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PROVO — Skyler Beltran was appointed Wednesday to the Utah County Commission after Commissioner Tom Sakievich resigned over health issues.
Sakievich announced his resignation on Sept. 3, citing his glioblastoma brain cancer diagnosis as the cause.
He first announced in January he had surgery to remove a tumor, which resulted in his decision to not run for reelection. But he said he intended to finish his term. Since then, Sakievich missed several commission meetings due to his ongoing health issues. Commissioners Amelia Powers Gardner and Brandon Gordon said in March that county business was being left undone because of Sakievich's absence, and Gordon called for Sakievich to step down.
"As you can imagine, this has been a serious and difficult time, not only for me but also for my loved ones. At this time, I need to focus my energy on my family, my health and my recovery," Sakievich said in a statement on Sept 3.
After his resignation was announced, the county commissioners thanked Sakievich for his service and said Beltran was expected to fill the vacancy.
Beltran was nominated Saturday by the Utah County Republican Party Central Committee to assume Sakievich's seat. The commission formally accepted the nomination Wednesday during a Utah County Commission meeting, and he was sworn in by County Clerk Aaron Davidson.
In a statement Saturday, Beltran said he is grateful for the support of the Republican Party.
"Our community is truly the best place to live, work and raise a family. I also extend my thanks to Commissioner Tom Sakievich for his service," Beltran's statement said.
Gordon said during Wednesday's meeting that it will be "great to have some help" from Beltran on the commission.
Commissioner Amelia Powers Gardner said she is "thrilled" for Beltran to join.
"I've known him for years. He's hardworking, and he's thoughtful, and that's exactly what a commissioner needs to be," she said.
Beltran has served as chairman and vice chairman of the Utah County Republican Party, chairman of the Utah County Board of Adjustments and is currently on the Utah County Planning Commission, according to his campaign website. He is also a member of the Lehi Free Press leadership team.
Commissioner seat C is up for grabs in November, where Beltran as the Republican nominee will face off against Alan Wessman of the United Utah Party.
