A Strong Voice for West Valley
&
New Energy for City Council
People, Not Politics
I’m running for City Council because I care about getting things done that matter. I’m not about red or blue politics, but actually helping people improve their lives and making a difference. I have devoted much of my life to public service and volunteering, and I want to continue finding solutions to the tough questions. I’ll stay focused on the important issues that residents of West Valley City care about, such as affordable housing, public safety, and infrastructure. I’m committed to serving all voters, not just certain populations or special interest groups. I will listen to your concerns and find all available solutions to bring to City Council. We all live here together, so let’s figure out the answers together.
Voters Care
About the Issues
The Issues
Public Safety
My main focus is to improve public safety, particularly regarding property crimes, street racing, and our growing gang problem. I support increasing the evidence-based prevention programs for youth and teen intervention strategies. I also firmly support community policing to create a connection between the police officers serving a specific neighborhood and the residents in those areas. We should emphasize strategies that interrupt cycles of violence and address underlying issues, such as mental health, improving access to health care and housing, and increasing support for people returning from incarceration.
Crime Rates
We all care about our safety and that of our families and neighbors. Research consistently shows that a small number of people drive the majority of serious crime. According to CrimeGrade.org, West Valley City gets the grade of D and violent crimes will cost us about $570 per household. This is despite the Police Department receiving the largest portion of the city’s budget at 42 percent. I would like to see more accountability and transparency from WVCPD, in addition to enhanced police-community relations.
Affordable Housing
West Valley City used to be a haven for reasonable housing. All of us hard-working people could find an economical home here. However, the city council has been putting up barriers for over a decade to increase the cost of new homes by adding restrictions for building projects, such as minimum square footage and architectural details that many homebuyers today don’t want or can’t afford. This limits the supply of new homes by unnecessarily increasing the cost, rather than letting the free market decide. I would also like to see an affordable housing/mixed use project built in West Valley City similar to what South Salt Lake just approved. Their plan will offer almost 500 units at 60 percent of the area median income. This type of project would be a very welcome addition to West Valley City’s currently expensive rentals.
Homeless Services
Closely related to affordable housing is what happens to those who have already lost their homes and are struggling to get back on their feet. As the state's unsheltered population continues to grow at an alarming pace, I believe the city should get ahead of our local problem with more funding and programs. I fully support mental health services and substance abuse treatment. A city this size should have more than one temporary shelter on Redwood Road, and I would like to see the city partnering again with the non-profit organization, Switchpoint, to help us serve these critical, growing needs.
City Infrastructure
During my campaign, one of the most talked about concerns from voters was infrastructure. Residents are upset that TRAX ends at City Hall instead of reaching to the 5600 West area and are concerned about the lack of bus lines to serve the entire city. It’s critical to have adequately paved streets and parking, along with appropriate code enforcement. Some areas of the city do not have sidewalks, curbs, and gutters. Not only does this present pedestrian safety concerns, but increases the likelihood of flooding homeowners’ property and homes, especially during heavy rainstorms like we just had, which was the most rain in 124 years.
Senior Support
I’m concerned about the welfare of our seniors and open to considering any programs to assist them, especially to minimize their social isolation. This includes such ideas as a Youth to Senior in-home support program, food pantry delivery service, and the creation of another senior center. I strongly endorse increasing the property tax credits of the "Circuit Breaker" Tax Abatement for seniors, in the hopes of keeping them in their homes since they are one of the largest growing populations of homeless.
A Little About Me
I have gratefully served the public through my employment over the last 23 years. I worked for the State and Salt Lake County, which consisted of eight years in child welfare and 15 years in criminal justice. I resigned last year to start my own business, Utah Probation Services, where I continue to help individuals get back on track, in turn creating safer neighborhoods. I've served on my HOA Board for over four years, both as President and currently as Treasurer. During that time, I managed several large projects for the community and focused on making it financially stable. I'm currently a member of West Valley City's Clean & Beautiful Committee. I've greatly enjoyed being an active volunteer most of my life and loved my role as a foster parent. My career path and volunteerism show my commitment to people and communities, and my willingness to do the hard work, not just talk about it. 
