Brighton Local Control

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Dave Robinson believes that the most effective government is the one closest to the people. For decades, the residents of the Wasatch Canyons were governed by a "one-size-fits-all" approach from Salt Lake County. Dave was a key participant in the movement to incorporate the Town of Brighton, proving that even when a community is surrounded by federal lands, local control is not just possible—it is essential.

A town is only as strong as its tax base. During the incorporation process, major corporate interests—including the Solitude and Brighton resorts—attempted to "opt-out" of the town’s boundaries to avoid local oversight.

• Protecting the Map: Robinson participated in navigating the complex legal requirements of the Lieutenant Governor’s Office to ensure the resorts remained within town limits. Had they succeeded in opting out, the town would have been financially crippled before it ever started.
• The Result: On November 6, 2018, the community voted overwhelmingly to incorporate, marking a historic victory for local sovereignty over corporate and county special interests.

The Town of Brighton is unique because 72% of its land belongs to the U.S. Forest Service.

• The Local Shield: Robinson has helped show that a formal town government provides a vital "legal shield" for residents. They now have a Mayor and a Town Council to advocate for their property rights.
• Local Stewardship: Robinson's work proves that local residents and landowners are the best stewards of the land and the watershed.

Dave believes the Brighton story is a blueprint for the entire First District. Whether it is managing federal lands, protecting water rights, or standing up to predatory HOAs, the solution is always the same: More local control and less centralized government.

"We were told the canyons had to be run from the county seat. We proved them wrong. Incorporation gave Brighton a voice, a vote, and the power to protect its own future. I’m running to bring that same spirit of local sovereignty to every corner of the First District." — Dave Robinson