Note to readers • Click here to find an interactive map where you can enter your address to see all the races on your ballot that have a voter guide from The Salt Lake Tribune.

Salt Lake County Council member Jiro Johnson is looking to fend off challenger Casey Poe in this year’s District 1 general election.

Johnson, a Democrat, is running for his first full term on the panel. Democrats appointed him to the seat in August 2025 after former council member Arlyn Bradshaw stepped down to join Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson’s administration.

Poe, a Libertarian, manages the English Language Institute at the University of Utah by day.

District 1 includes most of Salt Lake City and South Salt Lake as well as a northeastern section of West Valley City.

The candidates are vying for votes ahead of Election Day, Nov. 3. Mail ballots must be dropped off at a ballot dropbox by 8 p.m. on Election Day or, if returned by mail, must be received by the county clerk by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Candidates submitted photos and answers through a questionnaire. Answers may have been edited for style and clarity. Candidate responses are listed in alphabetical order by last name.

Most voters in our survey said everyday affordability was the most important issue to them. What would you do to improve affordability for residents?

Jiro Johnson: Affordability touches everything from housing to childcare. On housing, though the county only controls zoning in unincorporated areas, investing in public and transitional housing can help fight homelessness, alongside partnering with cities and the state to incentivize starter homes and affordable apartments near transit. Expanding access to affordable childcare would ease a major burden on working families. I will also push to reduce the cost of utilities by supporting renewable energy.

Casey Poe: I would improve affordability by lowering taxes and cutting unnecessary regulations that increase costs for families and businesses. I would also remove barriers to housing construction, increasing supply and making housing more attainable. By reducing government-imposed costs and promoting a competitive economy, residents can keep more of what they earn.

Our survey respondents were concerned about government corruption. What would you do, as an elected official, to be transparent and ensure residents have confidence in government?

Johnson: Trust in government starts with accessibility and honesty. I’ll always make myself available to meet with constituents. I answer to voters, not donors. When I vote, I’ll always explain my reasoning, not just cast a vote silently. I’ll also push for maximum transparency on County Council decisions, giving residents full access to the information behind every choice, not just the outcome.

Poe: I would bring greater transparency and fiscal discipline to county government. I would thoroughly review the county budget, eliminate wasteful spending and demand accountability for every taxpayer dollar. Residents deserve clear, timely information about how their money is spent. I would make responsible budgeting, open government and accountability core priorities so taxpayers can have confidence in their county government.

As drought and water shortages continue to affect our state, how should Salt Lake County protect its water resources?

Johnson: Water scarcity, especially the shrinking Great Salt Lake, is an existential threat. As it dries up, the exposed lakebed releases toxic dust that endangers public health. The county should keep cutting water use on our properties, expand conservation programs, and pass resolutions and ordinances protecting the lake. Solving this fully requires partnering with cities, the state and federal government to fund purchasing water rights from large agricultural users and redirect that water to the lake.

Poe: Salt Lake County should prioritize water conservation while taking a hard look at how our largest water users consume this limited resource. We should reduce waste, encourage responsible use and make sure major users are held accountable for efficient water consumption. Protecting our water supply requires practical conservation, responsible management and planning for long-term growth.

Salt Lake County instituted a moratorium on data centers until it could craft new rules for them. What guardrails should the county put in place for these projects?

Johnson: I am skeptical of data centers, and they can’t come at the expense of residents’ rights. Residents deserve to meaningfully be part of the process. Any data center should fully operate on renewable energy. They should have no net water use, given how scarce and precious our water already is. Strong protections must ensure this technology can’t be used to surveil residents. And any construction should require union labor, ensuring local workers benefit from the jobs these projects create.

Poe: I support the moratorium while the county develops clear, responsible standards for data centers. Utah’s rules should prioritize water and energy impacts, with water receiving special attention. We are a dry state, and large-scale data center development could increase demand on limited water supplies and compound the effects of drought. We should not put short-term development ahead of protecting our environment and water resources.

Will you accept the results of this election?

Johnson: Yes.

Poe: Yes.

Should Salt Lake County cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in any capacity that is not already required by law?

Johnson: No.

Poe: No.

What will be your top priority, if elected, as a council member?

Johnson: Reimagining our criminal system. I’ve seen how the system fails people. I’m working to provide more treatment and alternatives to incarceration.

Poe: Lower taxes and regulation, enforce fiscal discipline, protect our environment and expand liberty by limiting unnecessary government intrusion.