Hi, I'm Tom Merrill
And I'd love to serve as your next Salt Lake County Council Member
First things first: Let’s meet this Monday
There’s just no substitute for face-to-face relationship building so let’s do that ASAP. This upcoming Monday, June 2nd, I’ll be teaming up with two other candidates - Evan Done and Tenille Taggart - to host small group meetups throughout the day and throughout District 1. Bring your burning questions and your deep concerns - we need to hear from you so we can best serve you and your communities. RSVP below or just show up!
(PAST EVENT) First: 8-10am Coffee meetup at the Central 9th Publik Coffee (975S West Temple). RSVP and details here.
(PAST EVENT) Second: 12-2pm Lunch meetup at the Délice French Bakery & Café in South Salt Lake (2747 S State St). RSVP and details here.
(PAST EVENT) Third: 5-8pm Evening meetup at Jordan Park (1060 S 900 W). RSVP and details here.
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Next up: a bit about me in advance
Who I am
I am a true son of Salt Lake City. I was raised in the Central 9th neighborhood by a single mother of four who moved here to be closer to the religion that took her in as a Texas teenager. To shield us from the influence of the “big city,” my mom chose to homeschool us - urban farm and all - in the middle of downtown. My upbringing was very unique, but I’m deeply grateful for the role it played in shaping who I’ve become.
Decades later, I’m raising my own family downtown in the Broadway District, and we are a true Salt Lake family.
I currently serve as President of the American Towers residential community and until recently, as the Chair of the Downtown Community Council. Advocating for residents in our urban core has been at the heart of my public service and I want to continue that as your County Council representative.
By day, I am the founder and principal of a healthcare policy advisory firm headquartered here in Salt Lake City. For more than 15 years, I’ve worked with healthcare institutions and governments to understand and pursue opportunities for health reform at the federal, state, and county level.
The experience I bring from working across all levels of government strengthens my resolve to fight for our local control and protect our democratic voice.
Why I am running
Our corner of Salt Lake County is many things to many people— but to those of us that live here, it's first and foremost our home.
Unfortunately, many of the politicians and billionaires trying to shape our future have little connection to the communities that shaped Salt Lake’s past.
As your council member, I am committed to ensuring that we shape our own future—by uniting city, county, and state Democratic leaders to resist any attempt to divert focus from the priorities we’ve chosen for ourselves as a community.
Second, we must build community as we grow and activate the Democratic voter base. We need more than just votes - we need civically engaged leaders in every neighborhood. All hands on deck!
Most importantly, the County must put our families first in decision making. If Salt Lake works for families, it works for everyone - including visitors, workers, and businesses.
And feel free to follow along at SaltLakeTom.com