South Salt Lake voter guide 2023

City Council

At large

Ranked choice voting. Voters will rank up to three candidates.

Conrad N. Campos

No responses.

Catherine Chansamone Costanzo

Disqualified but will still appear on ballots. Votes for her will not be counted.

Natalie Pinkney

Occupation: Small-business owner.

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

Making sure South Salt Lake stays livable for generations of new and old residents alike is vital to making sure our city can flourish in the future. I want us to increase investment in our housing stock, including higher-density housing, to make sure we can age in our neighborhoods and remain rooted in the places that make our city great. Investing in housing is about putting people first, and it’s a key part of my work to keep South Salt Lake affordable, from voting against unnecessary tax increases to creating the Financial Empowerment Center. That said, there is a way to grow sustainably and respectfully to homeowners, and protecting our community fabric is a big part of the council’s job. I’m excited to continue working on ensuring our affordable housing policy is balanced in my next term.

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

South Salt Lake has a responsibility to our unhoused neighbors, and I’m committed to engaging our community partners and other cities across the state to more comprehensively tackle the poverty, addiction and mental health issues that form the root causes of homelessness. I’m proud of the funding the state and council has put forward for revamped mental health infrastructure and neighborhood investment policies that keep the money of working families in their pockets. We need to use those community relationships to strengthen community programs and increase the city’s ability to offer employment training and addiction support, tackling the causes of homelessness together.

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

I believe the biggest challenge South Salt Lake faces is connecting our city through smart infrastructure growth as our population continues to grow. Too much of our city is car-dependent and reliant on big-business interests that don’t have resident interests at heart. By building sidewalks, protected bike lanes and public green space, we can open up our city to greater neighborhood empowerment and easier access to small businesses that keep their revenue in the city. Public programs that put space back in our hands can be transformative for a city like ours, on the precipice of population growth. Making our city walkable, connected and filled with community-focused business is one of my biggest priorities.

What is a fun or unique fact about yourself?

I love playing tennis, cooking comfort foods like chicken and dumplings or gourmet meals like octopus and playing The Sims.

District 1

Leanne Huff

No responses.

Jeanette Potter

No responses.

District 4

Portia Mila

No responses.

Nick Mitchell

Occupation: Small-business owner.

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

I do support higher-density housing. However, I do not believe this is the only solution to our housing crisis. I also believe in changing zoning restrictions to make it easier for homeowners to

rent out a basement apartment or mother-in-law addition. This would not only increase housing supply but also offer homeowners a source of supplementary income. Furthermore, I support initiatives, including payment assistance programs and implementing affordable mortgage options, that would help more individuals own the housing they live in and escape the rental trap. By combining these measures, we can create a more inclusive and accessible housing market, offering our residents a range of affordable housing options that fit their needs and circumstances.

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

Our goal as a city is to provide a way out of being unsheltered. This is not just the city’s responsibility; it is all of ours as a humanity. One effective approach is forming partnerships between businesses and unhoused individuals, providing them with opportunities for employment. By creating a coalition of business owners who require workers, we can help unhoused Utahns regain their independence and dignity. This not only addresses immediate financial needs but also fosters self-sufficiency and reintegration into society. Additionally, our city should support and collaborate with local organizations and service providers to offer shelter, mental health services and addiction treatment to those in need. By addressing the root causes of homelessness and providing pathways to stability, we can make a meaningful impact within our community.

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

A sense of community. I have lived in South Salt Lake for 10 years now, and I have rarely known a neighbor. Gaining a better sense of community will have a positive influence on other challenging areas in our city, including crime. To address this challenge, I propose a few initiatives. First, we need to facilitate community-building events and programs that bring residents together. Neighborhood gatherings and shared spaces that can foster connections among neighbors. Encouraging neighborhood watch programs can also enhance safety and reduce crime, as communities that look out for each other tend to be more secure. We can also learn from neighboring areas like Millcreek and explore the possibility of establishing community centers that serve as hubs for social interaction, recreation and cultural enrichment.

What is a fun or unique fact about yourself?

I have over 25 tattoos, one with a misspelled word. If you guess it, I’ll give you a high-five!

District 5

Paul Sanchez

Unopposed.