CLIFTON — When he decided to run for a seat on the Clifton City Council in 2019, Andy Clawson felt he was doing his civic duty.

“There weren't enough candidates,” Clawson said of the 2019 election. “I am of the mindset that everyone should step up and take their turn.”

Clawson, who previously served on a city committee in Clifton, planned to serve a single term on the City Council, never envisioning a second term or that he would one day sit in the mayor's chair.

On Wednesday, Clawson will preside over Clifton's first City Council meeting of 2026 as its newly sworn in mayor.

“No one had thrown their hat in the ring,” he said of his decision to run for mayor. “I was the longest-standing City Council member and wanted to see our projects through to completion.”

Also being sworn in on Wednesday are two new members of the Clifton City Council, Bracken Henderson and Elden Tolman. Clifton Mayor Duke Mumford, who held the office for two terms, did not run for re-election. Henderson and Tolman were the two highest vote recipients in November's election and will replace Chuck Lignell and Della Hughes on the City Council.

The projects that have kept Clawson so engaged include an overhaul of the city park and a $3.1 million water project.

Clifton City Clerk Eve Waite said it was Clawson who led the charge to seek out funds with help from the Southeast Idaho Council of Governments to repair outdated and broken playground equipment and upgrade other areas at Clifton's city park. A $250,000 grant was awarded during Clawson's first term on the City Council but the project wouldn't be completed until after the term ended.

“I just wanted to see that project through,” he said, when asked about running for a second term.

The water project includes drilling a new well and constructing a new storage tank and a structure to protect the well. Clawson said the project was initiated when inspectors determined the city's current water system fell short of requirements. He said the inspectors calculated that Clifton would not be able to maintain the needed water flow to address a fire at its largest structure.

As Clifton's new mayor, Clawson said he isn't walking into the office with any particular agenda. His hope is to maintain continuity. But after six years on the City Council, he is well aware of challenges Clifton will face in the future. He knows that with today's ready access to high-speed internet and increased remote work opportunities, Clifton is a potential landing spot for those looking to get out of the big city.

“Growth is going to happen eventually,” Clawson said. “I want to be able to manage that effectively. If it's managed correctly, then everyone is happy.”

As he steps into his new role, he has a lot of gratitude for outgoing Mayor Mumford.

“He has been an amazing mayor, and a dedicated citizen serving our city for the past 16 years,” Clawson said. “He is great to work with. I am definitely going to be using him as a mentor as I get started.”

Henderson and Tolman expressed similar sentiments as new City Council members. Neither is stepping in with an agenda, just a drive to serve and be accountable to their community.

“In a little community like this everyone has to take their turn to keep things running and get things done,” Henderson said. “I thought it was time for me to step up to the plate.”

“I am coming in with an open mind,” Tolman said. “I don't have an agenda or a platform that I ran on. I just see some challenges the city is trying to work through and I think I can contribute.”

Henderson grew up in Dayton and lived in Utah for several years before moving to Clifton. He currently works in Preston for the University of Idaho Extension in Franklin County. He's looking forward to being part of the City Council's new incarnation.

“I am excited about Andy being the new mayor and looking forward to working with him,” Henderson said.

Tolman grew up in Logan, Utah, and went to Utah State University. From there, he and his wife moved to Preston, eventually moving to Clifton in 2015. He is currently a program manager and has experience with a range of different types of projects. He's hoping his experience will help guide Clifton into the future.

“I feel like I have a skill set that can help the city,” he said. “I just feel like it's my turn to contribute.”

Clawson is a partner in Carmedic, a paintless vehicle dent removal company. He's been involved with the Clifton Founders Day Celebration since moving there in 2006.

He considers his time as mayor as a duty that comes with living in the smaller community.

“I'm just taking my turn,” he said. “If we don't take our turn, then we can't complain about what happens.”

Wednesday's Clifton City Council meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Moyle Community Center.