I recently attended a community event, organized by a group of passionate and well-known progressives. When I mentioned I would attend, even my campaign team was surprised and asked, “Why?”
Without hesitation, I said: “If I get invited by members of my community, I always make it a goal to show up.”
This principle has guided my work on the Salt Lake County Council, and it is an example of what local government needs: a representative who listens, engages and prioritizes the voices of all constituents.
Even if you haven’t agreed with every vote I’ve taken or each position I’ve held, I hope that you know one thing: I truly care about showing up for you.
As I have spent the last four years on the County Council, I have worked tirelessly with community members to address complex policy challenges confronting our growing county. Collaboratively, we delivered $25 million to support affordable housing projects throughout Salt Lake County so that our kids and grandkids can live and stay here. The programs also extended to our senior and veteran populations, who often get squeezed out of housing attainability.
As someone whose district spans our beautiful canyons, I have worked with the council and with our county and municipal employees to find sustainable solutions for our canyons — including fees for illegal parking and supporting an affordable ski shuttle to remove traffic congestion. I also voted unanimously with my colleagues to oppose mining in Parley’s Canyon, which would threaten our natural landscapes and create environmental concerns.
One of the things I am most proud of is the work the council has done to make county services more affordable for our residents, including creating a free recreational pass program for kids throughout Salt Lake County. Since its creation, over 60,000 children and teens have taken advantage of the program and had access to our world class recreational centers at no cost.
During my service, I have come to understand one thing: Being a local elected official means working collaboratively, identifying comprehensive solutions and showing up for everyone.
During work sessions, council meetings, community events, town halls and meetings with stakeholders, I have seen incredible examples of what our local politics should look like. They shouldn’t be fueled by the toxic partisanship that has dominated our national politics. Instead, we should be focused on doing the hard work to ensure that our friends and neighbors have access to vibrant county services and enhanced quality of life.
Unfortunately, much of my race — and races throughout Salt Lake County — has been consumed by insider talk of what it will mean for the balance of power on the Salt Lake County Council and in Utah generally. While I believe deeply in my Republican values of fiscal responsibility and limited government, I am concerned that our local offices are not reflecting our highest ideals — but rather becoming springboards for political partisanship.
My district is a competitive seat, and either my opponent or I will win by a fairly narrow margin. Once re-elected, I can’t just take meetings with those who voted for me or make our parks clean and accessible for Republicans only. These discussions don’t reflect the reality of this position.
But, despite these insider games, I have been heartened. I have knocked on hundreds of doors throughout my district, and I am rarely asked: “Which party are you running with?” and “What will this mean for the number of Republicans and Democrats on the council?”
Instead, I am hearing, “How are you making county services more accessible to me and my family?” and “How can we keep Salt Lake County thriving for generations to come?” They are thrilled to hear about the creation of the My County Rec Pass Program, the money invested in affordable housing and the work being done to preserve our beautiful canyons.
I will continue to show up as your member of the Salt Lake County Council. I am running for another four-year term because I believe that our local and county government should reflect the best of our neighborhoods and communities.
I’m asking for your vote because I remain more committed than ever to showing the type of leadership we need more of in our local elected offices.
(Dea Theodore) Dea Theodore is a member of the Salt Lake County Council and is running for re-election in County Council District 6.
Dea Theodore is a member of the Salt Lake County Council and is running for re-election in County Council District 6.
