We’ve also told you about the “boot camp training” Winder Newton has offered a handful of times, in her own home, to teach Utah women about the ins and outs of seeking elected office in our state. Harker is among the course “graduates.”

You’ve read about the critical role Winder Newton played decades ago in the incorporation movement that first created Taylorsville City.

In short, Taylorsville residents know Aimee Winder Newton. And many of them – including third-term Mayor Kristie Overson – are a bit sad, and a little anxious, about Winder Newton’s decision to not seek reelection to her Salt Lake County Council position.

“First off, good for her in making that decision for herself,” Overson said. “But I am very sorry to see her leave the county council. It will be tough for Taylorsville, because Aimee has been such a wonderful advocate for us. She has been such a voice of reason on the council. We’ll be watching carefully to see who runs for that seat. And, whoever wins it, we will work to make sure that person is well-versed in Taylorsville issues. The adjustment will be a challenge. But mostly, we will miss Aimee.”

Taylorsville City Councilwoman Meredith Harker agrees.

“Aimee has been amazing as our county council representative,” Harker said. “She listens to all sides of an argument, but also sticks to her principles. She does her due diligence before making up her mind. She’s kind and compassionate. And I would not be on the Taylorsville City Council without Aimee’s encouragement. It’s all her fault I’m here!”

Winder Newton is now in her 13th year on the Salt Lake County Council. She was the first female Republican elected to it. Four years later, in 2018, she was the first female ever elected by her colleagues to be its chair. She chaired again in 2023, and was chosen again this year to chair the council.

There are now five Republicans and four Democrats serving on the Salt Lake County Council.

“We are the most evenly-split partisan body across the entire state of Utah,” Winder Newton said. “But in general, the county council does not split along party lines. We don’t have a lot of partisan issues. I have always felt it was important to show Salt Lake County residents how the two parties can work together to resolve issues. I wish Congress could see this. We enjoy robust debate and disagreement; but in the end we respect one another.”

Winder Newton’s County Council District 3 actually includes at least portions of several cities, including: Midvale, Murray, Taylorsville, West Jordan, South Salt Lake and West Valley City. In the county council’s announcement of Winder Newton’s chairmanship, she is quoted saying, “Criminal justice reform will be my top priority this year and I look forward to working with my colleagues to move this important work forward.”

A 1992 Taylorsville High School graduate, Winder Newton has been married 32 years, has four children and one grandchild.

“I love living in Taylorsville and am thrilled by all the great things the city has accomplished since incorporating (in 1996),” she added. “And we could not have a better mayor. I’ve worked with (Mayor) Kristie (Overson) on many things. Our city is in very good hands.”

Winder Newton is continuing in her 30-hours-per-week post as a senior advisor to Gov. Spencer Cox. She is also director of the Utah Office of Families, where she champions social media legislation, home visiting programs for vulnerable families and many other policies to strengthen Utah families so children enjoy more success.

As for her political future, Winder Newton isn’t sure right now. In 2020, she ran for Utah governor in a campaign year that was turned upside down by coronavirus. Cox was elected to his first term that fall.

“I haven’t considered any future runs,” Winder Newton concluded. “Right now, I’m focused on having an effective final year on the Salt Lake County Council. We have some heavy lifts on several issues this year. Before I leave office, I want to make sure we have a very good, cooperative culture on the council. It has been such an honor to serve as I care passionately about Salt Lake County.”