35 East 100 North
P.O. Box 576
Parowan, Utah 84761
Phone: 435-477-3331
Meet Your 2023 Candidates
The General Election will be held on November 21, 2023. The general population of voters will begin receiving their ballots October 31st, 2023.
Candidate John Dean
I am seeking a seat on Parowan's City Council. I'm a long time Utah resident and a 5-year Parowan resident. My wife and I have a combined total of four grown children, 16 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. For 14 years, I owned and operated a small successful business. I've been able to volunteer in many capacities. I'm an Iron County and Utah State Republican Delegate. I've held many leadership positions in the BSA and my Church. I have learned to love Parowan's traditions and to appreciate the great people in this valley. I enjoy supporting and volunteering for city and high school activities. If elected, I want to support ALL citizens in our community, help manage our expected growth, keep Parowan's rich traditions and values, and support and promote our small business community. I will also support applications for grants to fund projects and work with the Mayor and City Manager, along with the other City Council members. I'm looking forward to meeting and discussing issues that affect our town with all of you. My goal is to be a Humble, Positive, and Service-minded addition to the City Council.
Candidate David M. Harris
David M. Harris, a long-standing resident with an extensive history of 29 years of active involvement in Parowan City, holds deep-rooted family ties within the community spanning over fifty years. Throughout his 28 years of marriage, he has raised five children who have attended or are currently enrolled in Parowan schools. Over the course of the past 25 years, Mr. Harris has played a pivotal role in establishing and operating several successful businesses, significantly contributing to job creation and augmenting tax revenue within Parowan. His contributions extend to the construction of new homes, renovation of older properties, revitalization of struggling businesses, and fostering connections with numerous community members.
One of Mr. Harris' distinct qualities is his commitment to engaging with community members and attentively listening to their concerns and suggestions. His collaborative approach ensures he works harmoniously with others to develop effective solutions that best serve the community's interests.
As the Parowan City Council moves forward, it requires a proven leader with the caliber of astute business acumen exemplified by David Harris. His demonstrated capabilities in fostering reasonable growth while preserving the small-town ambiance make him an ideal candidate to steer the city towards a prosperous and sustainable future.
Candidate Matthew Gale - WITHDREW FROM ELECTION OCTOBER 5, 2023
I have been a resident of Parowan for 34 years. My wife, Stacy, and I have raised our 3 boys here and they have all graduated from Parowan High School. I love Parowan’s traditions which have been a strong influence on my family and the community. I look forward to continuing with the old traditions, as well as making new ones. I am a volunteer fire fighter and have been for over 13 years, I enjoy giving something back to the communities. I have owned and operated Premier Body & Paint for 30 years in Cedar City.
I have served on the Parowan City Council for the last 3 ½ years. I have knowledge of budgeting and managing money which has helped in making wise financial decisions for the city during my term. I have an open mind to new ideas and am willing to listen to them. I will try and do what I think is best for the city and not for what is in it for me. Parowan has given me a great place to live and raise our family and I look forward in giving my time back to this community.
Candidate David M. Burton Sr.
I am a life-long resident and 5th generation native of Parowan. I understand the people, their concerns, and their lifestyle. If I am re-elected to the Parowan City Council, I will continue to preserve the values that have made this community the wonderful place it is to live and raise a family. As a farmer, rancher, and Councilman, I have had ample experience working with local, state, and federal government agencies. I am very conservative in budgetary matters but also implement sound business practices and believe the city should operate with the same financial responsibility. Parowan has a unique custom and culture that cannot be replicated but can be easily lost if not protected. I have advocated to handle growth conservatively and responsibly, taking into account available infrastructure and resources. I believe in and encourage a vital small business community and have worked to ensure Parowan citizens have increased access to competitive and reliable services and needed community facilities, such as the new construction of the Parowan Pool Venue, Meek’s Pond, and preserving a school board member for Parowan.
Thank you for the opportunity I have had to serve, and I would appreciate your continued support this election.
Candidate Jessica L. Smith
Hello. I have been a resident in Parowan since November of 2020. I was born in Panguitch, Utah, but grew up in Sandy Utah. Though raised in the city, I spent most of my summers in Southern Utah. I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and a Minor in Family Services from Southern Utah University. I married a nice Parowan boy named Trever. 15 years later we have a beautiful family made up of 4 girls and 2 dogs. We have lived in both Nevada and California, but are grateful to be back in Utah.
In the past three years, I have had the opportunity to serve as a member on the library board, the Parowan Prevention Coalition and for two of those years, also serve as the PTO President for the Elementary school. I love being a part of this community and I would appreciate the opportunity to serve in this capacity. I believe trust is built on transparency and I will work to be open and honest regarding policies, budget, and decisions that are made at a city level.
Candidate Jim Shurtleff
Hello. I am seeking re-election to the Parowan City Council. I have made Parowan my home for the past 43 years and with my wife have raised a family here. I believe in service and have an unwavering commitment to my community. I began my professional life in the United States Marine Corps and was medically retired after 10 years. After that I chose to move to Parowan. I worked in the Iron County School District for 33 years and taught high school for 28 years at Parowan High School, retiring in 2018. I have a Bachelor of Arts from SUSC (now known as SUU) and a Master of Education from SUU. I also serve the community as a member of the Historical Preservation Committee for over 25 years and as a member of the Board of Adjustment for 20+ years. I am a Life Member of the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Disabled American Veterans.
