Taylorsville • Monday’s ceremony opened with patriotic hymns from a Magna Elementary School choir as the kids belted out star-spangled classics ranging from the national anthem to “God Bless America” and the official state song, “Utah, This Is the Place.”
The music set the stage for a historic and celebratory Salt Lake County inauguration ceremony at Taylorsville’s Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center, where newly elected County Council member Natalie Pinkney became the first Black person to serve in a countywide elected position in Utah’s most populous county.
“I’m committed to be your voice, to be your ears and not be afraid to stand up for what is right, to make sure our government has transparency and accountability,” the South Salt Lake Democrat vowed after taking the oath of office, “to make sure no matter where you live, the color of your skin, what you believe, you will have life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”
Two new Latino members, Republican Carlos Moreno and Democrat Ross Romero joined Pinkney on the council, while reelected Republican Dea Theodore was sworn in for a second time to represent parts of Sandy, Draper and Midvale.
The GOP retained its 5-4 majority in the legislative body, while Democrats kept control of the executive branch as Mayor Jenny Wilson took the oath for a second full term.
But the elected leaders brushed aside partisan allegiances Monday as they called for more political participation, shared excitement about working with one another, and expressed gratitude for family, friends and voters.
Wilson compared taking office to climbing Mount Olympus.
“I look and I see the amazing people that I have a chance to serve with going into 2025,” Wilson said. “I really want us to be on that trail together, because it’s a lot more fun. … We’re going to come together and reach that summit together.”
(Bethany Baker | The Salt Lake Tribune) Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson speaks during the 2025 Salt Lake County Inauguration and Oath of Office Ceremony at the Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center in Taylorsville on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025.
Moreno, who was once Salt Lake Community College’s first Latino and immigrant student body president after arriving from Venezuela, shared his love for the United States and recalled how the country came together after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
The freshman GOP council member, who will represent the western edge of the county, also reached out to Spanish speakers in his remarks.
“This is the time to participate politically,” he said in Spanish. “We have beautiful families, thriving businesses, but this is a time to be more politically involved and active in the community.”
(Bethany Baker | The Salt Lake Tribune) District 2 Salt Lake County Council member Carlos Moreno speaks during the 2025 Salt Lake County Inauguration and Oath of Office Ceremony at the Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center in Taylorsville on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025.
Romero, the former Democratic leader in Utah Senate, urged residents to reach out to him and to share their views with both government officials and others. He will represent Millcreek, Holladay and the southeastern corner of Salt Lake City.
After the ceremony, Republican council Chair Laurie Stringham called it an “exciting day” but acknowledged this “is going to be a very difficult year” after voters rejected the county’s $507 million public safety bond.
Stringham said she still wants to find ways to improve the criminal justice system. That means, she warned, service cuts may loom.
(Bethany Baker | The Salt Lake Tribune) District 4 Salt Lake County Council member Ross Romero speaks during the 2025 Salt Lake County Inauguration and Oath of Office Ceremony at the Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center in Taylorsville on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025.
