2023 Candidate Bios

Kim Rodela
6565 W 10380 N
(801) 692-3091
kimrodela@gmail.com

As a current member of the Highland City Council, I have strived to make sure residents are heard and to research out each agenda item before making a decision.  My mantra when it comes to navigating Highland issues with residents is “Say yes until you have to say no.  And if you have to say no, make sure they walk away with a clear understanding of why.”  

Current projects I am working on for Highland:

Mountain Ridge Park

This park is a project that I’m passionate about.  As a mom of 4 kids, I have worked hard to help put in something that can benefit everyone in our families.  There will be amenities for all-abilities and ages.  I hope to continue to finish this park over the next year and raise money from fundraising to ensure we stay fiscally conservative with our taxes.  

Economic Development

Highland is almost built out and we have few areas left to develop.  I want to ensure that our residential zoned areas stay consistent with our bedroom community feel.  I also will continue to work with our commercial zoned areas to bring in quality retail and food amenities.  

Let’s continue to make Highland great!

Doug Cortney
10891 N 5750 W
(801) 380-9133
doug4highland@gmail.com

I’ve lived in Highland for 7 years, and I’ve been active with the city for most of that time — volunteering on the Library Board and with the Fling, attending City Council and Planning Commission meetings, and now running for City Council.

With the knowledge and experience I’ve gained through this deep involvement, I’ll focus on the following items.

Water: if we focus on regional conservation now — painless things — we can ensure Highland and Utah County have adequate water supplies for generations.

Budget: we need to be conservative now to prepare for possible big expenses coming (aging sewer and water infrastructure).

Communication: too often, you only see City Council members at election time. I’ll support the move to two-way text communication with the city, and I’ll keep meeting residents — even those who aren’t my neighbors! — during my full term.

Please contact me if you’d like to talk. You can phone/text me at 801-380-9133 or email me at Doug4Highland@gmail.com.

You have a real choice in this election. Vote for Doug Cortney; you can trust me to maintain our shared Highland values, I’ll be accessible, and I’ll be responsible with the city’s money and resources.

Brittney P. Bills
11254 N Park Dr
(801) 836-3399
brittney@thebillsfamily.com

As a member of the Highland City Council (and a Planning Commissioner before that), I have put in the necessary time and effort to research and understand the issues we face and have voted thoughtfully on the questions that have been brought before me. 

A disturbing trend I have noticed over the past three years is the increased attempts by the county, state, and federal government to dictate what happens here in Highland. We don’t need to be told how to zone our city, how to create affordable housing, or how to run elections. These are local issues that should be addressed here in Highland.  I have been a proponent for local government and have consistently fought for Highland to keep control of our community. 

Making decisions that preserve Highland’s heritage while also propelling the city forward in the best way possible is not a simple process; it requires asking intelligent questions, listening to all parties involved, being open to innovative solutions, and considering all facets of the issues. I have proven that I will listen to residents, make hard decisions, work towards compromise and understanding, maintain local control, and keep Highland the community we love.

Jon Lefrandt
10252 N Oak Creek Lane
(503) 201-5975
jonlefrandt@gmail.com

Hello! 

I'm Jon Lefrandt, a proud father of four, and deeply in love with Highland City. I admire the legacy of those before us who have made this place safe and wonderful. My goal is to contribute meaningfully by preserving these values while embracing necessary evolution to meet the needs of our growing community. I envision a Highland with a stronger identity and inclusivity while preserving its unique character and values.

As a successful entrepreneur in end-of-life services, I have a passion for people. My extensive background in real estate development and urban planning positions me as a unique voice currently absent on the council.

Upon winning the election, I will immediately focus on FIVE key initiatives:

1. General Plan Update (it hasn't been updated since 2008)

2. Citywide Feedback: Your voice needs to be heard! Modernizing our feedback methods via various channels will create an informed and engaged community. 

3. City Identity: Together let's make Highland, HIGHLAND!  

4. Youth City Council: Empowering our youth involvement will secure Highland's future! Let's get them engaged.

5. Senior Housing Solutions: Identifying new senior housing that suits current Highland residents.

Let's connect and keep the conversation going! 

Liz Rice
6241 W 9680 N
(801) 615-1241
lizrice4highlandcitycouncil.com

I was a single mother of four boys, looking for a community with values that I hold dear. I moved to Highland because the traditional family values helped me impress upon my sons the effect that such traditional stability has on the quality of life.  Highland benefited my family immensely, and I will work hard to ensure that benefit for the children and families in our community today and in the future. 

As a write-in candidate:

Recent issues regarding changes to Highland's laws so that establishments may serve liquor are worrisome.  Since its founding, Highland has banned businesses from serving liquor because the founders of our city watched the consequences of permitting it unfold in other communities.   I’ve watched how granting liquor licenses to businesses often led cities to modify their standards and permit Sunday openings. 

Highland’s growth has strained the infrastructure.  As a fiscally conservative, forward-looking candidate, I believe that looking ahead to fund needed infrastructure improvements are vital to maintaining the quality of life enjoyed by Highlanders. 

I have served on the Highland Planning Commission and other committees.  I am retired and available any time to meet with members of the community to listen to concerns.

Wesley Warren
10128 N Riverside Lane
(801) 310-0403
wesley@whiterabbitadvertising.com

Calvin Coolidge said “What we need is not more Federal government, but better local government.” Over 12 years, I’ve seen Highland accomplish amazing things when residents come together to make our local government better. I'm passionate about finding ways to help residents make an impact! 

I serve as co-chair for Highland’s Parks, Trails, and Open Space Committee; sit on the Library Board; help efforts of the Highland City Foundation; and lead ad hoc committees who work with city staff and council to develop the new Mountain Ridge Park, raising over half a million dollars to date. I work closely with the city council, participating in City Council meetings, events, activities, and service opportunities.  

Highland deserves someone who can help residents capture the attention of our city council. My goal is truly listening to what residents want Highland to look like in 20 years and then getting us there, growing Highland into a city where we can live, shop, eat, and play. We deserve a recreation center, bigger library, more dining options, and places to spend time as friends and families.  

I co-own an advertising agency with my wife, Amber. We have three boys and love living in Highland!