By Bridget Raymundo | [email protected]

On Jan. 24, Thom DeSirant was appointed to be the Millcreek representative on the Board of the Wasatch Front Waste & Recycling District for the health, safety, and welfare of the residents of the city.

“I attended the first meeting of the year this morning,” said DeSirant, “And met with some staffers there…. I’m excited to do this.” In his campaign, he said, “Millcreek was my first introduction to Utah and the reason why I chose to move to the state. As our community grows, I want to make sure Millcreek stays a city we can all live in.”

Right after the decision was made, DeSirant thanked everyone.

DeSirant graduated from the University of Maryland, then moved to Utah for his family. His sister lived in Millcreek and, for years, he had visited her until he decided to call it home. He has a background in digital forensic work for the US government where he recruited and managed over 100 employees. His work contributed to nonprofit ballot measures and he continued consulting, graphic design, and data work for nonprofit fundraising.

While DeSirant was on campaign for the Millcreek City Council, he received an endorsement from Millcreek Mayor Jeff Silvestrini, along with the Salt Lake Valley Law Enforcement Association. Silvestrini said, "I have known Thom for some time and appreciate his love for Millcreek. He is the only candidate for District 2 who has been attending city council and planning commission meetings regularly for years, and unlike other candidates, not just in connection with a campaign. I am comfortable that he understands the issues and challenges our city faces, including the details of our budget, better than any other candidate. I believe Thom is the best qualified candidate to represent District 2."

The Salt Lake Valley Law Enforcement Association said in a statement, "After speaking with Thom DeSirant, we were impressed by his commitment to Millcreek. He supports law enforcement and will make public safety a top priority. Thom understands crime issues in Millcreek and will fight for the safety of our city. Thom is the choice for City Council, please rank him No. 1 on your ballot."

DeSirant ran on the promise of increasing owner-occupied housing, making improvements to Scott Park, and mobile reporting of emergencies and updates for residents. His solutions to improve the community involve ensuring safe, quickly repaired streets and sidewalks, and making park access within walking distance of every resident.

He expects to broaden social media outreach for residents to be informed of the city council’s work and continuing fiscal responsibility to maintain low taxes. In addition, he advocates for direct feedback through his regular text message polls for public opinion on city issues, and he voiced a need for more bus shelters to encourage public use of the bus system.

The bus shelters would be funded through a federal infrastructure bill which would not affect the city budget. He is the current Executive Director of the Utah Democratic Party, and the District 2 City Council Representative.

His swearing-in ceremony was held Jan. 10 at the Millcreek City Hall. At the conclusion of the city council vote for his unanimously approved appointment, Silvestrini closed with, “Thom, I’m sure you’ll do a great job.”