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South Jordan Journal

Two Local Brothers Enter The Race For Two South Jordan City Council Seats

May 29, 2015 02:47PM ● By James Luke

Declaring their candidacies for city council seats are brothers John Geilmann, left, (District 4) and Tom Geilmann (District 1).

Former South Jordan City attorney and City Manager John Geilmann wants to return to city hall, this time for Council District 4. His brother Tom Geilmann hopes to join him in government this time around, announcing his candidacy for Council District 1. 

Probably not since their college years together at Weber State, when they pursued political science degrees simultaneously, have the brothers worked together as closely on something as they intend to do in their separate but united council candidacies. 

After earning bachelor’s degrees, the two continued down similar life paths - both separately entering military service. Older brother Tom served in the Utah National Guard from 1966 through 1974. John served in the Air Force reserve at Hill Air Force Base from 1968 through 1979.

Next, John followed a family tradition of sorts. In 1984 he earned his Juris Doctorate at Mercer University’s Walter F. George School of Law in Macon, Ga., where the brothers’ maternal grandfather had graduated from the school eight decades earlier with the class of 1903.

The Geilmanns both see a need for change in the city council’s role within city government as motivating them to enter the council race. John explains his view that the council’s primary role is to create a strategic vision for the future. He notes that with anticipated growth, “South Jordan could be the state’s second largest city within a decade.” 

Tom prioritizes improved communication between and among the types of residents in the city, from those who have lived in the area for many decades to people who are new to South Jordan. A big part of his motivation to run is his belief that “the current city council has evolved into a managerial entity that restricts the current city professionals’ ability to work on the day-to-day issues that our community faces, and that they were empowered to do as employees of the city.”

Both brothers anticipate facing off against the incumbent councilmembers in their respective districts, as well as other candidates, potentially. They note that if there are more than two candidates in any city council race, there will be a primary election in July. 

In District 1, Tom Geilmann expects to run against Councilman Mark Seethaler. In District 4, John Geilmann will likely face incumbent Councilman Steve Barnes.