Murray Mayor Brett A. Hales will face one challenger in his quest for a second term at the city’s helm.
Former Murray City Power operations manager Bruce E. Turner is seeking to replace Hales, who has lead the Salt Lake County suburb since 2022.
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 Hales and Turner 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?
Hales: I think the biggest challenge is keeping that sense of community and independence that makes Murray special. I want residents to feel connected to their neighbors and their city. That’s why I focus on community events, public spaces and simple kindness in how we treat each other.
Turner: Our current mayor and council continue to raise utility rates. We have our own power department, which was meant to help keep taxes and rates down — instead they just keep going up. I will freeze rates and then work with the council to lower rates.
What transportation improvements will you pursue to help residents get around easily, quickly and safely?
Hales: Murray Central Station is like our own Grand Central. It’s one of the few places in Utah where FrontRunner, TRAX and Utah Transit Authority buses all meet. I’ll keep working with UTA and state partners to make it safer, more convenient and easier for people to get where they need to go.
Turner: Murray has TRAX that runs through our town and we have bike lanes on every road. I do not know of any way to make our transportation any better.
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?
Hales: My focus is housing that helps families stay in Murray, like owner-occupied condos and town homes. I’ve also supported impact fees so developers help pay for streets, stormwater and parks. Growth is coming, but new development should pay its way and support the community we love.
Turner: I will work with developers to build starter homes that young people can afford. And stop building high-density housing.
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?
Hales: No.
Turner: No.
If elected, would you advocate for your community to conserve more water to aid the Great Salt Lake?
Hales: Yes.
Turner: Yes.
What’s a fun or interesting fact about yourself?
Hales: I have multiple sclerosis and use medical cannabis to manage my symptoms. While on the City Council, I spent time in a wheelchair and briefly on a feeding tube. Cannabis has given me my life back and a deeper empathy for people with disabilities.
Turner: I worked for the Forest Service when I was 14 years old rebuilding trails and restrooms around Brighton Ski Resort one summer.