About Joel

Like many of you, I enjoy being actively engaged in my community. I believe an informed and involved citizenry is necessary to address the challenges we face.

You can learn more about Joel at the following sites:

Campaign Blog

Facebook Campaign Page

Twitter

Below is a summary of my experience that has prepared me to serve as your Utah County Commissioner:

Utah County Republican Party

Legislative District #57 Chair (elected in 2005 and 2007, did not run in 2009)
State Delegate (2005-2009), County Delegate (2004-2009)
Precinct Vice-Chair (2004)
Utah County Constitution and Bylaws Committee (2005-2006)
Utah County Platform Committee Member (2005)
Alternate National Delegate (elected in 2008)

Public Service

Utah State Board of Regents (2008-2009): Appointed by Governor Huntsman and confirmed by the Utah Senate as one of 15 members of the Board of Regents to oversee Utah's $1.2 billion budget for higher education.
Utah State Charter School Board (2007-2008): Appointed by Governor Huntsman as one of 7 members of the Charter School Board to oversee the growth and management of Utah's charter schools.
Cedar Hills City Council (2006-2008): Strong advocate for responsible commercial development and reducing property taxes by resolving issues with city owned golf course.

Community Service

Actively involved in my local church and children's school. I have coached one or more youth sports teams every year since my oldest son could start participating, and currently coach a 4th grade Jr. Jazz team. Also, our family adopted a local highway in our city where we pick up the trash on a regular basis, which is the kind of public/private partnership I would like to see happen more frequently. I am also a strong supporter of Boy Scouts, and previously served as a Scoutmaster.

Professional

Partner with the law firm Kirton & McConkie where I focus on real estate matters. Previously named by Utah Business Magazine to Utah's Legal Elite. I helped open Kirton & McConkie's office in Orem 3 years ago. I have a strong understanding of laws applicable to real estate, finance and taxation. These laws can work in the public interest, but sometimes they do not, and our elected officials need to be willing to stand up to federal and state laws that are harming Utah County.

Education

Rock Canyon Elementary in Provo, Farrer Jr. High in Provo, Timpview High School in Provo, Brigham Young University (B.A. in Economics and Political Science) and New York University School of Law.

Personal

Married to Marisa Wright. We are the parents of four children. My wife and I were both raised in Provo, and moved back to Utah County in 2004 after living on the East Coast for 7 years because we wanted to raise our children here.