Sheldon Birch

Sheldon Birch earned a graduate degree from the University of Washington in 2003. His career experience includes working as a pharmacist.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Sheldon Birch is a Utah pharmacist, small business owner, and public servant with a proven track record of strengthening local communities. He attended BYU, where he met his wife, Melinda. He later earned his Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Washington before returning to Utah to build his career and raise a family. Sheldon began working in community pharmacy in Tooele City before launching Birch Family Pharmacy in 2007. He expanded his business in 2011 with locations in Grantsville and Stansbury Park. Sheldon has since expanded by opening Cedar Valley Pharmacy in Eagle Mountain and by acquiring Oquirrh Mountain Pharmacy in Magna. With 5 Utah pharmacies, Sheldon currently employs more than 120 Utahns. To add some diversity and fun into his business profile, Sheldon owns Bee Bowls, an acai bowl food truck, that he runs in partnership with his daughter. Sheldon currently serves as the Chair of the Erda City Council, is Fellow and Vice President of the American College of Apothecaries, and is President of the Tooele Education Foundation. Sheldon and Melinda have 5 children and just became grandparents for the first time! Sheldon enjoys running and loves to water-ski and wake surf when he gets the chance.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

My career as a community pharmacist has taught me much about our healthcare system. I will work to improve access to care in our rural communities and affordability for everyone.I feel strongly about the proper role of government. I support small government that is as close to the people as possible. Local control is always the goal. I will consider size of government in each decision and work to reduce the intrusion of government into personal lives.As a small business owner I understand the need for fiscal responsibility. Tight budgets and efficient departments can help reduce our tax burden. We must encourage job growth in our communities by creating an environment that balances healthy agriculture with appropriate business and industry.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Because it’s my lifetime career, healthcare policy is very important to me. I also want to protect the values and agricultural lifestyles important to the communities in my district. I want to support infrastructure, including regional trail systems, that will make transportation smoother, faster, and more enjoyable so we can all spend more time together as families and friends. I believe our communities need a unified voice fighting for them at the state level to protect and preserve the values we espouse.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

DOERS

Utah Reagan Caucus

The Governing Group

Education First

All In For Utah

Bridger Bolinder, current Utah House 29 representative

Evan Vickers, current Utah State Senator, district 28

Scott Wardle, Chair of Tooele County Commission

Merrill Nelson, former Utah State Representative

Leland and Joyce Hogan

Camille Knudson, senior policy analyst UDAF

Becca Hall, Tooele Education Foundation Board

Maresa Manzione, Tooele City Mayor

Heidi Hammond, Grantsville City Mayor

Kendall Thomas, Tooele County Commissioner