Residents and Officials Discuss Growth, Safety at Pancakes and Politics Forum

Wide-ranging discussion covers transportation, public safety, and education funding in Utah County

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Residents in American Fork, Utah filled a conference room at the local hospital for the latest Pancakes and Politics forum, where they engaged in a wide-ranging discussion with U.S. Representative Mike Kennedy, state lawmakers, education leaders, and the Utah County Sheriff on issues like growth, public safety, and infrastructure funding.

Why it matters

The Pancakes and Politics series provides a valuable opportunity for residents to directly engage with their elected officials and community leaders, raising concerns about the challenges facing their local communities and seeking solutions. The forum highlights the importance of civic engagement and open dialogue between the public and their representatives.

The details

The February 7th event, hosted by the American Fork Chamber of Commerce, covered a variety of topics, including federal vs. state control, transportation funding shortfalls in Utah County, public safety and jail overcrowding, progress on improving Utah Lake, and education funding disparities. Lawmakers like State Senator Brady Brammer and Utah State Board of Education member Cindy Davis acknowledged the unique growth-related challenges facing Utah County and pledged to continue advocating for more resources. Utah County Sheriff Mike Smith also discussed the strain on the county jail system and the need to balance public safety with constitutional rights.

  • The Pancakes and Politics forum took place on February 7, 2026.
  • The final forum of the legislative session is scheduled for February 28, 2026 at 9 a.m.

The players

Mike Kennedy

U.S. Representative who previously served in the Utah Legislature, and who emphasized limiting federal influence while strengthening state and local control.

Brady Brammer

State Senator who addressed transportation funding shortfalls in Utah County and efforts to secure more state resources for road projects.

Mike Smith

Utah County Sheriff who discussed the challenges facing the county jail system and the need to balance public safety with constitutional rights.

Cindy Davis

Utah State Board of Education member who highlighted education funding disparities between Utah County and other parts of the state.

American Fork Chamber of Commerce

The organization that hosted the Pancakes and Politics forum, providing a platform for residents to engage directly with their elected officials.

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What they’re saying

“I love coming here to be with you. This is a great venue.”

— Mike Kennedy, U.S. Representative (Lehi Free Press)

“We're seeing transportation dollars are currently being spent in Davis County. Utah County is currently underfunded compared to Davis County.”

— Brady Brammer, State Senator (Lehi Free Press)

“I don't want to be like Salt Lake County, where we're just releasing people onto the street because we have nowhere to put them.”

— Mike Smith, Utah County Sheriff (Lehi Free Press)

“We have more students in Utah County per taxpayer than other areas do. There are some formulas at the state level that help to offset, so there's a bit more equalization in the funding. But still, we have less funding per student than a lot of areas in the state.”

— Cindy Davis, Utah State Board of Education member (Lehi Free Press)

“We're your local government. We live here. We see the same problems you do, and we want to protect what makes Utah County a great place to live.”

— Mike Smith, Utah County Sheriff (Lehi Free Press)

What’s next

The final Pancakes and Politics forum of the legislative session is scheduled for February 28, 2026 at 9 a.m. in a conference room at the American Fork Hospital.

The takeaway

The Pancakes and Politics forum demonstrates the value of open communication and collaboration between residents and their elected officials, as they work together to address the unique challenges facing growing communities like Utah County. The event highlights the importance of civic engagement and the need for equitable distribution of resources to support infrastructure, public safety, and education in rapidly expanding areas.