Three candidates are running to represent District 4 on the Salt Lake County Council, which covers a swath of the county’s east side and includes portions of Salt Lake City, South Salt Lake and Murray, along with all of Holladay, Millcreek and Emigration Canyon.
Republican Roger Livingston, Democrat Ross Romero and Utah Forward candidate Nolan Kruse are running to replace Democratic council member Ann Granato, who previously announced she would not seek another term.
The Salt Lake Tribune sent questions to candidates in the four County Council races scheduled for Nov. 5. The Tribune gave these candidates a deadline and word limit, and informed the candidates that their answers may be edited for clarity and length. Here’s how Kruse, Livingston and Romero 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?
Kruse: One of the county’s biggest challenges is excessive construction and irresponsible development, as seen in Sugar House, where rapid construction has led to local business closures. While growth is necessary, we must balance it with preserving community character and supporting small businesses. I support responsible, sustainable development that includes input from local stakeholders, smart zoning, and consideration for the long-term economic and environmental impacts.
Livingston: One challenge is divisive, toxic public discourse. Rather than thoughtful, respectful discussion, we see name-calling and labeling. Compromise, consensus and conversation create effective government and sound public policy. More unity with greater trust in government and public institutions will follow. I created the Roger Livingston Civility in Politics Scholarship at the University of Utah. Each semester a student committed to increased civility in politics and public service is awarded this scholarship.
Romero: I believe the county can and should do more to engage in efforts for environmental protections. The county made objections last session to the Utah Legislature about the possibility of expanding the gravel pit in Parleys Canyon because of air quality concerns. I was glad to see the council take this position. I think the county should also partner with water districts in the county to ensure as much water as possible is directed to the Great Salt Lake.
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?
Kruse: To make housing more affordable, Salt Lake County should restrict short-term rentals and limit large corporations from purchasing single-family homes. Short-term rentals drive up prices and reduce availability for long-term residents, while corporate ownership of homes pushes local buyers out of the market. By focusing on these measures, we can help stabilize housing prices and ensure that more homes are available for families, not just for investment purposes.
Livingston: 1. Private-public partnership must increase the supply of moderately priced houses. Reducing fees and regulatory costs and incentivizing construction of lower-cost housing is vital. 2. Business and civic leaders must strategize together to reduce mortgage rates. Higher mortgage interest rates have been the primary culprit in pricing too many Utahns out of the housing market. Home ownership is key to a robust middle class and the surest way to defeat intergenerational poverty.
Romero: The county should ensure local ordinances allow for increased density. The county should work with builders and developers to ensure affordable housing is a component in new projects being built in the county. The county should work with other governments (cities, the state) to ensure we are offering appropriate incentives to assist first-time home buyers.
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?
Kruse: Abravanel Hall is a cultural landmark and should be preserved as part of Salt Lake City’s new sports district. Rather than removing or altering it, the hall should be incorporated into the district’s design, celebrating its history while enhancing its accessibility to more visitors.
Livingston: Abravanel Hall must be preserved and remain at the current location. Needed upgrades and reasonable renovations should be included as part of the new district. The culture, joy and entertainment that are brought to our community through Abravanel Hall are a treasure that should never be lost.
Romero: We should keep the concert hall in its present location and renovate it.
What policy changes would you support to combat homelessness in Salt Lake County?
Kruse: I support expanding Housing First programs, increasing affordable housing, and improving mental health and addiction services. Coordinating outreach and providing rent assistance can help stabilize housing and reduce homelessness in Salt Lake County.
Livingston: While continuing and enhancing our efforts to care for those experiencing homelessness, we must better address the underlying causes and appropriate prevention. Ensuring availability of addiction treatment and mental health counseling is essential.
Romero: The county might encourage building affordable housing through incentives to builders/developers. We need to ensure there is adequate funding for temporary shelters with the ability to expand and contract as needed.
Do you support the half-billion-dollar bond that would fund expanded mental health treatment and criminal justice reform within Salt Lake County?
Kruse: Yes.
Livingston: Yes.
Romero: Yes.
