Over the past five years, Brigham City residents have experienced a 46% increase in taxes. While infrastructure and public services are vital to a thriving community, such a substantial increase demands a higher level of public disclosure and fiscal accountability.

As your representative, I will advocate for greater transparency in how taxpayer dollars are allocated, and I will work to ensure that any future financial decisions are fully explained to the public—before votes are cast. The community deserves to know not only what is being taxed, but why and how those funds are being spent.

We must hold ourselves to a higher standard—one where the City Council is not just making decisions for the people, but with them. It’s time to restore public trust through open dialogue, honest reporting, and responsible governance.

The thing that motivated me to run for the Brigham City Council office was when my property taxes climbed more than 46 percent in just five years. I began asking questions, attending more City Council meetings in person and watching them online via YouTube. All too often, I saw agenda items introduced and approved with only a few brief comments, leaving taxpayers in the dark about what we’re buying and why it can’t wait until the economy improves.

Meanwhile, hardworking families across our community are tightening their belts, delaying home repairs, cutting back on essentials—and wondering why City Hall isn’t doing the same. That’s why I’m running: to bring a fresh voice of fiscal responsibility and transparent decision‑making to our Council. Together, we can prioritize essential services, rein in unnecessary spending, and make sure every dollar is invested wisely—so our city thrives without overburdening its people.

What sets my campaign apart is a bedrock commitment to service, accountability, and stewardship. I don’t see City Council as a political stage—I see it as a chance to serve my neighbors and support this community I call home. Those who know me know I’ve always had residents’ best interests at heart; serving on the Council is simply an extension of that support.

Before a single dollar moves, I’ll insist on a full justification: What’s the need? What’s the benefit? Is now the right time? Right now, too many spending proposals sail through with little scrutiny—and taxpayers shoulder the burden. I’ll work to ensure every request meets its justification, and I’ll be happy to sit down with anyone who wants to know why I voted—or didn’t vote—on any task or resolution.

My bottom line is simple: protect taxpayers. If we can defer a project, secure outside funding, or eliminate waste, that’s exactly what we’ll do. By publishing concise summaries days before each meeting, hosting regular “Breakfast with Council” chats, and demanding a zero‑based review of every budget line, I’ll bring the transparency and fiscal discipline our city deserves.

While Brigham City residents—both families and business owners—have tightened their budgets and found ways to do more with less, our City Council has taken the opposite approach.

Over the past several years, the City has expanded staff, increased payroll, and grown its internal operations—all while raising taxes by 46%. This is out of step with the realities our community faces.

As your City Council member, I will push for responsible budgeting that reflects the economic pressures you live with every day. We must ensure city government leads by example—prioritizing needs over wants, delivering services efficiently, and providing full transparency on how and why tax dollars are spent.

It’s time for leadership that respects the sacrifices of taxpayers and restores trust through accountability, disclosure, and smart governance.

Brigham City deserves leadership that listens, communicates, and stands by its promises. I’m running for City Council to bring a fresh, experienced, and transparent voice to our local government—one that believes the public should never be left in the dark.

As a U.S. Army veteran, cybersecurity expert, and small business owner, I understand the importance of integrity, responsibility, and results. I’ve built a career on protecting systems, managing risk, and helping organizations stay accountable to the people they serve. Now, I want to bring that same level of diligence to City Hall.

Our community needs accountable leadership—leaders who follow through, own their decisions, and serve with honesty. We also need transparency—open meetings, clear communication, and a city council that invites your questions, not avoids them.

I’m not here to play politics. I’m here to serve. My promise is simple: I’ll be visible, accessible, and answerable to the people of Brigham City every step of the way.

Vote Matthew Hutchings for City Council—because transparency builds trust, and accountability delivers results.

In a small town like Brigham City, government decisions hit close to home. Whether it’s street repairs, emergency services, zoning, or budget allocations—these choices affect our families, our businesses, and our daily lives. That’s why accountability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a necessity.

When local leaders make decisions behind closed doors or without community input, trust erodes. Small towns depend on strong relationships and open communication. Residents deserve to know how decisions are made, why they’re made, and how they impact the future of our city. Transparency builds trust. Accountability ensures that promises are kept, mistakes are owned, and public service truly serves the public.

Unfortunately, it’s easy in smaller communities to fall into the trap of informal decision-making, limited oversight, or assuming “that’s just how it’s always been.” But we can do better. We must do better.

Accountability doesn’t mean finger-pointing—it means owning outcomes, reporting results, and being open with the people we serve. It means welcoming questions, listening to concerns, and being honest when things go wrong, not just when they go right.

I’m running for City Council because I believe Brigham City deserves clear, honest leadership—leadership that communicates, documents, and operates in the open. We need processes that make sense, records that are accessible, and decisions that reflect the voices of the people who live here.

It’s time for accountable leadership and transparent decisions—because that’s what builds trust, keeps communities strong, and makes good government possible.

In small towns like Brigham City, transparency isn’t just good policy—it’s a cornerstone of trust. Residents know each other. We see each other at the store, at school events, and around the neighborhood. When decisions are made without explanation, it creates confusion, frustration, and division.

Transparency means making city operations visible and understandable to the people who live here. It means clearly communicating how money is spent, how priorities are set, and how decisions are reached. It’s about being open—not just with information, but with intention.

When government is transparent, it invites participation. People feel heard. They ask questions, share ideas, and engage with confidence because they know the process is honest. When transparency is lacking, people disengage—or worse, grow suspicious of even good decisions.

Small-town government should lead with clarity, not confusion. As your councilmember, I will work to ensure that meetings are open, records are accessible, and decisions are explained in plain language. It’s time for a city government that talks with residents, not over them.

Because when transparency thrives, communities grow stronger—together.