Scott Parke, the Republican incumbent for Davis County controller, is running for a full term in the Nov. 3 general election. He faces Democrat Stephanie Wayment.
Parke was selected by Republican delegates at a special convention and appointed by the Davis County Commission in August 2025, according to the Davis Journal. He filled the position after Curtis Koch left in July 2025 and is finishing Koch's term, which expires in January 2027.
Asked why he is running, Parke said in our candidate questionnaire: "I am running to help Davis County live within its means, protect taxpayer dollars, and make county finances easier to understand. Since becoming Controller, I have worked to address long-term financial obligations, improve budget information, and give county leaders a clearer picture of the choices ahead."
Candidate information
Party: "Republican."
Family: "My wife, Katie, and I have four children. We are longtime Davis County residents and live in Clinton."
Family in government: "My wife works part time for Weber County."
Education: "I hold a bachelor's degree in accounting from Utah State University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Utah. I am also a Certified Public Accountant."
Experience and public service
Parke described his work history in our questionnaire: "I have been serving for the last year as your Davis County Controller, overseeing budgeting, accounting, purchasing, internal audits, and tax relief. Previously, I spent 11 years as Weber County Comptroller, leading its budgeting and accounting functions. Before that, I worked for 10 years in the Utah State Auditor's Office."
Asked about previous offices, Parke said: "I currently serve as Davis County Controller, having been selected in July 2025 to complete the term following my predecessor's resignation. I am now seeking a full term. Previously, I served for 11 years as Weber County's appointed Comptroller."
On the issues
What sets him apart: Asked about critical differences between himself and other candidates, Parke said: "I bring more than 20 years of directly relevant government finance experience, a CPA credential, and a record of addressing difficult financial problems."
He also said: "I also bring the independence to speak up when the numbers do not support a proposal. Residents deserve a Controller who will explain financial realities honestly, identify problems early, and recommend practical solutions—even when the message is uncomfortable."
Accomplishments: "At Weber County, my work helped achieve more than $15 million in taxpayer savings through retiree-benefit reform, spending reductions, and debt management," Parke said. "In Davis County, I have worked with other county leaders to begin phasing out a retiree health benefit with more than $20 million in unfunded liabilities, while protecting employees nearing retirement. I have also introduced a five-year financial forecast, redesigned budget information to make it easier to follow, and started consolidating financial transparency resources."
County programs needing review: "Creating a truly balanced budget is my highest priority. That means ongoing revenues must cover ongoing expenses. … Programs and positions originally supported by temporary funding, major service contracts, and areas where expenses are growing faster than revenues need particular attention," Parke said. "We should evaluate what each costs, what it delivers, and whether there are more affordable ways to meet residents' needs."
Best advice: Parke said the best work-related advice he has received is "to never think you are so smart that you cannot learn from someone else. No one of us is smarter than all of us. … Listening to others helps me ask better questions and make better decisions."
Candidate responses were collected through the Bountiful-Farmington Record's candidate questionnaire. Answers are presented in the candidate's own words.
