South Jordan Mayor Dawn Ramsey wants a third term at the southwestern suburb’s helm.
In her quest for another term, Ramsey — who will appear on ballots as Dawn R. Ramsey — is being challenged by automotive technician Noah Barrett.
South Jordan residents will go to the polls Nov. 4 — or vote via other means before that — to decide who will serve as their mayor for the next four years.
The Salt Lake Tribune sent a survey to candidates in Salt Lake County’s municipal mayoral elections. Answers may be edited for style and clarity. Here’s how Ramsey and Barrett responded, listed in alphabetical order by last name:
Outside of housing or transportation, what is the biggest problem your community faces and how would you overcome it?
Barrett: I think there is a large opportunity for growth in the small-business sector of South Jordan. I would love to see more than a handful of restaurants open past 9 p.m. My plan is to secure quicker permits and clerical services that will allow small-business owners to open their doors sooner and clear red tape.
Ramsey: Fast growth and the infrastructure needed to support it continues to be a challenge. The most recent U.S. Census named South Jordan one of the 10 fastest growing cities in America. We continue working to bring investment into the city to help pay for amenities and new infrastructure needed to maintain our excellent quality of life. Roads, transit, water, sewer, fire and police stations, public works, parks and a new senior center are all projects we’ve been working hard on during my tenure, with great success. We will continue working hard to ensure we have excellent infrastructure for generations to come.
What transportation improvements will you pursue to help residents get around easily, quickly and safely?
Barrett: My plan is to put a bus route in that runs west up 10600 South and 11400 South from Redwood Road to Mountain View Corridor. This will provide a more comprehensive public transportation system that fills large gaps in people’s day-to-day travel.
Ramsey: We are excited to have 9800 South and Bangerter Highway opening as it’s taken years of work to reach this point. The conversion of Mountain View Corridor to a freeway, the Shields Lane project and widening state Route 111 are all key priorities. Strengthening our north-south thoroughfares and bringing jobs and amenities closer to where people live are the best way to ease north-south congestion. Trails and active transportation are also priorities. Working with the Utah Transit Authority and the other southwest communities and stakeholders on an expansion of the TRAX Red Line is something else I’m currently working hard on.
Utah is now tied with Idaho and Rhode Island for the seventh most expensive housing market in the nation. As mayor, how will you approach affordability, growth and growing pains in your city?
Barrett: My plan for South Jordan’s further growth is to redistribute the city’s budget to allow funds for larger down payment assistance grants for first-time homebuyers.
Ramsey: We just announced a new senior center with 200 affordable senior housing units in South Jordan. In the Daybreak development, there will also be affordable housing options built near the TRAX line. We also partnered with Ivory Innovations to build workforce housing mixed into the Bingham Court project with city and school district employees purchasing those homes. There’s only so much government can do and many factors are outside of our control. We allow for internal and external accessory dwelling units and are constantly working with development partners on creative ways to bring the cost of housing down.
Immigration has been an important issue in many communities, especially in those that are considering law enforcement partnerships with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Would you support such a partnership in your community?
Barrett: No.
Ramsey: No.
If elected, would you advocate for your community to conserve more water to aid the Great Salt Lake?
Barrett: Yes.
Ramsey: Yes.
What’s a fun or interesting fact about yourself?
Barrett: I’ve been working on cars since I was thirteen years old and my time in the automotive industry as well as time working with my community has inspired me to run for office to advocate for them.
Ramsey: Fun fact, I love to sing and last year I auditioned for South Jordan’s production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. I had the amazing opportunity to sing the role of the narrator and treasure the privilege of performing with such a talented cast and crew, most of whom live in our city.