Two candidates will be on the ballot for Holladay mayor this November.
Holladay City Council member Paul S. Fotheringham is competing against retired OB-GYN Daren Watts for the seat.
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 Fotheringham and Watts 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?
Fotheringham: Holladay is a newer municipality (about 25 years old) that was “settled” in the mid-1800s. Consequently, we have a great need for renewal combined with a great desire to preserve the Holladay we know. At our core, we have some old bones that need some care. We also are having to adapt to demographic changes that affect the makeup of our community. Those changes have resulted in some heartbreaking closures of neighborhood schools. Both challenges provide opportunities. Solutions include upgrades to extend the life of City Hall, and conversion of closed school property into a new city park!
Watts: I’d like to empower our families and secure our children’s future. I envision Holladay with schools governed locally, mirroring our community’s unique values and needs. Nearby areas are reclaiming control over education. As mayor, I aim to reestablish a coalition to study the feasibility of a small school district thoroughly and transparently. After my first public discussion of this initiative, a respected representative disagreed, urging me to halt the conversation. Nevertheless, I remain committed to open dialogue and collaboration toward a unified vision for Holladay.
What transportation improvements will you pursue to help residents get around easily, quickly and safely?
Fotheringham: As a fully built-out community, retrofitting community amenities is a bigger challenge for Holladay than for newer communities with “green field” development opportunities. Nonetheless, I intend to pursue opportunities to enhance our bike and pedestrian pathways to enhance safe, active transportation options in Holladay. Highland Drive is a significant connector route within Holladay, but at present, only for automobiles. I intend to continue work started to reconstruct the south leg of Highland Drive to be more bike- and pedestrian-friendly as well as “left turn” friendly.
Watts: To improve transportation for Holladay residents, where 86% rely on private vehicles, I propose enhancing road infrastructure to reduce congestion and improve safety. We will explore smart traffic management systems and optimize traffic signal timing for smoother flow. Additionally, we’ll consider expanding public transportation options and improving bike and pedestrian pathways for more sustainable alternatives. Engagement with the community will be key to developing solutions that meet our unique needs effectively.
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?
Fotheringham: Holladay, given it’s prime location in Salt Lake County, is a high-demand housing market. Utah is seventh most expensive in the nation. Within Utah, Holladay is at the top of the list for expensive housing. The redevelopment of the former Cottonwood Mall location into Holladay Hills will increase our housing supply by over 600 units, both owner-occupied and for rent — a solid contribution to “supply” given our relatively small size. Within the rental pool, 100 units will be dedicated to “Workforce Affordable” (80% of the area’s median income), which extends local affordability options to our local workforce.
Watts: Addressing affordability, growth, and growing pains requires a comprehensive and thoughtful approach that balances the needs of our diverse population. As mayor, I am committed to leading with transparency and collaboration, ensuring that Holladay remains a vibrant and inclusive community for generations to come. By leveraging smart planning, community engagement, and sustainable practices, we can navigate these challenges and build a future that respects our past while embracing progress.
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?
Fotheringham: No.
Watts: Yes.
If elected, would you advocate for your community to conserve more water to aid the Great Salt Lake?
Fotheringham: Yes.
Watts: Yes.
What’s a fun or interesting fact about yourself?
Fotheringham: Just prior to my birth, my dad bet the doctor “double or nothing” on his fee if he would deliver a baby girl. Upon delivering my parent’s 5th son in a row, the doctor made good on the bet and didn’t take payment for my delivery. My dad now calls me his “good for nothing” son. It’s a bad dad joke.
Watts: I’m a long-time Holladay resident and a parent of five, coming from a family of six siblings — five brothers and one sister— also raised here. As the black sheep of the family, I pursued a career as an obstetrician-gynecologist, delivering 6,500 babies and experiencing the joy of new beginnings.