Chris McCandless

Chris McCandless, a long term resident of Sandy City, recalls learning to love the outdoors in his youth by camping in the wilderness, then located where the Waterford School now stands on 9400 South and 1700 East. With that memory, and thousands of other outdoor experiences since, he understands the importance of open space to Sandy's residents. It is critical that our parks and trails have specific links to the incredible asset known as the Wasatch National forest, located on Sandy's eastern border. Chris is an avid skier (and former Ski Patrolman), hiker, biker, and fly fisherman, and has shared his love of outdoors with hundreds of young men through the Boy Scout organization and church youth groups.

Service has been another common thread throughout his youth and adult life. In addition to his service on numerous Sandy Committees, Chris is a member of the Rotary Club, a long term board member of the South Valley Boys and Girls Club, an Honorary Colonel of the Sandy City Police Department, and a former member of the Jordan Education Foundation. Recently, Chris, through the Sandy City Sister City program took his 15th humanitarian trip to Piedras Negras, Mexico, this time to deliver a trailer of hospital equipment to a children's hospital. In 2002, he was recognized as the Humanitarian of the Year, by Sandy City, and in 2009, he received the Noel Bateman Service Award, also from Sandy.

Since 1981, Councilman McCandless has co-owned and operated a real estate development and management business. His goal, both as a city councilman and in business, has been to create or stimulate job growth. These efforts have always been the key to establishing a continuing tax base that pays for education, police, fire protection and provides for parks and trails as well as other needs found in our great community.

In 1977 Chris married Susan Holt; their children, Meagan and Sean attend local Utah universities.