City Council
District 2
Bob Bedore
(Courtesy) Bob Bedore, candidate for West Jordan City Council's District 2 seat.
Occupation: Marketing director/comedian.
If elected, what would you do to provide more affordable housing options to your residents? Would you support higher-density housing?
I’m for making sure that the right means are in the right places. Simply saying that we need more higher-density housing might not be taking into account all the information. Is the infrastructure in place to handle those residents — schools, for example? In an area that is equipped to hold this type of housing, I’m all for it. But let’s not just force things and make a bad situation worse. The right thing at the right time in the right place.
What is your city’s responsibility in addressing homelessness, and what would you do within the boundaries of your community to help unhoused Utahns?
West Jordan is a city where the unhoused are not as apparent as they might be in other cities. This may be good for many residents but can make it especially tough to know whom to help. My goal would be to make sure that those who need the help will feel they can not only get it but also feel safe in coming forward and asking for help. We need to all be good citizens and look out for one another. We need to remember that at any time our situation could change. I want to make sure that the shelters in our city and in the cities around us are ready to help and have what they need. And that the citizens keep on the lookout for those they can help. We are too divided these days, and it’s time we band together to make a positive difference.
Besides affordable housing or homelessness, what is the biggest challenge your city faces, and how would you address it?
West Jordan is the third largest city in Utah, but at times it acts like the 30th. There is very little representation at a statewide level for the city, and I think that has left us in the dust. I love my city, but I can see the difference when I drive into other cities. I’m tired of wondering why we can’t have that same feeling. I want West Jordan to stand up and be recognized. I want to build bridges and relationships so that we can course-correct and put West Jordan on a path toward a brighter future. You would be hard pressed to find another “third largest city” in America without a new car dealership. That may seem small, but it is a lot of sales tax to other cities. And I want West Jordan to have a true identity.
What is a fun or unique fact about yourself?
I am a former TV weatherman and founder of Quick Wits Comedy Improv.
Gary Leany
Occupation: Self-employed.
If elected, what would you do to provide more affordable housing options to your residents? Would you support higher-density housing?
No response.
What is your city’s responsibility in addressing homelessness, and what would you do within the boundaries of your community to help unhoused Utahns?
No response.
Besides affordable housing or homelessness, what is the biggest challenge your city faces, and how would you address it?
No response.
What is a fun or unique fact about yourself?
I love to ride mountain trails on my Can-Am side-by-side.
John Price
No responses.
Kevin Seal
No responses.
Kat Whiting
Withdrawn.
District 4
Alfredo S. Gonzalez
No responses.
David F. Pack
No responses.
Kent Shelton
(Courtesy) Kent Shelton, candidate for West Jordan City Council's District 4 seat.
Occupation: Commercial photographer.
If elected, what would you do to provide more affordable housing options to your residents? Would you support higher-density housing?
I will support higher-density developments, but only when they are in the right location in our city. This may be in locations close to major arterial roads or near public transit such as Utah Transit Authority TRAX stops. Unfortunately, developers often push for high-density developments in areas where they are not a good fit because higher-density developments yield a greater return on investment. While we need to respect the rights of property owners when they want to develop their land, we need to stop the high-density developments when they are not a good fit in our neighborhoods. We need to protect our residents who bear the long-term burdens of overly dense developments in their neighborhoods!
What is your city’s responsibility in addressing homelessness, and what would you do within the boundaries of your community to help unhoused Utahns?
Preserving a good quality of life for West Jordan residents will be my top priority. Some of the homeless population can bring crime to our city. While we want to help the homeless, crime is not welcome in our city. That said, we should all be looking for ways to help the homeless. I am a big supporter of The Other Side Academy. Not long ago, I had the opportunity to tour its campus in downtown Salt Lake City. It opened my eyes to the fact that homelessness is not hopeless. If proposed in the right location, I would support a West Jordan campus for The Other Side Academy. The Other Side Academy teaches personal accountability and helps people transition out of homelessness.
Besides affordable housing or homelessness, what is the biggest challenge your city faces, and how would you address it?
I believe the biggest challenge our city faces is its growth. We have a lot of undeveloped land in West Jordan, and it needs to be built up correctly. We also have a lot of land that is going to be repurposed over the next few years. It is critical that we balance our growth with our ability to serve that growth with infrastructure such as water, sewer and transportation. We also need to encourage smart growth in the commercial sector. With my bachelor of science in geography from the University of Utah, I have an understanding of how to fit the puzzle pieces of land use together in ways that make sense and will serve our citizens for years to come.
What is a fun or unique fact about yourself?
I’m the new chorister in my church congregation. I’m learning how to do it, but it can be so embarrassing.
Gloria Vindas
No responses.
