South Jordan voter guide 2023

City Council candidates

District 1

Patrick Harris

Unopposed.

District 2

Laurel Bevans

Occupation: Strategic management and consulting.

If elected, what would you do to provide more affordable housing options to your residents? Would you support higher-density housing?

Affordable housing is a key component of any smart-growth initiative. We need to be strategic about how we execute smart-growth plans and, more specifically, the affordable housing piece, which includes high density. There is a place for high-density housing within our city. That place is not in established low-density residential neighborhoods. We need to place high-density units near public transit hubs and town centers, where we can ensure access to services, public transit, green space, retail space and economic opportunities are nearby. We need to place communities where our infrastructure can support the higher density. The last thing we want to do is cause additional hardship on vulnerable communities. As we continue to build and grow, it will be imperative to partner with developers who share a commitment to our community and to the residents of South Jordan.

What is your city’s responsibility in addressing homelessness, and what would you do within the boundaries of your community to help unhoused Utahns?

We all have a responsibility to care for our fellow citizens and neighbors. Many municipalities are working together to combat homelessness. They are combining resources and plans in a way that allows for help and efforts on levels that are not possible when working alone. It is important as a city to continue to work collaboratively to come up with creative and realistic solutions. We need people who are willing to take the helm and execute plans quickly to ensure the health and safety of unhoused Utahns. As a council member, I will continue to work with those who are active in this arena. Working with those in our city, our surrounding cities and those in the nonprofit arena will allow us to continue to collaborate and build better support systems for those who need a hand up.

Besides affordable housing or homelessness, what is the biggest challenge your city faces, and how would you address it?

I could put any number of issues here like traffic/transit, water or taxes, and all would be great answers. But in talking with residents via walking our community, texting, phone calls, social media and emails, I’ve learned the number one thing people want is to be heard. Residents in South Jordan are smart, active and involved. Our community is changing rapidly. People want to know their elected officials are available and will listen when they voice concerns. My passion is civic engagement. There is nothing more important to me than making sure our citizens know their voice matters. I can promise as your representative on the City Council I will keep lines of communication open. I will listen and engage in civil dialogue at every stop along the way. We are in this together as neighbors and friends to build a bright future for South Jordan.

What is a fun or unique fact about yourself?

I could survive solely on Dr Pepper, chips and salsa and tacos.

Kathie L. Johnson

Occupation: Certified residential appraiser.

If elected, what would you do to provide more affordable housing options to your residents? Would you support higher-density housing?

Over the past 10 years, South Jordan has built several high-density housing projects, especially in the Daybreak area. Due to the rapid residential growth in our community, east-west traffic is highly congested during peak hours. Commercial development has not kept up with residential development. South Jordan needs to concentrate more of its time and energy on developing a commercial tax base in the areas already planned and zoned for commercial development. We must prioritize making South Jordan an economically robust city for all its residents. It will help fund essential services and infrastructure maintenance without burdening the residents with increased property taxes.

What is your city’s responsibility in addressing homelessness, and what would you do within the boundaries of your community to help unhoused Utahns?

Homelessness has not been an issue in South Jordan. However, as I have campaigned throughout my district, a few residents have commented on noticing homeless people in their neighborhoods. If I am elected, it will be one of my priorities to look into the matter and to determine if this is an issue and the best way to help these people in our community.

Besides affordable housing or homelessness, what is the biggest challenge your city faces, and how would you address it?

As previously stated, South Jordan’s challenges are keeping up with the demands for essential services and infrastructure due to its rapid growth over the past 10 years.

What is a fun or unique fact about yourself?

I bake the best sourdough bread every week for my family.

District 4

Tamara Zander

Unopposed.