occurring, and how it can be planned out and executed and managed better moving forward.”

Naldoski wants to also focus on small business and entrepreneurial opportunities for Ogden residents.

“When I talk to business owners, the one thing that they want is they want to partner with the city.” Nalsdoski continued, “I think there are things that we can do up here in Ogden to kind of shed that reputation we’ve had for a long time of being hard to do business in by partnering with the business community in, in ways that they need.”

All active voters should have received their ballots in the mail. The last day to request a mail ballot is 5 p.m. Nov. 14, 2023.

This year in Utah, Election Day is Nov. 21, when polls close at 8:00 p.m. Voters will also be able to register to vote at polling locations on Election Day.

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