Some politicians and their egos – picture those residing closer to the Potomac than the Jordan – might not be able to handle it. But Taylorsville City Council Coordinator and Youth Council Adviser Kris Heineman says, without question, her end-of-the-month retirement will leave her missing one duty more than all her others.

“I cherish my Youth Council kids and it’s going to be really, really hard to say goodbye,” Heineman said. “These students are the cream of the crop. They work so hard and are so driven, so special. They are dedicated to community service. They know what they want to do with their lives. Such good people; leaving them is going to
be terrible.”

Sure, sure – Heineman will miss her city council members and the mayor, too. But she says that’s not
the same.

Perhaps no one knows that better than Mayor Kristie Overson. Way back when – as a city council woman in 2011 – Overson was the Taylorsville Youth Council adviser. And even though Heineman took that duty over, Overson has remained active with the group of 15 to 20 mostly-Taylorsville High School students.

“Kris is so invested in these students; she’s been remarkable,” the mayor said. “She’s really devoted heart and soul to them. It will be tough to replace her with the kids – and, as city council coordinator, as well. She keeps everything straight… provides council members all the paperwork they need… Kris makes things run smoothly. We’ll all miss her.”

A 1979 Granite High School graduate, Heineman announced her retirement a couple of months ago. And this isn’t the first time she’s said goodbye to a government job.

“I was the chief’s assistant and office manager for the North Salt Lake Police Department from 1996 to 2006,” she said. “Then my husband’s career took us to Southern California, where I worked for another police department from 2006 to 2010. In January 2011, we moved back to Utah. A friend told me about a job opening with Taylorsville City. My first day here was March 14, 2011.”

Kris worked for about a year as the part-time Taylorsville City event coordinator. Then the city council coordinator post opened.

“Youth Council adviser was not in my original job description,” Heineman added. “But (then City Councilwoman) Kristie (Overson) asked me to assist her with the students – and pretty soon I was in charge of it. My first year was a bit of a challenge, because I was not involved in selecting the council. But I’ve loved it ever since.”

“Kris has developed our Youth Council into, bar none, the best in the state,” Councilwoman Anna Barbieri said. “Other youth council advisers come to her for advice. She’s so professional and goal driven. She gives those kids great organizational skills,… teaches them to be leaders. What she’s done has been remarkable. We’re all going to miss her.”

City Council Chair Meredith Harker adds, “Kris is leaving a legacy with our Youth Council kids. They will never forget her. Two of my own sons learned from her while serving on Youth Council. The support and encouragement she gives those students is incredible.”

Heineman says it’s been wonderful - but now she needs to spend a little more time with her own children… and grandkids, husband and mother.

“My mom is 84, lives in North Salt Lake and is a spring chicken – still very active,” Heineman said. “In July, we’re planning to take a road trip together to visit my brother living on Whidbey Island (in Washington State’s Puget Sound). I’m excited to spend more time with her. She loves to travel – so I’m guessing I’ll be driving her lots of places in the next few years.”

Heineman married her husband, Alan, in 1981 – meaning a milestone 45th anniversary will roll around next year. He’s been retired from an aerospace industry position about four years. The two have five kids, two of them adopted, and three grandchildren.

“After the road trip with Mom in July, Alan and I are going on an Alaska cruise with another couple in August,” Heineman said. “She’s been one of my best friends
since age 10.”

“I am so happy Kris feels ready to move into the next chapter of her life,” Councilman Curt Cochran said. “But we will absolutely miss her. Kris has just done so much for the city. There will be very large shoes to fill.”

Councilman Ernest Burgess added, “After she sent us her retirement announcement, I told Kris ‘I acknowledge your email – but I can’t talk about it yet – it’s too tough.’ She’s been a big part of the Taylorsville City fabric for so long. She’s always done the big and little things (the city council) needed. Kris just does such a good job.”

One of Heineman’s final official duties as Youth Council adviser came this spring, when she once again accompanied her high schoolers up to their annual leadership conference at Utah State University. As a member of a statewide youth council coordinating board, Heineman volunteered to address an audience of about 175 people.

“I was nervous – freaking out, to be honest,” Heineman confessed. “But unexpectedly, one of my all-time favorite Youth Council members showed up. He said, ‘After all you did for me – I had to come support my mentor.’ It meant so much to me.”

Taylorsville High School graduate Brandon Sorensen was her unexpected supporter. Oh, and just in case you don’t follow USU Aggie student government closely, that would be the same Brandon Sorensen who was also elected Utah State Student Body President in a landslide vote.

“These are the kinds of students I’ve had on Youth Council,” Heineman concluded. “That’s why I’ll miss them so much.”

“I’m sure this will be a joyous time for Kris, as she enters retirement and spends more time with her family,” City Councilman Bob Knudsen said. “That said, I will be sad to see her leave. We will have to find a new normal. It will be a big adjustment, working without her.”

And Taylorsville City Recorder Jamie Brooks added, “Kris has been a pleasure to work with. I am happy for her…but sorry for the city – especially the Youth Council. She really helped me learn my role here.”

In this final month of her Taylorsville City career, there are two more city council meetings and one more Taylorsville Dayzz, where she will be busy with her Youth Council. Then it’s on to July 1: Washington… Alaska… and who knows where else (well, perhaps Heineman’s mother does). λ