Will Richmond Hold an Election?

 

This June, Richmond will begin the candidate filing process for four major city offices:

• Mayor Paul Erickson (4-year term)

• Senior Councilor Lyle Bair (4-year term)

• Councilor Amber Ervin (4-year term)

• Councilor Daryal Black (4-year term), who was originally appointed by the City Council

Looking back to the 2023 election, Councilors Joel Draxler and Bryce Wood were the only candidates to run for two of the three available seats. With not enough candidates to fill all positions, the election was ultimately canceled. Draxler and Wood were declared elected by default, and the City initiated an interview process to fill the vacant third seat. That seat was filled by Daryal Black, owner of Itty Bitty.

According to law, when a council member is appointed rather than elected, that seat must appear on the ballot in the next municipal election. This year, the four-year terms of Mayor Erickson and Councilors Bair and Ervin are ending. Councilor Black’s two-year term, due to his appointment, will also conclude—meaning all four offices will be up for grabs.

So, the big question remains: Will Richmond hold a city election this year?

This could be a pivotal election. Three council seats and the mayor’s office are potentially changing hands. It's likely that Mayor Erickson and Councilors Ervin and Black will seek re-election. As for Councilor Bair—who will mark nearly nine years on the City Council this September—he may choose to run again or step aside.

In the comments of a Facebook post I made on April 2, 2025, about Lower Foods*, several community members expressed their frustration with the city's direction. One commenter wrote, “We are going to have to have a change in the leaders of our community. To a mayor and city council who have the same vision of our community [staying a] small town. Whith single family dwellings!” Many shared the sentiment that Richmond's small-town charm is fading due to the surge in new housing developments over the last three years.

But strong words on social media don't mean much without follow-through. One anonymous commenter offered a pointed response:

"Run for office. Lots of people love complaining about those who serve but won’t step up themselves. It’s not easy balancing growth with keeping things the same. Nothing ever stays the same."

Jessica Dunyon chimed in, pointing out that growth is unavoidable and that the City Council members serve not for the money, but for the community.

“Since it’s public info… the mayor earns a whopping $5,600 [annually]… City council members earn $2,400,” she noted.

She went on to say, “Change is inevitable. Growth is inevitable. If y'all have five kids and want them to stay in the valley—where do you expect them to live? Work? Do we want local jobs? Or should everything be in Logan? Do we just support growth when it suits us personally, like Lee’s (finally!) coming to Richmond? I’m assuming it’s yes to jobs and growth and affordable single family housing options, but just 'Not In Your Backyard' because change is hard?”

Serving on the City Council is no easy job. The responsibilities are heavy—but so is the reward. Over the past few years, I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with Richmond’s mayors and council members through my website. I’ve seen their fatigue, but also their fulfillment. The joy they feel knowing they’re making a difference is visible—in their expressions, in their words, and in the pride they carry for our city.

Elections are non-partisan, meaning you do not have to be affiliated with a political party to run. If you’ve ever considered running for office, here are the basic requirements:

• Be a U.S. citizen

• Be at least 18 years old

• Be a resident of Richmond City for at least 365 days before the general election

• Be a registered voter

• Not be a convicted felon

There’s great hope in knowing that every citizen has the power to vote—and even run—for local office. That power is the very foundation of our democracy. People gave their lives in the Revolutionary War so we could have this right: the ability to choose our leaders and to be those leaders ourselves.

*The post can be found in the Facebook group "Richmond Utah Community Page."