Murray voter guide 2023

City Council

District 1

Paul Pickett

Occupation: International area manager for BYU-Pathway.

If elected, what would you do to provide more affordable housing options to your residents? Would you support higher-density housing?

I believe in the free-market system where the government interferes only when absolutely necessary. Housing is one of those needs. Higher-density housing has its place in our community and should be carefully designed and supported by the proper infrastructure. Careful consideration needs to be given by each city’s zoning commission to make sure that high-density housing fits the master plan of that community. The developer must also be required to put in the necessary improvements to support the higher number of residents. This includes widening the streets that feed the apartment complex and providing sufficient parking for two cars per apartment. Schooling, grocery stores and public transportation should also be considered when granting building permits to high-density housing.

What is your city’s responsibility in addressing homelessness, and what would you do within the boundaries of your community to help unhoused Utahns?

When discussing the subject of homelessness, we need to separate this into voluntary homelessness and involuntary homelessness. Every city in the valley has been inundated by voluntary homelessness; those who panhandle for a living. Many of these are individuals who suffer from mental illness, drug addictions or poor social skills. And, sadly, among these, are a group of “fake” homeless who simply realize they can make more money from panhandling (tax-free income) than from a job that requires them to pay taxes. This group is the most visible, and they drain many of the resources meant for those who are left homeless involuntarily. We need to provide mandatory mental health and drug rehabilitation programs at the state level. The involuntary homeless are the quiet, hidden ones, who deserve our attention and our resources. I would categorize them and provide the most help to the involuntary homeless people.

Besides affordable housing or homelessness, what is the biggest challenge your city faces, and how would you address it?

Murray is in an envious position of being the center of the valley. We are the crossroads of the Crossroads of the West. As a result, we are a desirable location for people to live in. We all know that location is the most important deciding factor in real estate and a driver of the housing cost. Murray needs to carefully take care of this most valuable resource and prudently plan the growth, so it provides a balance between housing needs and expansion of the commercial tax base. The master plan in Murray needs to be revisited and planned accordingly. Among these is the development of downtown Murray. We have one shot to get it right.

What is a fun or unique fact about yourself?

I am the only candidate for Murray City Council who has attended a U.S. military academy (the United States Air Force Academy).

David W. Rodgers

Occupation: Urban planner.

If elected, what would you do to provide more affordable housing options to your residents? Would you support higher-density housing?

I have a background in land use and transportation planning and will work with city staff to ensure that Murray continues to be a place residents want to live, work and play. The most common housing type in Murray is single-family homes, and there have been quite a few apartment buildings that have been built over the past few years. My goal as a City Council member would be to focus on working with developers to make more affordable housing by prioritizing a variety of different housing types. I would like to see more medium-density housing, such as smaller-scale apartments or duplexes and triplexes, that are affordable for people who want to move to Murray, or kids who are growing up and want to stay close to family. Murray should be a place where everyone who wants to live here is able to do so.

What is your city’s responsibility in addressing homelessness, and what would you do within the boundaries of your community to help unhoused Utahns?

Murray has a geographical advantage of being the place those in Salt Lake County pass through no matter which direction they are traveling. Due to our great location, which has both road and transit connections through the city, we have an opportunity to help make sure people know where they can go for help. Murray City has great employees who work hard to make sure members of our community know what resources are available to them at any given time and treat everyone they interact with with dignity and respect. I would like to continue in that direction by being more proactive in making sure that we, as a city, have facilities available where people can come and rest when needed, and help share that obligation with surrounding communities. We all need to work to take care of one another.

Besides affordable housing or homelessness, what is the biggest challenge your city faces, and how would you address it?

As Utah continues to grow in population, it is the role of a city to ensure that quality of life remains high for both existing and new residents. I believe success in that category comes down to the quality of services that the city provides. I want to work to make sure Murray City employees are paid what they are worth, so we can attract and maintain the best talent. I want to make sure public safety response times remain short and that people feel that if something happens, someone will be on the scene to help, whether that is during a power outage, if snow needs to be plowed, or other emergencies. Access to public utilities is one of my top priorities. I will also work to provide transportation options in the city, so people are able to get around the community without being stuck in traffic.

What is a fun or unique fact about yourself?

Reptiles are the coolest animals out there, and I know lots of interesting things about snakes, lizards and birds.

District 3

Clark Bullen

Occupation: Director of implementation at CUI benefits.

If elected, what would you do to provide more affordable housing options to your residents? Would you support higher-density housing?

It is not a city’s responsibility to provide housing for future residents. Residents would prefer we incentivize economic growth through entertainment and dining destinations, encouraging businesses to locate in Murray and commercial zoning.

Murray already has 20% more renter-occupied units than Salt Lake County on average. We have a lot of high-density housing that was recently built and in development. We have even more property that is already zoned for high density, including up to 1,040 units at the former 49th Street Galleria property. Murray doesn’t need more high-density housing

If we have available space and we can’t figure out how to incentivize more commercial activity in that area, then we should be focused on medium density, including condos and town homes that could be owner-occupied.

The best way to provide affordable housing is through preserving and renovating existing housing according to the Utah Housing Preservation Fund.

What is your city’s responsibility in addressing homelessness, and what would you do within the boundaries of your community to help unhoused Utahns?

Municipalities should invest in projects like The Other Side Village that provide housing, resources and community to the unhoused, all in one location. Organizations like this one help people get back on their feet and find employment. Murray is low on available space but could partner with other cities (including one with a location) and charitable organizations to support this effort.

Besides affordable housing or homelessness, what is the biggest challenge your city faces, and how would you address it?

The future of downtown Murray is at stake. This is our chance to determine the vision of downtown Murray for the next 50 to 100 years.

We need a downtown that attracts people from all over the valley. We need a sense of place that businesses want to be a part of. We have a great location with great access. Downtown Murray is an extremely valuable area; let’s not sell ourselves short.

Residents want to preserve our historic buildings and build others according to a historic design guideline (similar to Holladay). They want a gathering place with a plaza, green space and a water feature. They want local eateries, boutique shops and entertainment options. The residents make sure the city knows this is what we want, and we will fight for it!

What is a fun or unique fact about yourself?

I was a featured extra in the first “High School Musical” movie.

Rosalba Dominguez

Occupation: Creative director and owner of Table 22, professional development coordinator at Utah Afterschool Network.

If elected, what would you do to provide more affordable housing options to your residents? Would you support higher-density housing?

Affordable housing is a community issue, and I truly believe the city, constituents and developers can come together to provide options. When people from all backgrounds and income levels have the opportunity to live in Murray, it enhances our city. In my tenure, I have spent time learning about the city’s infrastructure, land use and budget to understand the role local government can play to address this issue. Fear of new housing development and their community impacts is real. Through consistent outreach and transparency, we can find creative solutions to build harmonious communities that have the support of residents and reflect the rich culture in Murray. This is also not limited to a percentage of mixed-income housing units, including retail space to increase our tax base. As many cities in Utah, we are faced by the Legislature and commerce to create spaces within our city for higher-density housing but we can take lead as Murray, to what that could look like.

What is your city’s responsibility in addressing homelessness, and what would you do within the boundaries of your community to help unhoused Utahns?

Personally, I am a big believer in community involvement to help our fellow neighbors with homelessness. That includes church leaders, city leaders, business owners and, in some cases, property owners coming together to solve this issue. There are several examples of out-of-state cities providing tiered housing for those seeking addiction services and/or being displaced. Another program is partnering with churches providing use of their space including cooling and heating centers, parking lots for parking as safe havens for families with children or women who live in their cars. We need to develop attainable metrics to reach our goals that are not limited to our future land use plan and our cities budget. Safety is also a concern, and we can make sure that people feel safe in their neighborhoods while also protecting the safety of those who are homeless. This is not a solution we can continue to do in silos as a city or state. We need others to step in with us or include real funding, i.e., housing vouchers, stipends, food pantries, true mixed-income developments, more community centers. These are just some examples.

Besides affordable housing or homelessness, what is the biggest challenge your city faces, and how would you address it?

We have a large multigenerational community in Murray, especially in District 3. With new housing developments throughout the state, communities need to provide tiered, mixed-income housing for our elders. On the campaign trail, we have heard from our elders that they want a robust retirement community within city limits, so they can be close to their children and grandchildren. As everyone knows, no one wants to leave Murray, but without generational housing, there is nowhere for them to go.

What is a fun or unique fact about yourself?

I love spending time in my garden, growing herbs and veggies for our family and sharing with our clients.

District 5

Adam Hock

Occupation: Seminary teacher.

If elected, what would you do to provide more affordable housing options to your residents? Would you support higher-density housing?

I believe the City Council sets a vision for affordable housing within the city. We need to reevaluate the incentives we offer builders because they are not building housing targeted toward those below the average median income. Changes could include adjusting the amount of affordable housing or changing setback or parking requirements. I would work to expand affordable housing incentives across all zoning codes rather than a select few.

What is your city’s responsibility in addressing homelessness, and what would you do within the boundaries of your community to help unhoused Utahns?

The City Council needs to create a comprehensive plan for addressing homelessness in Murray. I will prioritize this at the beginning of my term and work to provide better resources. I think some of Salt Lake City’s options provide a positive model for Murray, including sanctioned campgrounds and individual homes. Our homeless population is diverse, so we need to approach the topic with a variety of responses. Our plan must include police, fire and health officials to ensure efficacy.

Besides affordable housing or homelessness, what is the biggest challenge your city faces, and how would you address it?

Environmental issues such as clean air and water conservation are important. I want to work with Murray Power to create a plan to move our city’s use of renewable resources from 50% to 100%. The plan will prepare Murray for increased energy consumption throughout the city. I want to offer residents Salt Lake City turf to improve water conservation as well as improved incentives for xeriscaping.

What is a fun or unique fact about yourself?

I am a huge Chicago Cubs fan and have run five marathons.

Garry ‘CPA’ Hrechkosy

Occupation: Vice president of accounting and certified public accountant.

If elected, what would you do to provide more affordable housing options to your residents? Would you support higher-density housing?

I would continue adding to the record funding that we have provided for down payment assistance through NeighborWorks. I would also try and find ways to incorporate the Olene Walker Housing Loan Fund into local developments. Finally, I’ll continue to partner with our Community and Economic Development Department to revise the city code to further incentivize affordable housing to be added to new developments. We have to be smart with our development. We need to look at medium-density options like town homes. I will support density only where it does not overburden the infrastructure, resources, and surrounding neighborhoods. We have to realize that Murray is out of open undeveloped space and know that any redevelopment has to be thoughtful.

What is your city’s responsibility in addressing homelessness, and what would you do within the boundaries of your community to help unhoused Utahns?

We must participate in the county and state programs that are in place to address this issue. This includes Murray contributing financially to the fund that supports the homeless shelters and programs in the county. The mayor and administration are required to determine a site for a temporary overflow shelter. That is ongoing and being evaluated. We continue to evaluate different options to help the unhoused in our community including heating and cooling sites, low-income housing and rent-reduced apartments.

Besides affordable housing or homelessness, what is the biggest challenge your city faces, and how would you address it?

Keeping Murray, Murray is the biggest challenge that the city faces. Murray has a rich history built on hardworking families. It has been affectionately known as the “Independent Republic of Murray.” With the onslaught of growth, we must strive to keep Murray the safe, fun, family-friendly place that it has been for decades. We must enhance our police and fire to ensure that safety is the top priority. As we redevelop areas such as downtown, we need to find ways to keep a timeless feel that invites small shops and quaint restaurants, and encourages walkability. We must pay respect to our past by restoring historic buildings. We have to invest in our open spaces, including our jewel, Murray City Park. Change is coming, but under strong leadership, we can maintain our past and embrace our future. We have an opportunity and now we must take control and own it.

What is a fun or unique fact about yourself?

My biggest fear is sharks, but I cannot get enough Shark Week, or time in the ocean when vacationing.