Micah Kagan believes interests in the Wasatch Back have been ignored for too long. It’s why he is running for District 59 in the Utah House of Representatives.  Kagan is running to replace state Rep. Mike Kohler, who started his legislative service in January 2021 and will not seek reelection in the fall. As a hopeful representative for Summit and Wasatch counties, Kagan said he is eager to be a voice for residents in the Wasatch Back.  “I’m getting into this race because I think enough is enough, and I think it’s about time that the legislature started listening to the people of this state, and especially in the Wasatch Back,” he said.  Kagan, a registered Democrat, is an employee of the Skier Services Department at Deer Valley Resort. He previously managed the resort’s Empire Pass portfolio. Before his work with Deer Valley, Kagan worked as the Business Development Director for Leaders for Clean Air — a nonprofit designed to help businesses and governments implement clean energy solutions.  It was the 2026 ballot initiative to overturn a ban on partisan gerrymandering that piqued Kagan’s interest in running for state House District 59.  “It shows a lack of respect for the people of this state that we passed, by popular vote, an anti-gerrymandering ballot initiative and the legislature, thinking they know better than us, decides to fight that tooth and nail,” Kagan said. “We live in a representative democracy, and it’s the will of the people, and the people spoke.” Kagan said he is the type of person who will speak his mind instead of “going along with the crowd.” That, he said, would be part of the job.  “The job of a representative is to listen to their constituents,” Kagan said. “You need people who are willing to stand up and speak up and do what is right for their community, and I don’t think we’ve had that leadership over the past several years.” A Wasatch County resident himself, Kagan said the area is home to individuals who love where they live.  “It’s a community of people who work really hard, of working families — people who know how difficult it is raising a family today. … And it’s a bunch of people who I think really want what’s best for them and what’s best for their families,” Kagan said. “I think my vision for our community really aligns with that, whether you’ve been here for generations or whether you moved here like me, seeking everything this place has to offer.” Kagan said, most importantly, he will stand up for voters’ interests.  “I won’t let anybody come here and tell us what to do or how to think or how to believe,” Kagan said.  The candidacy filing period ended Thursday and three candidates, including Wasatch County Councilor Luke Searle, former Midway Mayor Celeste Johnson and state and county delegate Mark Allen have filed candidacies for District 59. If necessary, a primary election will be held on June 23 after the candidates’ respective party conventions. The general election will be held on Nov. 3. The post Micah Kagan wants to work for the Wasatch Back as a representative for state House District 59 appeared first on Park Record. ...read more read less