Midway Mayor Craig Simons took his oath of office on Monday, marking the first day of his four-year term as the city’s leader.  Midway’s Community Center, Simons said, was “full and overflowing” with friends, family, citizens and Midway City Council members ready to witness the swearing -in ceremony. After Simons took his oath of office, he went to work — holding his first Midway Water Advisory Board meeting that evening.   Simons said he has been preparing to step up during the past year while serving on the City Council. His prior experience on the Midway Planning Commission also helped ready him for the role. Simons said it helped to witness the amount of support from the community, securing 76% of the vote in November’s general election.  “I’m excited. Taking the last year to prepare myself, both as a City Council member, being involved in what’s going on, but also figuring out what I would be doing as the mayor and attending meetings and different boards,” Simons said. “It’s not a surprise. Nothing new. I’m ready to go.” Reflecting on his time as a city councilor, Simons didn’t have one specific achievement he was most proud of. That’s because, he said, the job revolves around working with his fellow council members and Midway’s mayor. Yet his main sticking point is the same as it is for former Mayor Celeste Johnson: open space.  “I think the open space component for Midway is huge. We have support from the community and I’m proud that we have recognized the importance to keep Midway Midway,” Simons said.  Simons said open space goals align with other projects in the long run. That includes his work on construction around Center Street. He met with staff and contractors over the past year to ensure new infrastructure was up and running, that the stream was cleaned properly and that there was a focus on the Midway trail system.  “It’s about sense of community,” Simons said.  He intends to carry that open space goal through his first term as mayor. Simons said he also hopes to continue working to protect Midway’s water resources.  “It’s our most important resource, and I’ve engaged for two years with the Midway irrigation company. … There’s been a lot to learn,” Simons said.  What’s important to remember as mayor, Simons said, is that he is no longer making decisions the same way.  “It’s not just a decision you make. It affects the community,” Simons said. “The process, a lot of times, takes much longer. I wasn’t really aware of that and the way I’ve learned is boots on the ground.”  Simons said he wants to take his first month to become engaged with different boards, including the railroad, Heber Valley Special Service District and Heber Light and Power. He wants to revisit zoning in the downtown area, support local businesses and resolve parking issues as much as possible.  In his first year, Simons said he wants to keep a greater sense of community in mind. He said he sees Midway as a diverse city.  “Many people these days think that diversity is a bad thing, and, for me, diversity is that we’ve got a community of people here from all over the place,” Simons said. “And if we can bring people together with a common goal and effort, that diversity, I think, turns into a strength.” Midway’s concert series, Swiss Days and the city’s trail system are all aspects of the local culture Simons wants to emphasize.  Simons said he is used to getting things done, and he is excited to work toward his goals. What he is not used to is his new title: mayor.  “I’m used to people calling me by my name and then all of a sudden it’s ‘Mayor, mayor, mayor,’ and it’s like my name is still Craig. I’m still your neighbor,” Simons said. “I’m not a politician. I’m a neighbor. I’m your friend. … It’s going to take me a bit to get used to that.” On a more basic level, Simons said he hopes to be approachable. He said he is grateful for the support of his community and fellow city leaders.  “I’ve appreciated their support and, now, we’ve got work to do in representing this community. I’m just excited to get started,” Simons said. The post Midway’s new mayor is grateful for the city’s support appeared first on Park Record. ...read more read less