Bayley Hedglin Oral History Interview

In an interview for the Crossroads Project, Bayley Hedglin, mayor of Monticello, Utah, and an associate director at Utah State University, discusses the benefits and challenges of rural life. She highlights the strong community support and opportunities for youth in small towns, contrasting them with the diverse experiences available in larger cities. Hedglin also addresses the perception of rural areas, the impact of the region's remoteness, and the ongoing challenges of maintaining infrastructure and fostering civic engagement with limited resources. As the first female mayor of Monticello, she emphasizes the direct impact of her work and the importance of public involvement, while also advocating for a more localized approach to governance that considers the unique needs of rural communities like hers.