At one time, Salt Lake was an affordable city for working-class people. In the early 2000s, while working at a call center, I purchased a house on the Westside to raise my family in. Over time, our local elected officials prioritized the desires of the wealthy, making it impossible for young people to get ahead or for seniors to enjoy the retirement they earned.
I know what it is like to work 60 hours a week and still rely on deed-restricted (affordable) housing and nutritional assistance to feed a family. I also know that when given a fair opportunity and support from local government, our future potential becomes reality. If you want to join me in this movement, I am asking you to rank me #1 on November 4.
Comparing the Candidates
| Stephen Otterstrom | The Incumbent | |
|---|---|---|
| Use of Public Funds | Stephen Otterstrom believes taxes must be used for public good. | The incumbent voted to increase your taxes for 30 years to give $900 million for the benefit of a Provo billionaire. |
| Homelessness | Stephen Otterstrom supports converting existing structures across the city to create shelters for our unhoused neighbors. | The incumbent favors sanctioned camping. |
| Housing | Stephen Otterstrom champions alternative housing ownership models so Salt Lake residents can have the ability to own where they live. | The incumbent has only made token efforts on these issues over four years. |
| Public Availability | Stephen Otterstrom supports providing adequate time for public comment. He has also hosted three community town halls and answered anonymously-submitted questions in several online forums. | The incumbent voted to restrict public comment to one hour, limiting the public's ability to access their government. |
| Policy Transparency | Stephen Otterstrom has comprehensive policy positions totaling 5,049 words and 47 sources. | The incumbent only provides 194 words with 0 sources. (as of November 1) |
| Financial Transparency | Stephen Otterstrom has accurately filled out all required financial disclosures. | The incumbent chose not to file all required disclosures. |
| Mayor & Council Pay | Stephen Otterstrom believes the mayor's pay was adequate at $168,067. When asked by the Salt Lake Tribune, Stephen said he would not favor increasing the council's pay. | The incumbent voted to dramatically skyrocket the mayor's annual salary to over $210,000. When asked by the Salt Lake Tribune, the incumbent indicated support for yet another pay incease for her own interest. |
Stephen on the Issues
Housing
Westsiders are being forced out of the city due to out-of-control rental and home prices. I will fight for alternative ownership models, especially Cooperative Housing, which can stabilize prices and give renters an equity stake in where they live. Read the policy here.
Roads and Transportation
New traffic slowing measures must proactively seek input from the residents and work effectively, such as raised crosswalks that make children more visible to drivers. We shouldn’t build dangerous road features that slow through obstruction. Read the policy here.
Helping Our Unhoused Neighbors
I will advocate for converting existing structures to provide housing, resources, and support. Sanctioned camp sites are not the answer because they are short-term solutions that often become long-term problems. The city also needs to expand its partnership with churches and non-profits who are already on the ground making a difference. Read the policy here.
The City Budget
Your current city council representative prioritized and voted to create a special tax to raise $900 million. This corporate handout primarily benefits a single Provo billionaire and will cover, among other things, the entire privately-owned Delta Center renovation cost. Our budget must be used for public benefit, not private profit. Read the policy here.
Most politicians publish vague, buzzword-heavy policy positions that don't tell you what they believe. I commit to being transparent in my views throughout this campaign, and if you will have me, while serving you in office. You can read in-depth policies by clicking the button below.
Community Endorsements
With your support, I gathered 150% of the signatures needed to earn my place on the ballot this November.
PROUDLY NOT ENDORSED BY billionaires, developers seeking public tax dollar handouts, or status-quo politicians.
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Volunteer in the Community with the Campaign
The Westside is my home, I am committed to volunteering to help those in need. Visit the calendar page to see upcoming community volunteer activities the campaign will be serving at.
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