Candidate Questionnaire: Salt Lake City Council District 2
Sweet Streets reached out to each candidate running for the five seats up for election during this year’s municipal election. Candidates were asked to keep answers to no more than 250 characters. Their answers appear in alphabetical order by last name. As a 501(c)3 affiliated group, Sweet Streets cannot endorse candidates. Look up your City Council district here.
In terms of funding city priorities, what is your philosophy?
Dennis Faris:
“District 2 works hard and they deserve to see their tax dollars work hard for them. I will prioritize funding that ensures an equitable distribution of resources to effectively address the needs of our residents, while benefiting the entire city.”
Billy Palmer:
“Funding priorities should be driven based on equity and the impact those projects have on everyday people and their families. We should also balance immediate needs with a longer-term outlook to the city we want to see for our kids.”
Alejandro "Ale" Puy:
"Collaboration, and getting feedback from interested parties, and community. Our city needs to do better at explaining and getting buy-in from the community on new ways of tackling issues, but without forgetting basic issues neighbors want solved.”
Nigel Swaby:
“I think we have to look at short-term, medium-term and long-term planning first and then see how those priorities fit into those plans. Given the pace of change we've seen, I think shorter to medium term items should be prioritized.”
Daniel Tuutau:
“My philosophy in decision making is to get advice from experts and then make an informed decision. City funding should be focused towards individuals, families, and businesses, and if it falls outside of that then we shouldn’t worry about it.”
If someone came to you with a proposal to build a new piece of public infrastructure in our city, how would you evaluate whether or not that project was worth implementing?
Dennis Faris:
“I would ask questions. What are possible unintended consequences? What is the feedback from constituents and stakeholders, advice from experts? Is it cost effective? Does it maintain or improve the characteristics that make our community great?”
Billy Palmer:
“My evaluation would align with our plans for equity and access, public safety and mobility goals, and ensuring shared benefits and burdens for any project.”
Alejandro "Ale" Puy:
"As a westside candidate where our city is forgetting to take care some of the most basic issues safety, homelessness, public transportation, affordable housing, & general wellbeing. I would wage the benefit (immediate & long term) & collaboration.”
Nigel Swaby:
“Community feedback after a robust education campaign. A community educated on the project, especially those closest to it should always be listened to.”
Daniel Tuutau:
“The first test is asking, how much does it help our city? If there is a balance between the amount of investment and the size of its potential effect on our citizens, then I think it’s worth pursuing.”
If you could change one thing in our zoning code, what would it be and why?
Dennis Faris:
“We need more housing. Everyone needs to be able to afford a home. I would create some form of inclusionary zoning. This would incentivize all multifamily developments to include a certain percentage of affordable housing units.”
Billy Palmer:
“More inclusionary zoning to ensure that housing and business development are mixed-income and mixed-use. Our housing policy cannot remain highly exclusive for some while burdening the Westside with all of our city's high-density, low-income housing.”
Alejandro "Ale" Puy:
“Density and height (we need higher in areas where is already happening). Also how we do TOD needs to be thought out better to include mixed development (work & live areas), include transportation passes (TRAX, Green bike, and other) as part of it.”
Nigel Swaby:
“‘Makes sense’ upzoning for incremental density. Mixed use type zoning to add retail and commercial to make vibrant and walkable communities.”
Daniel Tuutau:
“Changes in our zoning code should be used to continue to address our housing issues here in Salt Lake City. Whether rezoning for high-density housing or alternative housing, we need to continue to explore options to help with our city’s growth.”
Do you think our downtown is healthy and successful? Please explain.
Dennis Faris:
“In the daytime we have a thriving downtown, but there are steps we can take to make our downtown healthier and even more successful. By improving affordable housing in Salt Lake City, we can help retain the 50% of the population that leaves each day.”
Billy Palmer:
“In some ways, yes, we have growing entertainment and activity centers with increased walkability and mobility access. However, our downtown remains too focused on cars, lacks affordable housing options, and needs improved access to the Westside.”
Alejandro "Ale" Puy:
“No. We incentivize driving, we measure economic development by stores with large parking lots full of cars. We should incentivize smaller pockets of neighborhood economic development (coffee shops, bars, dinners) that is walkable/bikeable etc.”
Nigel Swaby:
“It's not its best right now. Part of it is growing pains in terms of construction and redevelopment which time will ultimately be the judge of. Part of it is negative perception due to crime and public camping. Part of it is street design.”
Daniel Tuutau:
“I think there are elements that are healthy, and there are elements that are sick. The need for protected green and public spaces in our downtown is more important than ever. The government’s role to protect and serve is more essential now than ever.”
If elected, what will you do to address Salt Lake City's air quality?
Dennis Faris:
“Increased availability of affordable housing reduces the need for long commutes. Combine this with improving east/west connectivity through necessary changes to our rail infrastructure and we can expand available mass transit throughout the city.”
Billy Palmer:
“Beyond the necessary collaborative efforts, I look forward to working on our continued progress toward a 100% clean energy SLC, better transportation options to reduce tailpipe emissions, and work to reduce building emissions as we grow.”
Alejandro "Ale" Puy:
"We should incentivize the use (reliable, affordable, & accessible) of public transport, & safe roads that allow other forms of moving (walking, biking etc). Buildings are a source of pollution, incentivize net zero, energy smart development."
Nigel Swaby:
“Zone for walkable communities. Replace city fleets with friendly fuel. More rooftop solar on public buildings. More work from home. More Zoom and Webex.”
Daniel Tuutau:
“I think the city needs to find a balance between incentivizing and regulating in dealing with our air quality issues. Don’t create regulations unless we can actually enforce them. Incentivize cleaner practices to help create community buy-in.'“
If you received a $1 million grant to use for the city any way you wanted, what would you do with it and why?
Dennis Faris:
“In light of recent accidents in my neighborhood, I would invest in even more crosswalk improvements to help ensure the safety of our residents crossing our busy streets. Our street crossings should be highly visible to help prevent further injuries.”
Billy Palmer:
“I would develop a better outreach and engagement program for our city's Westside residents. We can best serve Westside constituents by empowering people with the access, knowledge, and ability to participate in the process.”
Alejandro "Ale" Puy:
“I would use it to incentivize smart mixed development in various areas of District 2. So neighbors can walk/bike to a local store leave their cars, and enjoy the amenities of the westside without needing to drive to downtown.”
Nigel Swaby:
“Hire and train case managers for the homeless and those in resource centers. Housing first has been a failure. I think we need more emphasis on case management and paying a living wage to keep those employees on board.”
Daniel Tuutau:
“My first focus would be investing in our local economy, supporting the businesses that work and operate in Salt Lake, especially marginalized and minoritized communities. Quality of life improves when wealth increases from strong economic growth.”
If elected, how will you work with your colleagues on the City Council to ensure that municipal investment is fairly distributed throughout the entire City?
Dennis Faris:
“Communication and collaboration with residents and city officials is key to holding the City to its commitment to equitable investment. Just as I always have in my 18 years of community service, I will continue advocating for an equitable westside.”
Billy Palmer:
“With the Westside facing historic inequities in resource distribution, we need a council member who will speak up for Westside residents and can show the economic and moral reasons to invest equitably across our city, particularly on the Westside.”
Alejandro "Ale" Puy:
"D2 not only needs ""fair"" distributed funds, BUT get caught up on years of neglect and always behind on investment. I am a bridge builder, and someone that can make a strong argument, and I can illustrate the very clear neglect of my district.”
Nigel Swaby:
“Form a core coalition with council members who face similar challenges my district does and lobby hard for that 4th majority swing vote. The swing vote will likely change based on the issue, but I wouldn't be doing my job if I voted in lock step.”
Daniel Tuutau:
“As a Westside resident myself, I would strive to increase the participation of Westsiders in the discussion of fair distribution. I alone will not be nearly as effective as a whole community working together to get the attention so sorely needed.”
https://www.votedennisslc.com/
https://www.billypalmerslc.com/
https://www.alejandropuy.com/
https://nigelforslc.com/
https://tuutau.com/
