Meet Bill Campbell for Davis County Controller in the Upcoming Special Election: PoliticIt

Northern Utah is about to see an important special election on July 15th, 2024, for the position of Davis County Controller. Bill Campbell, a seasoned financial executive with decades of private sector experience and a deep commitment to his community, is running for this unique office. In this comprehensive article, we delve into Bill’s background, his vision for the Controller role, and why his blend of principles, credentials, and experience make him the best candidate to serve the taxpayers of Davis County.

This article is inspired by an insightful interview with Bill Campbell on the Politic Podcast, where he candidly shared his journey from corporate finance to politics, his views on party loyalty, and his detailed understanding of the Controller’s critical responsibilities.

PoliticIt Radio – A little less Politickin

Understanding the Role of Davis County Controller

Before we explore Bill Campbell’s qualifications and vision, it’s essential to understand what the role of the Davis County Controller entails. Unlike many counties where this position is called the County Auditor or Treasurer, Davis County uniquely uses the title “Controller.” This change was made as recently as December 2023, setting Davis apart from other counties in Utah.

Bill explains that although the title is different, the core responsibilities align closely with those of a county auditor. Yet, the title “Controller” emphasizes the role’s proactive nature—not just auditing past transactions but actively controlling and managing the county’s finances to ensure fiscal responsibility and sustainability. Bill emphasizes that the title itself is less important than the critical tasks the office must perform.

In essence, the Controller is the financial steward of the county, responsible for overseeing expenditures, ensuring transparency, and safeguarding taxpayer funds. This position requires a blend of accounting expertise, strategic financial management, risk mitigation, and even purchasing oversight. Bill notes that the Controller’s fiduciary responsibility extends to all citizens, the taxpayers who entrust their money to county officials.

Bill Campbell: A Proven Financial Leader with Deep Roots in Northern Utah

Bill Campbell’s professional background stands out as exceptionally well-suited for the Controller role. With over 30 years of residence in Northern Utah, Bill’s roots in the community run deep. His career began in public accounting at KPMG, where he earned his CPA shortly after graduating. This foundational experience gave him a strong grounding in accounting principles, auditing, and tax services.

Bill’s career trajectory took a significant turn when he joined Morton International, which later became Autoliv, a global leader in automotive safety systems such as airbags. Bill and his family relocated from Chicago to Utah to help launch and grow the company’s operations locally. Starting with fewer than 50 employees and no revenue, Bill helped scale the company to over 10,000 employees worldwide, with nearly 6,000 in Utah alone, generating $3 billion in revenue.

This growth story is a testament to Bill’s ability to lead complex financial and operational challenges. As CFO for the Americas at Autoliv, Bill oversaw the full spectrum of finance functions, including taxes, treasury, financial reporting, audit compliance, risk management, and purchasing. His role as Vice President of Purchasing also aligns directly with one of the Controller’s responsibilities in Davis County.

Bill’s comprehensive credentials include:

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• Chief Financial Officer (CFO) experience in private industry
• Master of Business Administration (MBA) with concentrations in Finance and International Business
• Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
• Vice President of Purchasing experience

He uniquely holds all five credentials critical for the Controller role, setting him apart from his opponents who may have some but not all of these qualifications.

The Political Journey: From Business to Public Service

Despite his impressive financial background, Bill admits that politics is not his natural arena. He describes himself as “not a politician” and acknowledges that his diplomatic style contrasts with the more combative tone often favored in political campaigns. Yet, his passion for community and concern about the direction of the state and county motivated him to enter the political arena.

Bill’s first foray into politics was a bold run for U.S. Congress in 2022. Starting his campaign just one month before the primary elections, he faced an uphill battle against well-established opponents like Blake Moore. Though unsuccessful, Bill gained valuable insights into the political process and the importance of building a strong base and demonstrating passionate leadership.

Raised in a household with two Democratic parents but personally a conservative and Ronald Reagan fan, Bill brings a unique perspective to politics. He values open dialogue and respect across party lines, emphasizing diplomacy over divisiveness. This approach sometimes clashed with party purists who prefer a more confrontational style and strict party loyalty.

Crossing Party Lines: Running as a Democrat in 2024

In 2024, Bill initially did not plan to run again. However, when the Democratic Party in his district lacked a candidate and approached him to represent them without requiring him to change his conservative principles, Bill agreed. This rare bipartisan stance highlights his commitment to contested races and giving voters a choice, rather than strict party allegiance.

Though he remained 100% aligned with Republican principles, Bill ran as a Democrat to ensure voters had representation and to spark constructive political conversations. He found many moderates and conservatives within the Democratic Party, challenging the stereotype of a strictly far-left party. This experience underscored the value of treating all constituents with dignity and respect.

Challenges of Party Loyalty and Purity

One of Bill’s greatest challenges has been overcoming skepticism from party delegates who question his lifetime loyalty to the Republican Party. Some delegates expressed reservations about supporting a candidate who had run as a Democrat, even if Bill maintained his conservative principles throughout.

Bill argues that strict party purity tests can be divisive and counterproductive. He points out that great leaders like Ronald Reagan, Donald Trump, and Senator John Curtis have not always fit a rigid mold of party loyalty but have been successful because they embraced core principles while fostering inclusivity.

Bill questions whether it is better to exclude valuable voices like Phil Lyman, Elon Musk, or others due to rigid lifetime loyalty tests or to welcome them based on shared principles and their potential contributions. His stance is a call for focusing on principles over party identity, promoting unity rather than division.

Why the Davis County Controller Role Demands a Financial Expert, Not a Politician

Bill emphasizes that the Controller position is fundamentally a financial role, not a political one. It requires someone with proven success in managing complex organizations, maximizing efficiency, and collaborating across departments to achieve strategic goals.

Unlike his opponents who have spent most of their careers in government roles, Bill brings executive-level private sector experience. Having managed budgets, led purchasing departments, and ensured compliance in a publicly traded company, he understands what it takes to control costs and drive financial discipline.

Bill highlights a troubling trend in county government: costs have doubled over the last decade, outpacing tax revenue growth and threatening fiscal sustainability. He argues that the Controller must do more than audit and report; the office must actively control spending, challenge commissioners, and work with stakeholders to foster economic development.

He believes the Controller must be a change agent who can implement strategic adjustments to ensure the county’s financial health for future generations. This includes embracing transparency, accountability, and a mission-focused approach to government spending.

The Fiduciary Responsibility to Taxpayers

Central to Bill’s campaign is the belief that the Controller has a fiduciary responsibility to the taxpayers—the citizens who fund county services and deserve prudent management of their money. Bill draws parallels between managing a family budget and managing government finances.

He warns against the dangerous practice of increasing spending without raising taxes, likening it to running up credit card debt with ever-increasing limits but no plan to pay it down. This approach jeopardizes the county’s future by increasing debt and depleting rainy day funds.

Bill insists that controlling expenses is paramount to avoiding tax hikes. If the county commits to not raising taxes, it must also commit to controlling the spending side of the equation. This requires a Controller who will say “no” to unsustainable projects and keep government focused on its proper role.

Redefining the Controller Role: From Auditor to Strategic Leader

Bill calls for redefining the Controller position from a passive auditing role to an active leadership role. The Controller should be deeply involved in shaping strategies for economic development, revenue growth, and cost control.

He cites recent reports showing Davis County’s job growth at a mere 0.1% amid rising inflation and increased spending. Without strategic intervention, the county’s financial position will worsen, requiring sacrifices from future generations.

Bill envisions a Controller who works hand-in-hand with the business community, including organizations like the Davis Chamber of Commerce, to support new enterprises and promote sustainable growth. This proactive approach contrasts with the current office’s limited scope.

Private Sector Experience: The Key to Effective Financial Control

Bill’s extensive private sector experience uniquely qualifies him to bring this change. He asks a critical question: who is better equipped to control growth and increase revenue—a career government auditor or someone who has competed in the private sector, securing new revenue streams and managing complex financial operations?

His leadership at Autoliv demanded cost competitiveness on an international scale, financial transparency, and accountability. Every expenditure carried his signature, reinforcing personal responsibility—a principle he intends to bring to the Controller office.

Bill believes that a Controller with executive experience in finance and purchasing is essential to making the tough decisions necessary to ensure Davis County’s financial health and provide a prosperous future for its residents.

Bill Campbell’s Final Pitch to Voters: Principles, Credentials, Experience

As the special election approaches, Bill summarizes his campaign with three pillars: Principles, Credentials, and Experience—PC&E.

• Principles: Bill has been 100% aligned with the Republican Party platform since 2022, with no exceptions to the principles he holds dear.
• Credentials: He uniquely brings all five critical credentials needed for the Controller role: CPA, CFO experience, MBA, CMA, and Vice President of Purchasing experience.
• Experience: Unlike his opponents with predominantly government backgrounds, Bill offers 20+ years of executive-level private sector experience with proven results in cost control and strategic financial management.

Bill’s message to voters and delegates is clear: Davis County needs a change agent, not just a caretaker. His combination of financial expertise, principled leadership, and community commitment positions him to safeguard taxpayer dollars and build a sustainable future.

“Davis County is a fantastic place now, but yes, we can make it even better in the future,” Bill says. “I assure you, we will make the future better.”

Conclusion: A Vision for Responsible Stewardship and Community Prosperity

Bill Campbell’s candidacy for Davis County Controller brings a refreshing blend of seasoned financial acumen, principled leadership, and a commitment to serving the community beyond partisan politics. His private sector experience equips him to tackle the complex challenges of managing county finances in a transparent, accountable, and strategic manner.

As Davis County faces rising costs, stagnant job growth, and the ongoing challenge of balancing citizen needs with fiscal responsibility, Bill offers a clear path forward. His emphasis on controlling spending, fostering economic development, and maintaining strict adherence to principles provides voters with a compelling choice.

For those who care deeply about the future of Davis County and want a Controller who will act as a true steward of taxpayer resources, Bill Campbell stands out as the candidate ready to lead with integrity and effectiveness.

Remember to mark your calendars for the special election on July 15th, 2024, and consider supporting Bill Campbell for Davis County Controller—a candidate who brings the right principles, credentials, and experience to the job.

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