In the southeastern corner of the Salt Lake Valley, two candidates are vying to become Draper’s mayor this fall.
Troy Walker, who will appear on ballots as Troy K. Walker, wants to serve a fourth consecutive term as mayor. Braxten Rutherford, an elementary school teacher, is looking to unseat him.
Before he was the mayor, Walker spent six years on the City Council and worked as an assistant district attorney in the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office. He now practices law privately.
Rutherford is also a freelance writer and previously worked as a youth counselor for teens in residential treatment.
The Salt Lake Tribune sent a survey to candidates in Salt Lake County’s Nov. 4 municipal mayoral elections. Answers may be edited for style and clarity. Here’s how Walker and Rutherford 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?
Rutherford: I fear that current Draper leadership prioritizes outside business interests and development over the quality of life of residents. This arrangement functions on a superficial level now, but what happens when massive new developments like The Point are realized, and Draper is suddenly urbanized overnight? Draper doesn’t currently elect full-time mayors to the office. I don’t think Draper can afford a part-time, side-hustle mayor in 2025, which is why I am running to give Draper voters the kind of mayor they deserve and already pay for.
Walker: The cost of municipal services and declining sales tax revenues. Everything has increased in price. We need to expand our commercial base and look for ways to stretch our revenues.
What transportation improvements will you pursue to help residents get around easily, quickly and safely?
Rutherford: First, we need more night construction on busy streets and intersections. With massive new developments on the horizon, Draper roadways will become disastrous if not properly managed and relief from the pressure on commuters is not achieved. I would also seek to implement a dedicated transportation solution for Draper seniors.
Walker: Sidewalks and bike lanes. More sidewalks and bike lanes allow better city access for pedestrians. Also, we can work on our east-west connectivity; opening east-west road connections improves our traffic flow and the response times of our emergency services.
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?
Rutherford: As someone who recently made the choice to move home with family due to housing affordability, I understand how difficult it is to focus and thrive when costs go up and up and income stays flat. In this era of national uncertainty and economic eggshells, Draper needs a mayor that can be a true advocate for its residents, not just for shaking hands and courting business interests. If elected, I will not play nice with predatory landlords or price gougers. I will work tirelessly to ensure that no one is “priced out” of Draper, while also protecting the property values of homeowners.
Walker: It is a complex problem and it is silly to think that state and local governments can solve it. Draper has zoned for density. We have thousands of apartments at high-market-rate rent. We have zoned for smaller lots and the builders build what makes them the money and — even on our smaller lots — they continue to build the largest, most profitable home they can fit on the lot. I think we can do our part with zoning and lots size but the builders’ market conditions, interest rates, material costs and builder profit truly control what gets built.
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?
Rutherford: No.
Walker: No.
If elected, would you advocate for your community to conserve more water to aid the Great Salt Lake?
Rutherford: Yes.
Walker: Yes.
What’s a fun or interesting fact about yourself?
Rutherford: I am a former Hogwarts student, also known as an Operations Managing Lead, at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!
Walker: I am a commercial-rated pilot and I love to fly.