Hales wants to give back by serving on the council

Just a few years ago, Brett Hales couldn’t walk and was in the hospital hooked up to a feeding tube. Now, he’s literally back on his feet and was recently elected to the Murray City Council, representing District 5. Hales is eager to serve the city’s residents who he feels helped him through a very difficult time in his life.

Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2005, Hales experienced several years of highs and lows but credits Cindy, his wife of 30 years, with keeping him focused. He and Cindy met when they were both serving LDS missions in Alaska.

“We have a fairy-tale marriage,” Hales said. “She has been a rock, taking care of me. I have been one lucky guy.”

Now that his MS symptoms have lessened due to chemotherapy treatments and weekly medication, Hales plans to dedicate the next part of his life to working with the residents, administration and employees of Murray.

Hales wants to focus on building morale within the city’s departments because it’s been many years since employees have received pay raises. With the recent streamlining of those departments, many employees have been asked to do more for the same pay. He is concerned that employees don’t feel appreciated and might consider working elsewhere.

“I want to keep the employees of Murray satisfied so they can keep satisfying the residents of Murray,” Hales said. “I’d be hard-pressed to approve [budget items] before giving the employees a raise.”

Hales has a background in budgeting, serving as the vice-president of administration for Cyprus Credit Union for several years. His goal is to make the city stay within its budget, just like families in Murray have to live within their means.

Hales said he chose to run for office, thinking that the incumbent, Krista Dunn, would not be running for re-election. He felt Dunn had done a fantastic job on the council, but decided to get involved to expand his realm of community service.

“I’m so excited that I’m walking again that I want to give back to Murray,” he said.

Hales never struggled with depression during his recent health issues, although he did admit to being discouraged at times; but he said he learned to accept his condition and work with what he had.

“I learned a lot about acceptance, and that everybody has something they’re working through,” Hales said. “It was my first experience with something I had no control over. I didn’t even know if I would ever walk again.”

Hales and his wife have lived in Murray for 23 years, and have five children and one granddaughter.

“I was voted in by the residents of Murray, so I feel like I work for them,” Hales said. “It will be a challenge to keep everyone satisfied; both the city and the residents.”

Next month, fellow new councilmember Dave Nicponski will be profiled in the Murray Journal.