J. Allen seeks Utah County Commission Seat B as Democrat

J. Allen is running as a Democrat for Utah County Commission Seat B in the Nov. 3 general election. He faces Republican David M. Spencer.

Allen is certified for the ballot, according to BallotReady election data. The Seat B race is one of several Utah County commission contests on the ballot this fall.

Allen's platform references county oversight of agencies including the sheriff's department and health department, as well as property taxes collected for school districts.

The following profile is based on Allen's responses to questionnaires and his campaign website. Statements reflect the candidate's own claims unless otherwise noted.

Candidate information

Party: Democratic
Office sought: Utah County Commission, Seat B
Education: Bachelor's degree in communications, Brigham Young University (claimed by the candidate)
Residence background: Allen said he grew up in Georgia. After joining the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at age 17, he said he served a mission among the Navajo in Arizona and New Mexico and speaks Navajo.

Experience and public service

Allen said he installed the first PC network in the White House in 1988 and spent five years working with the White House and other large agencies in Washington, D.C. He said he started a career as a technology entrepreneur and participated in starting nine high-tech companies.

He listed chief executive roles at TherapEase Innovation and WhyTry Inc. on his campaign biography. Allen said he has volunteered as a ham radio operator providing communications for emergencies and civic events since 1992. He also listed volunteer leadership with the Boy Scouts of America.

On the issues

Government transparency: Allen said he would move at least one commission meeting per month to 6 p.m. so more residents can attend. He said he would also explore holding one meeting per quarter in other locations in the county.

Taxes and budget: Allen said he would pursue what he called "Goldilocks tax policies," low enough to help keep Utah County affordable and attractive to businesses and families but adequate to maintain world-class public safety, public health and infrastructure to match projected growth.

Housing: Allen said he would ensure the county sticks to its long-term plan and continues refining it to create more affordable housing inventory.

Immigration: Allen said he wants to end the sheriff's agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. He also raised concerns about what he described as "dangerous felons" released into Utah County because the agency failed to pick them up.

Civil rights: Allen said every person in the county deserves full constitutional protections regardless of immigration status, gender, sexual orientation or political affiliation. He said he would defend vote-by-mail and work with the Utah County Clerk's Office to fight efforts by state and federal officials to disenfranchise voters in Utah County.