Canice Harte

I am honored to represent District 5 on the Summit County Council. I first stepped forward to serve because I care deeply about this community and believe that thoughtful, transparent leadership matters, especially during a time of rapid growth and increasing outside pressure on local decision-making.

Summit County is facing decisions right now that will shape our future for decades. Growth, transportation, conservation, housing, intergovernmental dynamics, and infrastructure planning are all intersecting at once. Experience matters in moments like this. I am running for reelection because much of the work we’ve taken on as a county is long-term, and I want to see it through. My focus is steady leadership, fiscal responsibility, and protecting the character and landscapes that make Summit County special.

One of the greatest privileges of my time on the Council has been helping protect permanently significant open space. I am deeply proud of the acquisition of the 910 Cattle Ranch, preserving 8,600 acres of wildlife habitat, watershed, and recreation access, along with the Ure Ranch conservation project protecting an additional 834 acres. These lands will remain open and wild for generations, reflecting a community commitment to conservation and responsible land stewardship.

Public service has been a constant thread in my life. I learned the values of teamwork, accountability, and service in the United States Marine Corps. That commitment continues today in my role with Summit County Search and Rescue, where I serve our residents and visitors alongside dedicated volunteers who respond in moments of urgency and uncertainty.

Professionally, I have spent much of my career in the outdoor industry and as a small-business founder. That experience informs my belief that local government should be pragmatic, fair, and supportive of both residents and businesses. Before joining the County Council, I served on the Snyderville Basin Planning Commission, where I gained hands-on experience managing land-use decisions and growth impacts.

Like so many families here, my wife Katy and I chose Summit County as the place we wanted to raise our daughters. They attend our local public schools. This is home. That personal connection keeps me grounded in what matters most — a strong sense of community, respect for our rural heritage, and a future that balances opportunity with preservation.

In the years ahead, Summit County will continue navigating major transportation investments, state-driven growth decisions, Olympic preparation, and affordability challenges. My goal is to ensure those conversations remain rooted in community values, transparency, and long-term thinking — not quick wins or short-term pressures.

I am grateful for the opportunity to serve and remain committed to working hard, listening carefully, and protecting what makes Summit County such a remarkable place to live.

Sincerely,
Canice Harte