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.

Two candidates are battling to represent a southern swath of Salt Lake County on its council in this year’s general election.

District 5 council member Sheldon Stewart, a Republican, withdrew from his reelection campaign in January. Republican Traci Crockett and Democrat Sara Cimmers are looking to replace the conservative banking executive.

Crockett, a Realtor, once represented a slice of the district as an at-large Bluffdale City Council member.

Cimmers, a former educator, is also a Realtor. She also ran for Utah House District 45 in 2024, but lost to Republican Rep. Tracy Miller in the general election.

District 5 includes all of Bluffdale and Riverton, and parts of four other cities: West Jordan, South Jordan, Herriman and Draper.

Crockett and Cimmers 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.

Crockett did not respond to multiple requests to fill out the questionnaire.

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

Sara Cimmers: I would focus county dollars on the things putting the biggest strain on household budgets: housing, childcare, transportation, et cetera. I would work to expand affordable childcare, increase the supply of affordable housing, protect seniors from being priced out of their homes and make sure county spending prioritizes basic needs. I would also pursue partnerships that stretch taxpayer dollars further and support a fair tax burden with those who have more ability to pay carrying a fair share.

Traci Crockett: Did not answer.

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?

Cimmers: I believe government works best when ordinary people have a real seat at the table — not just those with deep pockets or political connections. I would support campaign finance reform and greater transparency around who funds candidates and influences policy. As an elected official, I would clearly communicate not just what decisions I make, but why — including the facts and reasoning behind them. Residents deserve to know who their government is working for and why it makes the choices it does.

Crockett: Did not answer.

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

Cimmers: The county must protect our water resources. I would continue encouraging residential conservation, but hold large commercial and agricultural water users to a higher standard. I would support auditing county water use, incentivizing efficient infrastructure and partnering with water districts to reduce consumption. Saving water isn’t just about surviving drought — it’s about making sure there is enough water to sustain the Great Salt Lake and the communities that depend on it.

Crockett: Did not answer.

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?

Cimmers: Data centers should be self-sustaining, meaning they should provide and pay for the water, power, infrastructure and public services they require. They should also pay their fair share in taxes. Projects should require local approval at every applicable level with transparent disclosure of resource use, impacts and public costs. Developers should demonstrate a clear community benefit. If a project benefits a company, it should benefit the community hosting it.

Crockett: Did not answer.

Will you accept the results of this election?

Cimmers: Yes.

Crockett: Did not answer.

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

Cimmers: No.

Crockett: Did not answer.

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

Cimmers: Taking care of people. I’ll put families, seniors and the people who need their county government most at the center of every decision.

Crockett: Did not answer.