Two candidates are competing in the race to determine who will lead Salt Lake County next year.
Democratic incumbent Mayor Jenny Wilson, who is seeking a second full term after taking over the role in 2019 and winning her election the following year, is facing off against Republican challenger Erin Rider, a Salt Lake City-based corporate attorney at Dorsey & Whitney. Rider unsuccessfully ran against former U.S. Rep. Chris Stewart in a 2022 bid to capture the GOP nomination for the state’s 2nd Congressional District.
The Salt Lake Tribune sent questions to both candidates ahead of the Nov. 5 general election. The Tribune gave the candidates a deadline and word limit, and informed the candidates that their answers may be edited for clarity and length. Here’s how Rider and Wilson responded, listed in alphabetical order by last name:
Aside from affordable housing or homelessness, what is the biggest challenge the county faces, and how would you address it?
Rider: Taxes and cost of living. The county has a $2 billion annual budget, and our property taxes have gone up year after year. I will do a full audit of the county’s budget and prioritize spending that supports the county’s focus as a regional government.
Wilson: The protection of our water supply, the demise of the Great Salt Lake, and our poor air quality are all existential threats to our quality of life and health. As mayor, I’ve moved aggressively to conserve water and help cities do the same, and I have vocally opposed the Little Cottonwood Canyon gondola. We’ve also reduced the emissions the county government produces from its vehicles and buildings. Environmental impact is a thread that runs through everything we do.
Last fall, Utah housing markets were the least affordable in state history — and the Beehive State’s median home price was about six times larger than the state’s median household income.
What, if anything, should Salt Lake County do to make housing more affordable?
Rider: We need policies that put first-time homebuyers on par with big corporate buyers who have commoditized the housing market — exploring things like permit requirements, tax rates, etc. We also need to expand the pipeline of housing to include steps to home ownership — rentals, condos, town houses, and single-family homes. Collaboration with the state and the cities will also be critical here, since this is a cross-jurisdictional issue.
Wilson: We all want the best and safest housing we can afford, so the key is increasing the housing supply across all housing types and making it more appealing to builders to construct homes that are affordable for those making 30% to 60% of the area’s median household income of $90,000. Last year I invested $25 million in 17 projects designed to create affordable housing units. We’re also partnering to build 1,000 units of deeply affordable housing with wraparound services over the next five years.
Smith Entertainment Group’s proposed downtown Salt Lake City sports district has been top of mind for many residents, especially the potential changes at Abravanel Hall.
What should happen to the concert hall?
Rider: I have said from the beginning that I will not tear down a building like Abravanel Hall just so a billionaire can have a straight path instead of a slightly curved path. Abravanel Hall should be preserved in its current form and put on the National Historic Register. I am grateful to have the endorsement of Carolyn Abravanel and the Abravanel family, who feel, as do many in the community, that my opponent has played games with this, and it is a complete betrayal of trust to the public.
Wilson: I love Abravanel Hall and want the symphony to be able to play there for another 50 years. We plan to preserve and restore Abravanel Hall, and are eager to begin coordinated efforts with the symphony and community to do so.
What policy changes would you support to combat homelessness in Salt Lake County?
Rider: We need policies that help with reintegration. This includes access to government IDs and a physical address for job and apartment applications, a mentorship program that helps maintain social connection through reintegration, access to mental health and addiction recovery services, etc.
Wilson: We must break the expensive, inefficient, and ineffective cycles preventing long-term progress. My Human Services, Homeless, and Criminal Justice Reform Plan is addressing addiction and homelessness at their roots, approaching criminal justice, behavioral health, and shelter interconnectedly.
Do you support the half-billion-dollar bond that would fund expanded mental health treatment and criminal justice reform within Salt Lake County?
Rider: No.
Wilson: Yes.
Do you support Amendment C, which would amend the Utah Constitution to have the office of county sheriff be elected by voters?
Rider: Yes.
Wilson: Yes.
