The Wasatch is facing serious threats ranging from the world’s longest gondola, a 600+ acre mining proposal in Parley’s Canyon, land management directives rather than codes, impacts to headwater areas of the Central Wasatch due to wetland destruction and tree removal for ski area expansion, and uninformed theories about wildfires driven by limited data. 

Clearly, our watershed and recreational heritage are in danger. Wilderness is fast disappearing. Development of some kind is planned for almost every canyon along the Wasatch Front and Back. With the increasing demand for canyon use by both local and out-of-state residents, overintensive development leading to irreparable damage to some of Utah’s most valuable assets becomes a real possibility. 

So, where do we go from here? How can we as advocates for the protection of the Wasatch? What do we need to do to be able to tell our kids, grandchildren, nieces and nephews — that we did everything we could to help protect our water, our public lands, the flora and fauna?⁣

WE VOTE! We vote on November 8rd for the environment. We vote for policy that can impact the path of climate change. We vote for the protection of Wasatch, public lands, clean air, and clean water. Some candidates get it, others don’t. Engage with them before making your vote!⁣

Our Candidate Questionnaire was sent to 105 Salt Lake County officials and 12 actually took the time to complete it. Of course, we expected much more engagement from the list, but are grateful to those who responded. We asked those running a variety of questions regarding their stances on issues we are facing as a community: if they are for or against the proposed gondola, Millcreek Canyon traffic problems, thoughts on preventing gravel pits in the Salt Lake Valley, and more. 

Candidate Name: Miles Pomeroy

Running for: Utah House District 49

• Question: Do you support or oppose a gondola in Little Cottonwood Canyon as being proposed by UDOT? Do you believe Utah tax payers should invest in transportation solutions for Little Cottonwood Canyon? Will you join with your community to support an improved bus system and protect the LCC?
  • • I oppose the gondola as proposed. Tax payers should invest in transportation solutions for LCC. I support an improved bus system in LCC.
• Do you support more cars traveling in Millcreek Canyon or expanded shuttle service? Do you think the upper canyon roadway (open 4 months: July 1 - Nov. 1) should have ped/bike priority with vehicle restrictions (parking reservation for trailheads and picnic areas and cabin owner access) or should be re-engineered to accommodate increased vehicles?
  • • I support some improvements, but the proposal seems excessive.
• Do you support allowing counties to prevent new gravel pits from being located in sensitive recreation, wildlife and watershed zones like the Wasatch Mountains? Will you vote to preserve the counties’ existing land use and zoning authority to regulate gravel pits? Will you work to improve state laws that would prevent this type of activity from even being considered in the future?
  • • Yes, I support preventing new gravel pits in Salt Lake Valley. I respect the counties' authority on land use and zoning. I would support an investigation in how state laws could be improved in this area.
• Will you help advance policies that require defensible space, allocate funding to implement forest and watershed health projects to better protect our mountains and our communities from a catastrophic wildfire?
  • • Yes, I support these efforts.
• Do you support Olympic venues in Parley's, Millcreek, Big or Little Cottonwood Canyons? Will you work to put in place policies that protect these places from having Olympic venues?
  • • I'm not sure. I would need more information as to why or why not we'd want more Olympic venues in these places.

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Candidate Name: Kerry V Soelberg

Running for: Salt Lake County Council District 3

• Do you support or oppose a gondola in Little Cottonwood Canyon as being proposed by UDOT? Do you believe Utah tax payers should invest in transportation solutions for Little Cottonwood Canyon? Will you join with your community to support an improved bus system and protect the LCC?
  • • I oppose the gondola proposal. I strongly support improved bus system solution and support taxpayer support to do so. I now ride the ski bus.
• Do you support more cars traveling in Millcreek Canyon or expanded shuttle service? Do you think the upper canyon roadway (open 4 months: July 1 - Nov. 1) should have ped/bike priority with vehicle restrictions (parking reservation for trailheads and picnic areas and cabin owner access) or should be re-engineered to accommodate increased vehicles?
  • • I do not support more cars in Millcreek. I do support ride sharing and shuttle service and reservations to provide access without increasing vehicle traffic.
• Do you support allowing counties to prevent new gravel pits from being located in sensitive recreation, wildlife and watershed zones like the Wasatch Mountains? Will you vote to preserve the counties’ existing land use and zoning authority to regulate gravel pits? Will you work to improve state laws that would prevent this type of activity from even being considered in the future?
  • • I support the County's right to self-determination regarding both new and expanding gravel pits and other forms of mining expansion. I do not support such expansion.
• Will you help advance policies that require defensible space, allocate funding to implement forest and watershed health projects to better protect our mountains and our communities from a catastrophic wildfire?
  • • Yes. 100%.
• Do you support Olympic venues in Parley's, Millcreek, Big or Little Cottonwood Canyons? Will you work to put in place policies that protect these places from having Olympic venues?
  • • Undecided.
• General Statement
  • • I strongly support canyon preservation, including all Wasatch canyons and also the Oquirrh Mountains, which are now underdeveloped and underprotected. We must pro-actively preserve all our local canyons.

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Candidate Name: Alan C Anderson

Running for: Utah House 43

• Do you support or oppose a gondola in Little Cottonwood Canyon as being proposed by UDOT? Do you believe Utah tax payers should invest in transportation solutions for Little Cottonwood Canyon? Will you join with your community to support an improved bus system and protect the LCC?
  • • I oppose the gondola. A big cost to the state for the benefit of a few "rich" people.
• Do you support more cars traveling in Millcreek Canyon or expanded shuttle service? Do you think the upper canyon roadway (open 4 months: July 1 - Nov. 1) should have ped/bike priority with vehicle restrictions (parking reservation for trailheads and picnic areas and cabin owner access) or should be re-engineered to accommodate increased vehicles?
  • • We need to Save Our Canyons! Limiting access is of primary importance. Although I am a customer of Log Haven, a shuttle system is needed.
• Do you support allowing counties to prevent new gravel pits from being located in sensitive recreation, wildlife and watershed zones like the Wasatch Mountains? Will you vote to preserve the counties’ existing land use and zoning authority to regulate gravel pits? Will you work to improve state laws that would prevent this type of activity from even being considered in the future?
  • • The gravel pits cannot be allowed to do "anything" they want, and the existing ones need to be relocated.
• Will you help advance policies that require defensible space, allocate funding to implement forest and watershed health projects to better protect our mountains and our communities from a catastrophic wildfire?
  • • Defensible space is an imperative. The threat of wildfires is only going to get worse.
• Do you support Olympic venues in Parley's, Millcreek, Big or Little Cottonwood Canyons? Will you work to put in place policies that protect these places from having Olympic venues?
  • • I would have to research the options further. I am an Olympics supporter.

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Candidate Name: Nate Blouin

Running For: Senate District 13

• Do you support or oppose a gondola in Little Cottonwood Canyon as being proposed by UDOT? Do you believe Utah tax payers should invest in transportation solutions for Little Cottonwood Canyon? Will you join with your community to support an improved bus system and protect the LCC?
  • • I oppose the gondola and have been an outspoken voice against it already, joining other community leaders at the rally Save Our Canyons hosted in June. I will continue to advocate for sensible canyon management that protects precious open spaces and water sources. I'm glad that UDOT chose a phased approach to implementation and believe that if the initial part of the plan is implemented in good faith, a gondola will be proven to be unnecessary. Additional, inexpensive and electrified transit solutions and congestion pricing via tolling is the best path forward.
• Do you support more cars traveling in Millcreek Canyon or expanded shuttle service? Do you think the upper canyon roadway (open 4 months: July 1 - Nov. 1) should have ped/bike priority with vehicle restrictions (parking reservation for trailheads and picnic areas and cabin owner access) or should be re-engineered to accommodate increased vehicles?
  • • I am strongly supportive of prioritizing bike and pedestrian traffic in upper Millcreek Canyon. As a user myself, both road biking and using trailhead parking for trail runs, it has long been clear that we need solutions to enhance safety for folks not in motorized vehicles and to reduce trailhead idling and crowding. I do not support additional development on riparian areas and think a shuttle could be a viable solution if implemented properly.
• Do you support allowing counties to prevent new gravel pits from being located in sensitive recreation, wildlife and watershed zones like the Wasatch Mountains? Will you vote to preserve the counties’ existing land use and zoning authority to regulate gravel pits? Will you work to improve state laws that would prevent this type of activity from even being considered in the future?
  • • New development of gravel pits and other businesses that increase air pollution and destroy natural lands is unacceptable in areas bordering densely populated spaces. I strongly support the county's authority to determine inappropriate development like the proposed gravel pit and I will work to strengthen state regulations that prevent similar activity.
• Will you help advance policies that require defensible space, allocate funding to implement forest and watershed health projects to better protect our mountains and our communities from a catastrophic wildfire?
  • • Yes, climate change and related issues are the primary reason that I decided to run for office, and I will do everything in my power to mitigate and improve the situation when it comes to wildfire and other problems exacerbated by drought. The entire Salt Lake Valley and perhaps the larger Wasatch Front are already at risk of being made uninhabitable due to low lake levels and resulting air pollution, and I will support holistic solutions that are aimed at fixing these problems in the long term rather than shortsighted bandaids.
• Do you support Olympic venues in Parley's, Millcreek, Big or Little Cottonwood Canyons? Will you work to put in place policies that protect these places from having Olympic venues?
  • • I do not support hosting Olympic venues in any of the Wasatch Front canyons. I am open to the idea of hosting another Olympic Games as I think it drives a narrative that we must embrace environmental, cultural and social values that are aligned with the IOC, that can have a positive impact on Utah's climate (both meteorological and political/social climates), and therefore I think playing host again can provide a net benefit. However, we must implement strong guidelines on new development, of which we should need little because of our previous hosting, and our canyons should be made off limits as they were in 2002. I will support the games so long as they come with a raft of community benefit agreements that are aimed at environmental protection, equitable economic impact, and providing positives that outlive the short span of the games
• General Statement:
  • • Environmental protection is the driving factor of why I decided to run for state senate. We are facing urgent issues caused by climate change and development, and our state leaders have not prioritized them to the extent that I believe is necessary. I work in the renewable energy sector, looking for opportunities to build energy storage to supplement growing wind and solar resources and meet energy demands without fossil fuel emissions. I moved to Utah in 2009 to live near our world class recreation and public lands, and it saddens me to see development and environmental impacts encroaching on our ability to enjoy these treasures. Whether it's our congested canyons, smoke from wildfires, winter inversion, or the drying Great Salt Lake, so many issues are decreasing our ability to recreate and enjoy healthy lives. I look forward to working with Save Our Canyons and other environmental and conservation advocates in the legislature!

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Candidate Name: Suzanne Harrison

Running for: Salt Lake County Council at Large

• Do you support or oppose a gondola in Little Cottonwood Canyon as being proposed by UDOT? Do you believe Utah tax payers should invest in transportation solutions for Little Cottonwood Canyon? Will you join with your community to support an improved bus system and protect the LCC?
  • • I’ve been vocally and publicly opposed to the gondola since day one. I’ll keep fighting against the >$600M gondola. Tax dollars should be used for transportation projects that benefit the whole county, not private resorts. I also oppose widening Wasatch Blvd. We need common sense and fiscally-responsible solutions. We must pursue fiscally-responsible and taxpayer-friendly solutions like expanding parking reservation systems to include winter summer months, INCREASING (not decreasing) bus service to our ski resorts, carpooling, giving buses priority access to the canyon on powder days, and enforcing chains/4WD requirements to decrease slide-offs and delays, etc. These solutions would help address the congestion while still being fiscally responsible and environmentally sound. Yes. I support the phased approach which prioritizes responsive busing (I support more electric buses), carpooling, expanded parking reservation systems, and other taxpayer-friendly options. Absolutely. I was part of a press conference on Oct 13th with other local elected officials raising concerns about UTA’s recent announcement of decreased bus service to our ski resorts this year. I will work for more responsive busing and advocate for electric buses as well. I’m endorsed by Sierra Club of Utah, O2 Utah, and a host of other organizations that care about our community, and I will continue to fight to protect Little Cottonwood Canyon and other treasured public lands and open space. 
• Do you support more cars traveling in Millcreek Canyon or expanded shuttle service? Do you think the upper canyon roadway (open 4 months: July 1 - Nov. 1) should have ped/bike priority with vehicle restrictions (parking reservation for trailheads and picnic areas and cabin owner access) or should be re-engineered to accommodate increased vehicles?
  • • Our canyons are fragile and need protection. I support expanded shuttle service in Millcreek Canyon. I have concerns about widening the road above the winter gate. Instead, we should prioritize pedestrian and bike access and work to enact shuttle service.
• Do you support allowing counties to prevent new gravel pits from being located in sensitive recreation, wildlife and watershed zones like the Wasatch Mountains? Will you vote to preserve the counties’ existing land use and zoning authority to regulate gravel pits? Will you work to improve state laws that would prevent this type of activity from even being considered in the future?

  • • The Wasatch Mountains are our watershed, shared public lands, and year-round recreational mecca. The 600 plus acre gravel pit being proposed by Jesse Lassley and Granite Construction the flanks of Grandeur Peak and Mt. Aire, would leave the Wasatch Mountains permanently scarred.On August 22, DOGM approved the Small Mining Application that was filed by Tree Farm LLC. 

      I oppose the Parley's Canyon mine, and I will fight to preserve Counties’ (and cities’) land use and zoning authority to regulate gravel pits and mining. Utah needs building materials, but the operations need to be located in areas that make sense - NOT in densely-populated recreational areas with air pollution problems. I have a track record of voting to protect local control and clean air in the legislature, and I voted 'no' and fought against legislation (like HB 288) that created a loophole to allow mining companies to expand mining operations while subverting local control and ignoring resident voices. Whether it is Geneva Rock in Draper, Tree Farm Parley’s Canyon, or elsewhere, I will use my experience in the legislature to advocate for local resident input, land use and zoning authority, and especially clean air laws during my service as your new Salt Lake County Council member.

• Will you help advance policies that require defensible space, allocate funding to implement forest and watershed health projects to better protect our mountains and our communities from a catastrophic wildfire?

  • • Climate driven drought is having a massive impact on our region, from drying the Great Salt Lake to less snow accumulation and stressing the health of our forests and its wildlife. Wildfire threatens our water, our communities, and our canyons. 

      I have the endorsement of the Professional Firefighters Association of Utah and Professional Firefighters Local 1696 who represent Unified Fire members. They have endorsed me because I am serious about public safety and fire risk reduction. I will work with them and local leaders to prioritize common sense solutions to keep the public, our firefighters, and our communities safe. Climate change and drought are only going to make the situation worse, and I'm committed to policies that will help conserve our water, clean up our air, and reduce emissions to reduce fire risk and extreme weather risk in the future.

• Do you support Olympic venues in Parley's, Millcreek, Big or Little Cottonwood Canyons? Will you work to put in place policies that protect these places from having Olympic venues?
  • • We already have world-class olympic venues in Park City and Snow Basin, and shouldn’t waste taxpayer dollars on building redundant venues. Our Salt Lake County canyons are too fragile and are already strained. I oppose Olympic venues being built in Parleys, Millcreek, Big or Little Cottonwood Canyons and would work to enact policies to protect them from Olympic activities. It is the fiscally and environmentally right thing to do.
• General Statement:
  • • I’m a doctor, not a politician, serving our community at Riverton Hospital for 13 years now. I’ve dedicated my life to helping people who are struggling. I have represented Sandy and Draper in the Utah Legislature for the last four years, where I focused on improving our air quality, water conservation, expanding access to quality health care, and protecting your tax dollars. I serve as a co-chair of the Bi-partisan Clean Air Caucus and I am proud to be endorsed by Sierra Club of Utah and O2 Utah for the Salt Lake County Council at Large. I created Tier3gas.org to help educate people about how to reduce emissions. I'm seeking office because our current County Council has been too busy pandering to extremism and taking cheap shots on social media instead of helping people. I am committed to common-sense solutions that will protect our air, water, precious public spaces like our canyons. We need someone on the Salt Lake County Council with the background and commitment to protecting these fragile gems.

___________________________________________________________________

Candidate Name: Dennis Roach

Running for: State Senate

• Do you support or oppose a gondola in Little Cottonwood Canyon as being proposed by UDOT? Do you believe Utah tax payers should invest in transportation solutions for Little Cottonwood Canyon? Will you join with your community to support an improved bus system and protect the LCC?
  • • As it has been described and what information I currently have available, I do not support it.  I would be more in favor of the proposal if the resorts were shouldering the bulk of the cost instead of the tax payers who may not ever go up that canyon.
• Do you support more cars traveling in Millcreek Canyon or expanded shuttle service? Do you think the upper canyon roadway (open 4 months: July 1 - Nov. 1) should have ped/bike priority with vehicle restrictions (parking reservation for trailheads and picnic areas and cabin owner access) or should be re-engineered to accommodate increased vehicles?
  • • I have not investigated all the details of this yet.  My initial thoughts would be that if the road and parking could be expanded with minimal environmental impact, and the upkeep is funded by the departments/entities responsible for governing access then I might support it.
• Do you support allowing counties to prevent new gravel pits from being located in sensitive recreation, wildlife and watershed zones like the Wasatch Mountains? Will you vote to preserve the counties’ existing land use and zoning authority to regulate gravel pits? Will you work to improve state laws that would prevent this type of activity from even being considered in the future?
  • • No, I do not support the proposed gravel pit.  Yes I would like to see more preservation and legislative action to help do so.
• Will you help advance policies that require defensible space, allocate funding to implement forest and watershed health projects to better protect our mountains and our communities from a catastrophic wildfire?
  • • Yes.
• Do you support Olympic venues in Parley's, Millcreek, Big or Little Cottonwood Canyons? Will you work to put in place policies that protect these places from having Olympic venues?
  • • I am unsure on this, it would depend on the size, scope and impact.  Seems like existing resorts should be utilized before expanding new venues.
• General Statement:
  • • I respect property rights and the environment.  Businesses and Communities should be working together for optimal common ground solutions.  We don't inherit the land from our ancestors, we borrow it from our grandchildren.

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Candidate Name: Carol Spackman Moss

Running For: House District 34, Holladay, Millcreek, and Murray

• Do you support or oppose a gondola in Little Cottonwood Canyon as being proposed by UDOT? Do you believe Utah tax payers should invest in transportation solutions for Little Cottonwood Canyon? Will you join with your community to support an improved bus system and protect the LCC?
  • • I am opposed to the gondola. I think UDOT should invest in transportation solutions for LCC. I absolutely would and already have joined with community leaders to oppose the gondola. 
• Do you support more cars traveling in Millcreek Canyon or expanded shuttle service? Do you think the upper canyon roadway (open 4 months: July 1 - Nov. 1) should have ped/bike priority with vehicle restrictions (parking reservation for trailheads and picnic areas and cabin owner access) or should be re-engineered to accommodate increased vehicles?
  • • I do not support increased access to vehicles in Millcreek Canyon’s upper canyon roadway. I agree that ped/bike’s should have priorities over vehicles. 
• Do you support allowing counties to prevent new gravel pits from being located in sensitive recreation, wildlife and watershed zones like the Wasatch Mountains? Will you vote to preserve the counties’ existing land use and zoning authority to regulate gravel pits? Will you work to improve state laws that would prevent this type of activity from even being considered in the future?
  • • I am adamantly opposed to the gravel pit and am appalled at the DOGM approval for Tree Farm LLC. I will definitely vote to preserve SL County’s authority to regulate gravel pits. 
• Will you help advance policies that require defensible space, allocate funding to implement forest and watershed health projects to better protect our mountains and our communities from a catastrophic wildfire?
  • • Yes, I definitely will. 
• Do you support Olympic venues in Parley's, Millcreek, Big or Little Cottonwood Canyons? Will you work to put in place policies that protect these places from having Olympic venues?
  • • I don’t think they are appropriate Olympic venues. Park City and Snow Basin are better suited . 
• General Statement:
  • • I firmly support reasonable limitations on use of our mountains and watershed. All solutions to limit harmful overuse should be considered, like tolling, shuttles, and reservations. 

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Candidate Name: Jim Dunnigan

Running for: State House District 36

• Do you support or oppose a gondola in Little Cottonwood Canyon as being proposed by UDOT? Do you believe Utah tax payers should invest in transportation solutions for Little Cottonwood Canyon? Will you join with your community to support an improved bus system and protect the LCC?
  • • I oppose a gondola. I support tax payers investing in transpiration for the canyon. Yes I will join the community to support the bus system.
• Do you support more cars traveling in Millcreek Canyon or expanded shuttle service? Do you think the upper canyon roadway (open 4 months: July 1 - Nov. 1) should have ped/bike priority with vehicle restrictions (parking reservation for trailheads and picnic areas and cabin owner access) or should be re-engineered to accommodate increased vehicles?
  • • I do not support more cars in Millcreek Canyon. I support ped/bike priority with vehicle restrictions.
• Do you support allowing counties to prevent new gravel pits from being located in sensitive recreation, wildlife and watershed zones like the Wasatch Mountains? Will you vote to preserve the counties’ existing land use and zoning authority to regulate gravel pits? Will you work to improve state laws that would prevent this type of activity from even being considered in the future?
  • • Yes, yes, and yes.
• Will you help advance policies that require defensible space, allocate funding to implement forest and watershed health projects to better protect our mountains and our communities from a catastrophic wildfire?
  • • Yes
• Do you support Olympic venues in Parley's, Millcreek, Big or Little Cottonwood Canyons? Will you work to put in place policies that protect these places from having Olympic venues?
  • • No and yes

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Candidate Name: Rebecca Ipson

Running For: State Legislature District 25

• Do you support or oppose a gondola in Little Cottonwood Canyon as being proposed by UDOT? Do you believe Utah tax payers should invest in transportation solutions for Little Cottonwood Canyon? Will you join with your community to support an improved bus system and protect the LCC?
  • • I think the gondola is a terrible idea and should not be funded by Utah tax payers.
• Do you support more cars traveling in Millcreek Canyon or expanded shuttle service? Do you think the upper canyon roadway (open 4 months: July 1 - Nov. 1) should have ped/bike priority with vehicle restrictions (parking reservation for trailheads and picnic areas and cabin owner access) or should be re-engineered to accommodate increased vehicles?
  • • It is a bad idea to increase traffic in Millcreek Canyon. As a Cub Scout leader, I have been up the canyon many times for day camps, and I have not seen a problem with the way it is now.
• Do you support allowing counties to prevent new gravel pits from being located in sensitive recreation, wildlife and watershed zones like the Wasatch Mountains? Will you vote to preserve the counties’ existing land use and zoning authority to regulate gravel pits? Will you work to improve state laws that would prevent this type of activity from even being considered in the future?
  • • Counties should be allowed to regulate these activities.
• Will you help advance policies that require defensible space, allocate funding to implement forest and watershed health projects to better protect our mountains and our communities from a catastrophic wildfire?
  • • I will do my best to do what is good for our state.
• Do you support Olympic venues in Parley's, Millcreek, Big or Little Cottonwood Canyons? Will you work to put in place policies that protect these places from having Olympic venues?
  • • It is a bad idea to put Olympic venues in any of these canyons. It would destroy the canyons to have that much traffic in them.
• General Statement:
  • • I love our canyons and want to see them preserved.  I have gone hiking, picnicking, and camping in Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons all my life and would like to see that legacy preserved.

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Candidate Name: Parker Bond

Running For: Senate 19

• Do you support or oppose a gondola in Little Cottonwood Canyon as being proposed by UDOT? Do you believe Utah tax payers should invest in transportation solutions for Little Cottonwood Canyon? Will you join with your community to support an improved bus system and protect the LCC?
  • • I do not support spending taxpayer funding on a Gondola up Little Cottonwood Canyon, which I view as a tourist attraction, and not a serious transit solution. I do support an improved bus system up Little Cottonwood Canyon.
• Do you support more cars traveling in Millcreek Canyon or expanded shuttle service? Do you think the upper canyon roadway (open 4 months: July 1 - Nov. 1) should have ped/bike priority with vehicle restrictions (parking reservation for trailheads and picnic areas and cabin owner access) or should be re-engineered to accommodate increased vehicles?
  • • I would support increased bus/shuttle service, as well as making sure pedestrians and bikers have adequate access. Having biked the Crest trail before, I recognize that there are parts of the canyon right now where bikers sometimes share the road with cars and recognize that it is not in the best interests of either bikers or drivers. I would prefer an enhanced shuttle service to paving alpine meadows to add additional parking.
• Do you support allowing counties to prevent new gravel pits from being located in sensitive recreation, wildlife and watershed zones like the Wasatch Mountains? Will you vote to preserve the counties’ existing land use and zoning authority to regulate gravel pits? Will you work to improve state laws that would prevent this type of activity from even being considered in the future?
  • • I care greatly about protecting our clean water and air, and do not think the legislature should override local decisions made by counties and other local governments.
• Will you help advance policies that require defensible space, allocate funding to implement forest and watershed health projects to better protect our mountains and our communities from a catastrophic wildfire?
  • • I would like to incentivize more defensible space, and would be willing to allocate funding for projects that will clearly help protect our watershed or mitigate future damage done by wildfires, which are becoming more and more prevalent each year. We also need to be smart with how/where we build new structures, taking into account future wildfires and how it might impact our water and forests.
• Do you support Olympic venues in Parley's, Millcreek, Big or Little Cottonwood Canyons? Will you work to put in place policies that protect these places from having Olympic venues?
  • • I do not know enough about this issue to have a position at this time, but would be open to learning more. In general though, the canyons mentioned above likely do not have the capacity to host crowded olympic events in the absence of a robust public transit system.
• General Statement:
  • • I care greatly about protecting our clean air and water for future generations, and oppose spending taxpayer dollars on a gondola up Little Cottonwood Canyon. I grew up skiing these mountains and also enjoy hiking and mountain biking. I am pro public education and am endorsed by Canyons Education Association. For other questions, please reach out to me at or visit my website www.votebond.com to find out more.

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Candidate Name: Jen Plumb

Running For: Utah Senate District 9

• Do you support or oppose a gondola in Little Cottonwood Canyon as being proposed by UDOT? Do you believe Utah tax payers should invest in transportation solutions for Little Cottonwood Canyon? Will you join with your community to support an improved bus system and protect the LCC?
  • • I oppose the Gondola in LCC. I do believe Utah tax payers should invest in transportation solutions for LCC. I absolutely support an improved bus system to protect LCC as well as to provide transportation to community members.
• Do you support more cars traveling in Millcreek Canyon or expanded shuttle service? Do you think the upper canyon roadway (open 4 months: July 1 - Nov. 1) should have ped/bike priority with vehicle restrictions (parking reservation for trailheads and picnic areas and cabin owner access) or should be re-engineered to accommodate increased vehicles?
  • • I support expanded shuttle service.
• Do you support allowing counties to prevent new gravel pits from being located in sensitive recreation, wildlife and watershed zones like the Wasatch Mountains? Will you vote to preserve the counties’ existing land use and zoning authority to regulate gravel pits? Will you work to improve state laws that would prevent this type of activity from even being considered in the future?
  • • Yes, I absolutely support the right of counties to regulate and restrict what can happen in their county and on the land in their county.  I am opposed to the mining/gravel pit operation proposed in Parley’s canyon.
• Will you help advance policies that require defensible space, allocate funding to implement forest and watershed health projects to better protect our mountains and our communities from a catastrophic wildfire?
  • • Yes
• Do you support Olympic venues in Parley's, Millcreek, Big or Little Cottonwood Canyons? Will you work to put in place policies that protect these places from having Olympic venues?
  • • I need to learn more about the specifics on what is relevant to each Canyon.  I am not supportive in concept, but need to be better informed.
• General Statement:
  • • I’ve lived in Emigration Canyon, and have for over 2 decades.  The unique challenges that our canyons face are near and dear to me.  I am committed to protecting and preserving our canyons.

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Candidate Name: Suzanne Harrison

Running For: Salt Lake County Council At Large B

• Do you support or oppose a gondola in Little Cottonwood Canyon as being proposed by UDOT? Do you believe Utah tax payers should invest in transportation solutions for Little Cottonwood Canyon? Will you join with your community to support an improved bus system and protect the LCC?
  • • Absolutely. I was part of a press conference on Oct 13th with other local elected officials raising concerns about UTA’s recent announcement of decreased bus service to our ski resorts this year. I will work for more responsive busing and advocate for electric buses as well. I’m endorsed by Sierra Club of Utah, O2 Utah, and a host of other organizations that care about our community, and I will continue to fight to protect Little Cottonwood Canyon and other treasured public lands and open space.
• Do you support more cars traveling in Millcreek Canyon or expanded shuttle service? Do you think the upper canyon roadway (open 4 months: July 1 - Nov. 1) should have ped/bike priority with vehicle restrictions (parking reservation for trailheads and picnic areas and cabin owner access) or should be re-engineered to accommodate increased vehicles?
  • • Our canyons are fragile and need protection. I support expanded shuttle service in Millcreek Canyon. I have concerns about widening the road above the winter gate. Instead, we should prioritize pedestrian and bike access and work to enact shuttle service.
• Do you support allowing counties to prevent new gravel pits from being located in sensitive recreation, wildlife and watershed zones like the Wasatch Mountains? Will you vote to preserve the counties’ existing land use and zoning authority to regulate gravel pits? Will you work to improve state laws that would prevent this type of activity from even being considered in the future?
  • • I oppose the Parley's Canyon mine, and I will fight to preserve Counties’ (and cities’) land use and zoning authority to regulate gravel pits and mining. Utah needs building materials, but the operations need to be located in areas that make sense - NOT in densely-populated recreational areas with air pollution problems. I have a track record of voting to protect local control and clean air in the legislature, and I voted 'no' and fought against legislation (like HB 288) that created a loophole to allow mining companies to expand mining operations while subverting local control and ignoring resident voices. Whether it is Geneva Rock in Draper, Tree Farm Parley’s Canyon, or elsewhere, I will use my experience in the legislature to advocate for local resident input, land use and zoning authority, and especially clean air laws during my service as your new Salt Lake County Council member.
• Will you help advance policies that require defensible space, allocate funding to implement forest and watershed health projects to better protect our mountains and our communities from a catastrophic wildfire?
  • • I have the endorsement of the Professional Firefighters Association of Utah and Professional Firefighters Local 1696 who represent Unified Fire members. They have endorsed me because I am serious about public safety and fire risk reduction. I will work with them and local leaders to prioritize common sense solutions to keep the public, our firefighters, and our communities safe. Climate change and drought are only going to make the situation worse, and I'm committed to policies that will help conserve our water, clean up our air, and reduce emissions to reduce fire risk and extreme weather risk in the future. 
• Do you support Olympic venues in Parley's, Millcreek, Big or Little Cottonwood Canyons? Will you work to put in place policies that protect these places from having Olympic venues?
  • • We already have world-class olympic venues in Park City and Snow Basin, and shouldn’t waste taxpayer dollars on building redundant venues. Our Salt Lake County canyons are too fragile and are already strained. I oppose Olympic venues being built in Parleys, Millcreek, Big or Little Cottonwood Canyons and would work to enact policies to protect them from Olympic activities. It is the fiscally and environmentally right thing to do.
• General Statement:
  • • I’m a doctor, not a politician, serving our community at Riverton Hospital for 13 years now. I’ve dedicated my life to helping people who are struggling. I have represented Sandy and Draper in the Utah Legislature for the last four years, where I focused on improving our air quality, water conservation, expanding access to quality health care, and protecting your tax dollars. I serve as a co-chair of the Bi-partisan Clean Air Caucus and I am proud to be endorsed by Sierra Club of Utah and O2 Utah for the Salt Lake County Council at Large. I created Tier3gas.org to help educate people about how to reduce emissions. I'm seeking office because our current County Council has been too busy pandering to extremism and taking cheap shots on social media instead of helping people. I am committed to common-sense solutions that will protect our air, water, precious public spaces like our canyons. We need someone on the Salt Lake County Council with the background and commitment to protecting these fragile gems

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Candidate Name: Ashley Liewer

Running For: Salt Lake County Council District 3

• Do you support or oppose a gondola in Little Cottonwood Canyon as being proposed by UDOT? Do you believe Utah tax payers should invest in transportation solutions for Little Cottonwood Canyon? Will you join with your community to support an improved bus system and protect the LCC?
  • • I oppose the gondola proposal in Little Cottonwood Canyon. The gondola will only worsen the environment here in our already fragile valley. It isn’t an equitable solution to provide more access to the canyon. We need common sense solutions that allow all in our communities to experience the canyons. I am open to discussing potential solutions that are equitable, affordable, and environmentally conscious. Our canyons belong to all of us, not just those who can afford to see them.
• Do you support more cars traveling in Millcreek Canyon or expanded shuttle service? Do you think the upper canyon roadway (open 4 months: July 1 - Nov. 1) should have ped/bike priority with vehicle restrictions (parking reservation for trailheads and picnic areas and cabin owner access) or should be re-engineered to accommodate increased vehicles?
  • • I believe the most equitable option is expanding the shuttle service throughout the canyon and giving priority to pedestrians and bikes. Our canyons should not be for the well-off or a profit-making commodity. They belong to all of us and they need to be protected. 
• Do you support allowing counties to prevent new gravel pits from being located in sensitive recreation, wildlife and watershed zones like the Wasatch Mountains? Will you vote to preserve the counties’ existing land use and zoning authority to regulate gravel pits? Will you work to improve state laws that would prevent this type of activity from even being considered in the future?
  • • I support protecting our wildlife, recreation, and our watershed zones. These pits impact the equity for individuals in our county to access clean and safe drinking water and access to recreational opportunities that allow them to experience what our canyons have to offer. The harm caused to wildlife because of these pits is detrimental. I will vote to regulate gravel pits and will work and collaborate to help prevent activity in the future. 
• Will you help advance policies that require defensible space, allocate funding to implement forest and watershed health projects to better protect our mountains and our communities from a catastrophic wildfire?
  • • I will advocate for, advance policies, and allocate funding for the protection of our watersheds, mountains, and communities. The drought caused by the drying Great Salt Lake is a huge stressor to our ecosystem. Without the protection of our natural resources and wildlife, Salt Lake County will be uninhabitable. Our communities need to be protected.
• Do you support Olympic venues in Parley's, Millcreek, Big or Little Cottonwood Canyons? Will you work to put in place policies that protect these places from having Olympic venues?
  • • I do not support Olympic venues in our canyons. Our canyons are fragile ecosystems and we do not get a do-over if we damage or abuse their resources. I will strive to put policies in place to protect the wilderness our canyons offer for generations to come. 
• General Statement:
  • • We need leaders who understand what equity means and stand with the constituents they represent. We need leaders who do their research and take the time to understand the issues they are being asked to address. We need leaders who will represent the constituents they are elected to serve and not their own personal, partisan interests. As a candidate for the Salt Lake County Council, I want to make it clear: I oppose the gondola’s construction. 

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Candidate Name: Dan Sorensen

Running For: Utah State Senate District 14

• Do you support or oppose a gondola in Little Cottonwood Canyon as being proposed by UDOT? Do you believe Utah tax payers should invest in transportation solutions for Little Cottonwood Canyon? Will you join with your community to support an improved bus system and protect the LCC?
  • • I share your concerns about the environmental impact of the proposed gondola. Even before considering those concerns I question the morality of forcing the citizens of Utah, most of whom rarely if ever ski in LCC, to provide the money to alleviate a problem created by smokers (I being one of them). Let’s rethink what we who love to ski the powder in LCC can do to solve our own problem. 
• Do you support more cars traveling in Millcreek Canyon or expanded shuttle service? Do you think the upper canyon roadway (open 4 months: July 1 - Nov. 1) should have ped/bike priority with vehicle restrictions (parking reservation for trailheads and picnic areas and cabin owner access) or should be re-engineered to accommodate increased vehicles?
  • • This one hits very close to home. I love This canyoning and am in it weekly year round wether on a bike, on foot, or on Xcountry skis. I cherish the eight months a year when the gate is locked. During the four months it’s opened I rarely go up there. I’d probably favor vehicle restrictions to expanding the asphalt.
• Do you support allowing counties to prevent new gravel pits from being located in sensitive recreation, wildlife and watershed zones like the Wasatch Mountains? Will you vote to preserve the counties’ existing land use and zoning authority to regulate gravel pits? Will you work to improve state laws that would prevent this type of activity from even being considered in the future?
  • • The devil is in the details. I don’t want a gravel pit anywhere I go, neither in Parleys Canyon nor in Skull Valley. But I want a foundation under my house and a concrete driveway. Then there is the serious consideration of private property rights. How can we get what we want without violating those, which is ultimately dangerous to all of us. Can the state buy the property or exchange it for an equally mineral-rich property elsewhere in a acceptable locations. Land use issues have to be negotiated. My heart is with you guys but my brain compels me to acknowledge its not a black and white issue. We have to consider sacred property rights when trying to protect and preserve the natural environment. And I think we can work this out in a reasonable way.
• Will you help advance policies that require defensible space, allocate funding to implement forest and watershed health projects to better protect our mountains and our communities from a catastrophic wildfire?
  • • Wether it’s more money or more common sense that needs to be applied, yes, I am committed to implementing whatever we can to better manage forests, lakes and waterways, recognizing that we cannot expect to control Mother Nature. At best we can respectfully negotiate and adjust as she demands. 
• Do you support Olympic venues in Parley's, Millcreek, Big or Little Cottonwood Canyons? Will you work to put in place policies that protect these places from having Olympic venues?
  • • If you are really into hosting the Olympics Parley’s makes a lot more sense than in Millcreek, Big or Little Cottonwood Canyons. Hard pass on the latter ones.
• General Statement:
  • • My legislative priorities in this arena will be grounded in my love and respect for both nature and for humanity,  in honoring private property rights as well as the public’s right to protect and access public lands.