Did you support the referendum effort? 

Yes - I voted no for the approval of the annexation agreement as it was presented to us. Once the agreement passed by a 3-2 vote, as a member of the community, I was thrilled to see the efforts of so many people not only talk the talk, but also walk the walk to ignite a change of direction. 

Taxes 

I have felt that the best practice is to raise taxes only as a last resort. I enjoy that we have been able to keep a low tax on our wallets. 

Communication

I like that we have been able to improve communication within the city, and we continue to look for areas of improvement. 

General Plan

I have been working on the General Plan committee since the beginning. I have worked hard to make sure the majority of voices are heard and that we keep  the "look and feel" of Clinton the way we enjoy it. 

Why did you run for city council, and why should residents vote for you? 

I am running for city council to elevate and continue my involvement in the community. I have worked for the city for 20 years in recreation and want to broaden my reach outside that sphere. I love Clinton and want to give back. I feel I have solid problem-solving and critical-thinking skills that will add value to Clinton's current and future decisions. 

How do you feel about high-density housing for Clinton?

I am against it when and where possible. I am open to diversifying our housing types, but I want to make sure it's thoughtful and well planned out. However, I don’t want every available piece of land to just be handed over to a housing builder. I love our small-town feel. I think townhomes are a great compromise to apartment complexes. I believe the townhomes should be built and planned with space in mind. What I mean is even though it's a townhome, it still should have a reasonable driveway, sidewalk, useable backyard, etc. We want people moving to Clinton who are excited to live here and plan to live here for the long haul. 

What do you see as Clinton's biggest achievement over the past few years?

I like the increase in businesses. We have grown and improved our offerings. Many times it saves me from going to Riverdale or Layton.

I think another big achievement is the patience we have shown on the high-density housing topic. We didn’t rush into it and start building. We have taken the time to evaluate it. 

What plans do you have for our local businesses?

Offering more support and opportunities to promote their business. We are in a great spot between Layton and Riverdale. People must realize the incredible businesses we have locally. I have worked with businesses several times, for example during  Clinton's Comeback Week in early 2025, to help boost awareness and sales post UDOT construction. 

What plans do you have for our city budget? 

We need to determine the level of service we want to provide and maintain for our city. For example, what level of maintenance are we ok with for our streets, what's our level of service for public safety, and rec programs. Once we decide that as a community, that will help give direction on what it will cost to maintain that level of surface and we can plan better with fee and tax increases as needed. 

How do you plan to involve residents in decision-making processes? What can you do to improve citizens' engagement?

Making sure the information is available and easily accessible to citizens. I think offering multiple ways for people to provide feedback goes a long way. For example, surveys to those who participated in events. Making sure they know their comments and questions are read and answered on social media. I also believe offering a variety of events and programs for people of all ages is important to cultivate a sense of community. That sense of community leads to stronger engagement. 

How are you planning to keep our residents up to date on what's happening within our city?

We have made leaps and bounds in the past couple of years using social media, newsletters, and the city website. We've hired a communications person to help improve our communications. They could manage the information from all city departments and help to keep people informed. We used to have a marquee sign in the city as well. I think bringing something like that back to a prominent location could help. 

Are there any current city ordinances you'd focus on improving or changing?

I'd like to repeal term limits, Chapter 2-17. I believe Clinton's election history shows that voters use the election to change candidates when they feel there is a need for a change. I also believe we have had a healthy amount of participation in our elections. I don't think we need to limit our choices artificially and restrict voters' choices. 

What do you think about rank-choice voting?

I am all for looking into and offering potential alternatives to help out the voting process. Currently, I think it’s difficult to move to this type of voting process because we are in a continuous battle to educate our voters on issues and candidates now. Asking voters to rank candidates adds additional pressure to not only know info about the candidate you want but also everyone else and then place them in order.  But in the same breath, it's worth looking into and educating people because it removes some issues. So in short, I'd say it has its merits, and it's worth a deeper discussion than just writing it off as a no way. 

How would you keep our cities safe? 

The need to stay competitive with pay and benefits for our police and fire departments is key to safety. Providing these departments with the resources to do their jobs well and effectively goes a long way. Also, continually looking for opportunities to provide “things to do” for citizens, such as activities, events, and support of a variety of businesses. Setting up security cameras at all public bathrooms would help to prevent vandalism and keep those areas clean and safe. Cameras would mean public restrooms could stay open for people to use when they gather at a park. 

If you could change one thing in our city, what would it be and why?

I know a lot goes into this question, but all things considered, I would like a Recreation Center. I believe a Rec Center with courts, event space, exercise equipment, and an indoor track would benefit our community tremendously.

How did you feel about transitioning from your part-time recreation job to a seat on the City Council? 

I am excited about the opportunity to serve Clinton in this capacity. I have been heavily involved for years through coaching and running programs and events we all love. I have learned many great lessons and have built many long-lasting relationships. I want to continue providing opportunities and sustainability for individuals and families to love living here as much as I do. I want to represent the people I have loved working with as well as represent new people I have yet to meet. 

What ideas are you for right now? 

• Keep the small-town look and feel

• Sit-down restaurants

• Dog park

• More usable green space for families, sports, events, and programs

• Recreation Center

• Splash Pad

• Flower Pots on our business corridor

• Well-planned and well-built Townhomes over high-density apartment complexes 

• Philosocially, I do not like imposing yearly property tax increases. 

How long have you lived in Clinton? 

 I've lived in Clinton my whole life. My parents live here, and I chose to stay and buy a home and start my family here. 

Are your Parents Russell and Cindy Arave? 

Yes - Love them both and I can't thank them enough for the support and fun they continue to provide me and my family. They are the very best people, and I am proud to be their son and live in the same city they raised me in. 

Is your Grandma - Mrs. Green - who taught 2nd Grade at Clinton Elementary for years and years? 

Yes - She passed away a few years ago and I miss her dearly. I love running into people who had her as a teacher or had kids who were in her class. The compliments and love for her are amazing. She was a truly special and angelic woman.  

Are you the MC at Clinton Heritage Days? 

That's Me! I love Clinton Heritage Days. I look forward to it every year. 

Do I know you from the Recreation Department? 

Possibly! I have worked in Rec for over 20 years. I have coached Football, Softball, and Basketball. I love youth recreation.  I have been involved in many of the organized programs for the recreation department through the years - Heritage Days, Senior Citizen Luncheons, Football, Basketball, Summer Programs, Easter Egg Bash, Holiday Celebrations, Baseball/Softball, Adult Programs, and many more.  

What are some of your hobbies? 

• Being a husband and girl dad. 

• I MC/host/radio DJ for hire. One of my favorites to do is Bingo nights. I also host or act as a radio DJ at weddings and other events.

• I also have a podcast Life: lol where a cohost and I tell stories and talk about all sorts of fun topics. It's available on any podcast app of choice. 

• I love movies and try to see as many as I can with my wife. 

• I love sports. Football and basketball are my favorites, but golf is right there too.