Ballots for Utah County Commission Seat A landed in mailboxes Oct. 13, giving voters a choice among three candidates with sharply different backgrounds.

The election is Nov. 3.

Jeanne Bowen, a Democrat; Michelle Kaufusi, a Republican; and Jacob Oaks, an independent, submitted questionnaire responses to the Lehi Free Press and American Fork Citizen, published Oct. 19. Here is where each stands.

Jeanne Bowen

Bowen, a 16-year Utah County employee, said she decided to run after watching the county grow and seeing how that growth affects water, housing and traffic. She said her years helping property owners with their concerns give her a perspective other candidates lack.

She pointed to her bookkeeping background as preparation for the commission's central task: managing the county budget. "The main job of the commissioners is the county budget," Bowen wrote in her questionnaire response. "I have the skills from my bookkeeping jobs to excel at numbers."

Bowen holds a degree in English teaching and secondary education from BYU and also does bookkeeping for a couple of smaller companies in Provo, where she was born and raised.

Michelle Kaufusi

Kaufusi, who served two terms as Provo mayor, said she is running to bring executive experience to the commission. She listed supporting law enforcement, strengthening the economy, protecting natural resources and planning for growth among her priorities.

She said her time leading Utah County's largest city gave her experience balancing complex budgets, managing multiple departments and handling public safety issues. Kaufusi described herself as a conservative who believes government should live within its means and respect local control.

Raised in Provo by a single mother who worked the graveyard shift, Kaufusi said she has been married 38 years and has five children and seven grandchildren.

Jacob Oaks

Oaks, running as an independent, said he entered the race after what he called massive tax increases and commissioners who, in his words, treat residents as servants rather than constituents. He wants stricter criteria for data center approvals, the removal of flock cameras and an end to what he described as reckless spending.

As director of Liberty United, a civic education organization, Oaks said his background in business and community organizing sets him apart. He emphasized that he is not a career politician and is not beholden to party insiders.

Oaks works in business and marketing administration and described himself as a father focused on protecting liberties and lowering taxes.

How to vote

Completed ballots must reach the county elections office by 8 p.m. Nov. 3. A postmark no longer counts, so voters should mail ballots early or use one of 28 drop boxes open around the clock countywide.

Early in-person voting runs 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 26 through Oct. 30 and on Nov. 2 at the Health and Justice Building, 151 S. University Ave. in Provo. On Election Day, any county vote center is open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The voter registration deadline is 5 p.m. Oct. 23, though residents can register and vote provisionally at a vote center on Election Day. More information is available at vote.utahcounty.gov or 801-851-8683.