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About Me

Hi, I'm Steve Pruden, it's nice to meet you!

I am originally from Long Beach California. I moved to Utah in 1980 to attend BYU where I received my bachelor's degree in Spanish, later receiving a Masters Degree in Secondary Education Administration.
I met and married my wife, Michelle Pruden, in 1987. We are the proud parents of 2 daughters, Lindsey Pruden Beecher and Meagan Pruden.
We moved to Tooele in 1998 to be closer to my grandparents George "Judd" Nelson and Maxine Shields Nelson. I have been on the Tooele City Council 14 years. During my term in office, I have enjoyed serving the people of Tooele City in the following ways:

  • Created Fridays on Vine summer concert series.
  • Created the Labor Day Music Festival
  • Served as a Board Member of Tooele Arts Council 
  • Created the Halloween Downtown Trick or Treat event 
  • Expanded the wastewater treatment plan 
  • Acquired new water resources 
  • Assisted in the creation of the Education Corridor 
  • Served as a Founding Board Member of the Tooele County Economic Board
  • Appointed by Governor Hurbert  and currently serves on  the State Quality Growth
  • Commission (A statewide board that advises the Governor and Legislature on water, wildlife and open space issues.)
  • Former Adviser to the Tooele Downtown Alliance.
  • Former Library Board Member
  • Served 2 terms as the Chairman of the Tooele City Council
  • Served 8 years as the Chairman of the Redevelopment Agency of Tooele City
  • Founding board member of the Communities that Care.
  • Former Executive Board Member of the Utah League of Cities and Towns
  • Staunch Supporter of the Tooele Boys and Girls Club


Popular posts from this blog

Pruden's Plan: Part Four: the positives

At election time there are always plenty of people, both citizens and candidates, willing and ready to point out all that they feel is wrong with our community.  So… I thought that I’d list some of the things that are right with our city.  Tooele has phenomenal community spirit.  The attendance at parades, festivals, and other community events is outstanding.   We support our schools! Our teachers and school staff members work together with community members to provide a wonderful education and safe environment for our kids.   Our sports programs are exceptional.  Be it high school sports or intramural sports, Tooele participates in every way.  Players and supporters are always there, full of community spirit! We support the arts.  We have Fridays on Vine, the LaForge Encore Theatre Company, Arts in the Park, The Tooele Arts Festival, and more.  We are an artistic town!  We help one another.  Friends a...
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Pruden's Plan- Part One: economic development

As I have served and campaigned, I have been asked a variety of questions about our city and my plans when I am elected Mayor.  Over the next couple of weeks, I will post my observations and opinions in response to these questions. This is part one of this series. Economic Development I have worked continuously to bring retail and employers to Tooele. I have worked to bring smaller retailers to Tooele to create balance and additional economic opportunities when larger retailers slow expantion due to online retail. I will re-introduce the “Come Together” local shopping initiative.  I want to encourage our current retailers to master customer service and expand inventory availability so that our citizens don’t have to shop in Salt Lake City. While Costco or Target will not likely build in Tooele in the near future (we are just too small) we do have many fine merchants.  I will continue to recruit retailers that will fill the gaps we have. I will w...
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An open letter to friends, family and interested supporters

Many have asked me why I am running for Tooele City Mayor; they have also asked what I intend to do as Mayor, if I have the good fortune to be elected. Here is my response. I have served on the Tooele City Council for almost 14 years. During that time, I have learned a lot about what the duties of the Mayor are. I have worked closely with our current Mayor and his wonderful and professional department heads and the hard working staff. What I have learned is that the duties of the Mayor are very complex. I have come to the decision that I am the most seasoned and qualified of the current candidates. I am not looking for new employment. I happen to love my career of thirty four years, however, I feel that to be Mayor is more than just a job, it takes someone of experience to do the work and manage the resources of the City. I have worked closely with Mayor Dunlavy for twelve years thus giving me an edge over my challengers in leadership and experience. If elected, I am willing to re...
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