Don’t forget that there is, in fact, an election tomorrow. Though there are hundreds of municipal elections around the state, I am going to focus on the races in Salt Lake City proper.
If you don’t know where to go to vote, click here. Remember, you now need two forms of identification to vote.
Public Safety Building
Endorsement: For
Some members of the blogosphere *Salt Lake Crawler cough, cough* have been all too eager knock the PSB every chance they get. For some reason people simply can’t understand the need of a consolidated emergency response building in the heart of Utah’s most populous city and county. Yes, Mayor Becker’s introduction of the PSB was not the smoothest, however we must see the bigger picture. Not only are improvements desperately needed to our infrastructure, but a PSB is needed as our city continues to grow.
Salt Lake City Council – District 1
Endorsement: Carlton Christensen
As I have stated before, Carlton is the only choice in my mind for Salt Lake’s west side. Not only does he bring experience to the table, but he has the sorely lacking ability to reach across party lines to get the job done. Furthermore, Carlton’s opponent did a fine job offending me when she stated that LDS candidates fair far better in elections because they have “built-in get out the vote mechanism(s).” Statements like that show that Carlton’s opponent is out of touch with the district.
Salt Lake City Council – District 3
Endorsement: Stan Penfold
The Avenues can’t go wrong in this election as both candidates offer bright ideas for the district. What sets Stan apart in my mind is his desire to update the neighborhood plans for the Avenues while still keeping in mind the unique feel of the district. Furthermore, Stan is a more progressive voice in the district, something that will serve the areas GLBT community well in City Hall.
Salt Lake City Council – District 5
Endorsement: Jill Remington Love
This is a bit of a no brainer endorsement, if only because Love is not actually being contested in her race. Though I do value a choice in all elections, it does speak volumes that no one on the east bench wanted to challenge Love in the first place. Love is often the power player on the council as her decisions are often makes or breaks tie votes on crucial decisions regarding the welfare of our city; the lack of a challenger shows that she really does vote with her heart, and her city, in mind.
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Salt Lake City Council – District 7
Endorsement: Soren Simonson
Simonson is, by far, the most proactive member on council. His proactive approach towards problem solving means that he is often at the forefront of both praise and criticism when he introduces new ideas and programs to the council. Sugar House, in many ways, is a district in transition. Simonson fought hard against “the crater” and for increased mass transit in the traffic clogged district. Furthermore, Simonson’s planning mind melds well with Mayor Becker, and his dogged push for alternative transportation make him a vital part of Salt Lake’s future.
