Mike Dalpiaz
I am Mike Dalpiaz Sr. I was born, raised and reside in Helper and wouldn’t live any other place in the World. Helper is such a unique and scenic town. I’ve been all over the United States in my work and believe me, there just isn’t another Helper. It’s a place of strong pride and strong opinions. It’s a place where all ethnic traditions blend and enhance each other.
I currently work in Price as the International Vice President of United Mine Workers of America. I’ve worked in several of our underground coal mines. I served on the Board of Trustees for the College of Eastern Utah for eight years. I have been with the U.M.W.A. starting in 1977 as an Auditor, then district vice president, president and now as international vice president. I have a long and strong history of service to the people of Carbon and Emery Counties. I currently serve on the Merit Board for the Carbon County Sheriff’s Department and I am the corporate secretary and board member for Rocky Moutain Fuel Company.
I retired from being mayor four years ago and had no intention of ever running again. However, I have lately had some reservations about some of the tax increases, utility increases and spending priorities. I feel we have lost sight of our number one priority of economic development. If we don’t develop job opportunities and business opportunities for our people, the town will ultimately die. The tax base is shrinking. We cannot allow that to continue. We don’t want to be in the position of “pallbearers” for our city. We must be a part of the surgical team putting Helper together again.
We have a very impressive theater that is close to being completed but is being allowed to languish. We have an art community that needs support. We have a beautiful museum and parkway that needs expansion. These things have brought prosperity to other communities and we can do the same for Helper.
Quality of life is an important component of development. The recent pool initiative will attract families to Helper which in turn will help the enrollment in our schools. Our schools are an important part of attracting families to Helper. We need to ensure their success in educating our children. All I’m saying is we have to “Keep our eye on the ball.” I know it’s hard to deal with the future when every day problems are affecting us, but we have to do just that if our beloved City is to have a future.
Being a mayor is about being a leader. Being a mayor is about having a vision. I believe I have a vision that most of you share and I ask your permission to serve you once again as your mayor.
Chuck Buchanan
Chuck Buchanan has been a resident of Helper for over 30 years. He met Helper native LynnDa Juliano in 1964 while working in Colorado. They were married two years later and returned to Helper in 1973 to raise two daughters.
For the next 15 years he demonstrated financial and managerial skills as project manager for Braztah, manager for George Harmond Businesses, and manager of the western district for Baker Mine Service. In 1988, Chuck and LynnDa started LeMar Industrial Mining and Fabrication, a thriving local business that currently maintains 15 employees.
He is presently serving his second term on Helper City Council and, as a member of the Board of Adjustments, and has positive ties with Carbon County leaders.
“As mayor, my goal for Helper City is fiscal responsibility.”
Chuck believes Helper must be run as a fiscally responsible business that provides services to its citizens. Raised in rural North Carolina, Chuck understands tough times. “As mayor I know I will have to struggle to make ends meet, just as some residents struggle to make ends meet.”
His goal is not only to stabilize the current budget, but also to implement long term planning.” I want to provide the young people and children of Helper with the same opportunities that were available in the 70’s and 80’s.”
“I believe that effective leadership means effective communication.”
There is a common misconception that the mayor makes big decisions for the city. However, the mayor can only make decisions with the support of the council. Chuck views the role of mayor as a facilitator, cooperating with the city council and listening to citizens. “We have council people with the vision to move Helper forward and I would like to be a part of that.”
Chuck encourages all residents to participate and attend council meetings. As mayor, he will reserve the first 15 minutes of council meetings where any citizen who wishes to voice an opinion can be heard. “We have an energetic and dynamic town. There are so many people that want to help and get involved. We need them.” He also supports a local newsletter.
“We need to put Helper on the map.” There is a lot that can be done to promote Helper by encouraging highway travelers to stop in town including beautification, cleanup, restoration of historic entry arches, better signage advertising facilities and parking, and promotion of small businesses. “We need to make passing through our town a positive and memorable experience.”
“I am asking for the opportunity to serve. Let’s secure Helper’s future together.” Chuck would be happy to answer any questions and can be contacted during the day at 472-3461.
Mayoral candidates for Helper
