Do It Right!
A Campaign for Transparent, Balanced, and Forward-Thinking Leadership
Dear Residents of Woods Cross,I am honored to address you today as a candidate for the Woods Cross City Council. For many years, I have dedicated myself to serving our community in various capacities. My commitment to Woods Cross is unwavering, and I am proud to be a part of its growth and development. For over five years, I have had the privilege of serving on the Woods Cross Planning Commission, where I currently hold the position of Chair. This role has allowed me to work closely with community members and stakeholders to ensure that our city's planning and development align with the needs and aspirations of our residents.In addition to my work on the Planning Commission, I bring a wealth of experience from my career as an attorney. My legal background, to include a certificate in Public Interest Law and Policy, has equipped me with the skills to navigate complex issues, advocate for our community, and ensure that our local government operates with transparency and integrity.Our city is more than just the flat land west of Bountiful, it is a vibrant and diverse community, rich in history and potential. As we stand at a crossroads of growth, opportunity, and change, I am running on the promise and principle to “Do It Right!”—to govern with clarity, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to the values that make Woods Cross a wonderful place to live, work, and raise families.
Transparency in Public Administration
One of the core pillars of my campaign is to ensure that transparency is not just a buzzword, but the bedrock of our city government. I believe our city leadership has done very well in this area and I will continue to support the flow of information. I believe you deserve to know how decisions are made, how your tax dollars are spent, and who is advocating for your interests. Transparency isn’t just a matter of openness; it’s the foundation upon which trust is built between you and your elected officials.
If elected, I will maintain:
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Clear, accessible communication of city business, budgets, and projects, utilizing both digital and in-person channels.
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Regular working groups and listening sessions open to the community to hear your concerns and provide updates on city council work.
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Open records and proactive sharing of information about public safety, zoning, and development, so you are aware of what is going on around you.
Woods Cross belongs to its residents, and you should always have a seat at the table when it comes to shaping our future. This applies to all residents, our individual citizens and the business and industry that call Woods Cross home.
Valuing and Supporting Our City Employees
Behind every successful city is a team of dedicated public servants who ensure our community functions smoothly—from the police officers who keep us safe, to the public works crews who maintain our streets, to the staff who answer your questions at city hall. I believe that to “Do It Right!” we must take care of the people who take care of us.
My promise:
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Advocate for competitive compensation, benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
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Foster a culture of respect, inclusion, and recognition for city employees.
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Invest in training and resources so our city staff stay at the forefront of best practices and service delivery.
By retaining the best, the brightest, and the most fully qualified employees, we can ensure a high standard of service for every resident and business in Woods Cross. Great cities start with great teams.
Balancing Rights and Growth
As Woods Cross continues to grow, we face unique challenges and opportunities. Our city is a tapestry of commercial, agricultural, residential, and industrial areas—and remarkably, we’re home to our own airport. Our central location places us just ten minutes from Salt Lake City and fifteen minutes from an international airport, with two, if not three, major north-south highway transportation corridors and a commuter train line right through the heart of our city.
Growth is inevitable, but it must be guided by thoughtful planning and a balanced approach. With limited land remaining for development, every decision we make today shapes the city we become tomorrow. I am committed to policies that balance the rights of existing residents with the requirements of a modern, growing municipality.
Here’s how we can “Do It Right!” together:
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Preserve the character and charm of our neighborhoods while welcoming new families and businesses.
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Encourage smart development that respects our unique mix of land uses—agricultural, commercial, residential, and industrial.
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Prioritize infrastructure improvements that support growth while maintaining quality of life—better roads, utilities, parks, and public transportation.
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Protect open spaces and ensure sustainable use of our limited land resources, so future generations can enjoy the beauty and heritage of Woods Cross.
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Engage with citizens at every stage of the planning process to guarantee your voices are heard and your concerns addressed.
Leveraging Our Strategic Location
Few cities in Utah are as strategically positioned as Woods Cross. We are keystone along the Wasatch Front—ten minutes from the capital, fifteen minutes from international flights, and a hub along critical transportation corridors. Our commuter train stop brings visitors and opportunity to our doorstep. As your council member, I will work to ensure we harness these advantages for the benefit of all.
This means:
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Strengthening partnerships with neighboring cities, the state, and local businesses to attract the right investment and create jobs.
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Planning for growth that is economically sound, environmentally responsible, and tailored to the needs of Woods Cross residents.
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Keeping our community safe, connected, and thriving as we continue to develop.
Building an Inclusive and Engaged Community
Our city thrives when everyone is engaged in the process of government and community building. I believe in an inclusive approach—one that welcomes ideas, fosters dialogue, and celebrates the diversity of Woods Cross. I am committed to making sure every resident, from lifelong citizens to newcomers, feels valued and empowered.
You can expect:
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Efforts to increase civic participation, from youth programs to senior outreach.
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Greater use of technology to make city services and information more accessible.
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Support for community events, cultural celebrations, and local initiatives that bring us together and strengthen our bonds.
A Vision for the Future
I want Woods Cross to be a city where our children can grow up with opportunity, where seniors feel secure, where families flourish, and where businesses succeed. Together, we can create a Woods Cross that is resilient, responsible, and ready for the future—a place where we always strive to “Do It Right!”
My Pledge to You
Service is a privilege. Before moving to Woods Cross 11 years ago, I am proud to have served our country for 27 years in the Marine Corps, where I gained extensive leadership experience. My time in the military instilled in me the values of discipline, dedication, and service, which I carry with me in all my endeavors. With your trust and support, I will continue to devote my experience, energy, and vision to serving Woods Cross with honesty, diligence, and unwavering commitment. I invite you to join me. Let’s have conversations, let’s share ideas, and let’s work together to ensure our city remains a place we are all proud to call home.Thank you for your time, your involvement, and your belief in Woods Cross. Let’s “Do It Right!”—for ourselves, for our families, and for generations to come.
Respectfully,
Joseph E. Rupp
Candidate for Woods Cross City Council
I'm glad to endorse Joe Rupp for Woods Cross City Council. I had the chance to work alongside him for several years as a fellow member of the planning commission.
I've trusted his ability to treat people and their projects or concerns with reason and respect. When a resident came to the commission, Joe always ensured they felt heard, treating their input with the dignity it deserved. He shows up, diligently understands city code, and acts with the dignity and respect needed for someone on City Council.
Join me in voting for Joe Rupp—he's the clear choice for a thoughtful, prepared, and respectful voice on the Council.
Jim Grover, Woods Cross City Council
Joseph E. Rupp
J.D., M.A., LtCol, USMC(Ret)
Joseph Rupp is a retired United States Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel, serving for 27 years in both officer and enlisted ranks. As a Sergeant in the infantry, he completed the Platoon Leaders Class program, was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant, and became a Marine Aviator, flying both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft for over 20 years. He served as an Operations Officer in the Joint Staff J-3 and as Commanding Officer of Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 1. He has combat experience, serving in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Following his military career, he attended law school at the University of Utah and is now a criminal defense attorney and managing partner at Collins Rupp, P.C.. In addition to his law degree, Joseph holds a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Weber State University and a Master of Arts in International Studies from The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. Joseph also has a graduate certificate in Public Interest Law and Policy. Joseph volunteers at the Veterans Legal Clinic, where he was the Director of the clinic for 5 years for the Utah State Bar Young Lawyers Division. He chairs the Planning Commission for Woods Cross City. His personal military decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with two gold stars, Individual Achievement and Strike Flight Air Medals, and Navy Achievement Medal with gold star. He was awarded the Bronze Minuteman Award by the Utah National Guard and the Honorary Colonels Corps for extraordinary support and leadership to the citizens of Utah. He has been honored as the Young Lawyer of the Year by the Utah State Bar and the Young Alumni of the Year by the College of Law at the University of Utah. Joseph is married to the former Jennifer Marie Steffensen. They have three sons with wonderful daughters-in-law, 9 grandchildren and one more on the way.
