Two candidates are vying to replace Brighton Mayor Dan Knopp, who has led the mountain town since its incorporation in 2019.
Nathaniel Dunlap has lived in Big Cottonwood Canyon for 13 years, and founded a software firm in 2004, according to his campaign website. His opponent, Scotty John, manages client relations and talent acquisition for KēSTA I.T., a technology staffing & solutions company, according to his LinkedIn profile.
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.
Outside of housing or transportation, what is the biggest problem your community faces and how would you overcome it?
Dunlap: Beyond housing and transportation, Brighton’s biggest ongoing challenge is wildfire risk. As the climate grows hotter and drier, shrinking snowpacks and longer fire seasons raise wildfire risk. This also impacts housing affordability as insurance becomes more costly and harder to obtain. While we can’t eliminate wildfire risk, we can mitigate it through forest fuel reduction, enforcing campfire restrictions, infrastructure upgrades, and expanding community education and services like Chipper Days. Wildfire risk isn’t a problem we overcome, but one that requires ongoing local action.
John: Did not answer.
What transportation improvements will you pursue to help residents get around easily, quickly and safely?
Dunlap: The challenge is improving transportation, keeping recreational opportunities accessible for our two million annual visitors, and protecting the watershed and natural environment. Building new parking lots in the canyon is not the solution. Mass transit must be the foundation of our efforts, including transit hubs at resorts, dedicated bus lanes, and enhanced year-round service. We must also advocate for parking improvements at the base of the canyon, promote carpooling, enforce traction control laws, and explore micro-transit systems for residents and guests in upper Big Cottonwood Canyon.
John: Did not answer.
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?
Dunlap: Brighton is a high cost-of-living area, largely due to housing. There is a limited number of cabins that can be built because of zoning and the availability of watershares. This keeps housing density low but also means prices will likely continue rising. To help, I support programs like “Lease to Locals,” which assist property owners in providing long-term rentals for canyon employees. We should also maintain our current limits on short-term rentals to encourage owner-occupied homes. I also support using Brighton’s public treasurer’s investment fund to offer services that will help reduce residents’ cost of living.
John: Did not answer.
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?
Dunlap: No.
John: Did not answer.
If elected, would you advocate for your community to conserve more water to aid the Great Salt Lake?
Dunlap: Yes.
John: Did not answer.
What’s a fun or interesting fact about yourself?
Dunlap: During the 2022/23 and 2023/24 ski seasons, I had perfect attendance at Solitude Mountain Resort, snowboarding every day the chairlifts were running. This year, I broke the streak by spending eight days at Park City. Safe to say, I really enjoy riding the greatest snow on earth.
John: Did not answer.