Two candidates are vying to unseat Midvale’s current mayor in the Nov. 4 election.
Incumbent Dustin Gettel was sworn into the position in January, two months after the resignation of former Midvale Mayor Marcus Stevenson.
Brandee Boyer and David Fair will also be on the ballot for the ranked choice race. Voters can rank all three candidates if they see fit.
Boyer is a licensed clinical social worker and small-business owner, while Fair works as a facilities manager, according to their campaign websites.
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 Boyer, Fair and Gettel 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?
Boyer: Outside of housing and transportation, Midvale’s biggest challenge is community well-being. Too many residents face economic strain, mental health stress, and disconnection from resources. I’ll prioritize investment in local health access, youth and senior programs, and neighborhood safety partnerships. By strengthening social infrastructure, mental health support, parks, and public spaces, we build belonging, reduce crisis calls, and create a safer, more connected Midvale.
Fair: Homelessness is one of Utah’s greatest challenges, and Midvale shares the same concerns as every city along the Wasatch Front. There’s no simple answer, but we can do better. Cities, communities, and churches must work together to create coordinated solutions that lift people up and build accountability. Through compassion, housing, jobs and collaboration, we can make lasting change for those who need it most.
Gettel: Public safety remains a top priority of mine as mayor and should be the top focus of anyone running for public office. Our residents deserve to feel safe in their homes, in their neighborhoods, and in our public spaces. Over the past several years, however, one of the most pressing challenges we’ve had is the increase in the number of unsheltered individuals in our city. We must be firm in keeping our public spaces safe and livable for everyone, while also being compassionate in addressing the underlying causes that result in homelessness.
What transportation improvements will you pursue to help residents get around easily, quickly and safely?
Boyer: My neighbors in wheelchairs are forced into the street because sidewalks aren’t accessible. I don’t feel safe biking and often take long, out-of-the-way routes to stay alive. With all the technology we have, it amazes me we still can’t make lane lines visible in the rain. Midvale deserves better, accessible sidewalks, protected bike lanes, safer crossings, and smart, well-lit streets that use technology to keep everyone safe.
Fair: Salt Lake has great transportation options, and Midvale benefits from excellent TRAX access. I’d like to see increased ridership by improving safety and accessibility on walking routes to and from TRAX stations. Park-and-ride lots and other supporting infrastructure should be well maintained, clearly marked, and better promoted so residents can use the system as it was designed — efficiently and safely.
Gettel: Too many residents feel uneasy walking, biking, or even driving on certain streets. We need to invest in safer intersections, better crosswalks, and traffic-calming devices in neighborhoods. Transit is also a critical piece of the puzzle. Midvale is fortunate to be a hub for regional transit, but we must make sure those services are reliable and accessible to everyone. For drivers, we must keep our roads in good condition and reduce congestion by prioritizing road maintenance and coordinating with our neighboring cities and the Utah Department of Transportation to address known regional bottlenecks.
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?
Boyer: When I spoke with an elder who became homeless for the first time because she couldn’t find $300 for a deposit, it broke my heart. She reached out for help, but the programs had no funds left. Too many neighbors are one paycheck or one emergency away from eviction. As mayor, I’ll work to fill those gaps by supporting emergency rental and deposit assistance, expanding homebuyer help and investing in mixed-income housing that keeps Midvale families stable.
Fair: Housing affordability is a challenge far bigger than any one city can solve, but as mayor, I’ll work with developers, the City Council, and the planning commission to expand housing options that meet community needs. There’s always a need for affordable and subsidized housing, and I’ll work to ensure that growth in Midvale maintains a healthy balance for all residents.
Gettel: Utah’s housing costs are among the highest in the nation, and Midvale must plan smartly to stay affordable. At just 6 square miles, we’re largely built out, but we can add housing near TRAX stations where density makes sense. I support a mix of rentals, starter homes like condos and town homes, and single-family housing where possible. Growth brings challenges like traffic and infrastructure, so I’ll continue prioritizing transportation, utilities and public safety to match our pace of development. My goal is to be a balanced, connected city where every resident can succeed.
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?
Boyer: No.
Fair: Yes.
Gettel: No.
If elected, would you advocate for your community to conserve more water to aid the Great Salt Lake?
Boyer: Yes.
Fair: Yes.
Gettel: Yes.
What’s a fun or interesting fact about yourself?
Boyer: I’m a lifelong concert lover. Pearl Jam is my favorite band — I missed them when their Park West show got rained out in the ’90s, but finally saw them in Seattle in 2018. I’ve also seen Soundgarden, Nirvana, Alice in Chains, and, most recently, Cyndi Lauper on her farewell tour.
Fair: I served six years in the U.S. Navy aboard nuclear-powered submarines, completing seven deterrent patrols during the Cold War. I’m proud of that service and proud of all who serve today — both in the military and in our communities every day.
Gettel: I’m working on a personal goal this year: walking all 45 miles of the Jordan River Trail, from Utah Lake to the Great Salt Lake. It’s been a great way to enjoy the outdoors, connect with our communities, and appreciate the beauty of our valley. Plus, I’ve met a lot of great ducks along the way!