West Jordan City Council Campaign: Status Report!

Last Saturday morning, in the 4th hour of my shift talking to West Jordan voters one on one, I passed a milestone—75,000 steps taken going door to door since I filed to run for city council in June. Even more by now! I have knocked doors in all 4 districts. I have talked to folks that have lived in the city for 45 years, and folks that just moved here. I have walked in rain, surprise thunderstorms, and 100-degree heat. I’ve walked on my own, I’ve walked with my 2-year-old in tow in the stroller, I’ve walked with lovely volunteers who believe in my vision. I have seen some amazing welcome mats, interacted with more ring cameras than I can count, and shared a lot of laughs and pleasant chats with the friendly folks I’m happy to call my neighbors. And I’m happy to say I have only been yelled at one time (so far). ;) 

But most importantly, I’ve been listening. And here is my status report on what I’m hearing from voters across the city about what they need and what they are looking for in a member of the city council. 

1. Voters want a long-term plan for West Jordan

This comes up in different ways. Frustration with traffic. Observations about developments that seem poorly planned. Questions about road construction (again)—”What the heck is going on with 13th West!”. Concerns about the city budget and changes in tax rates over time. Excitement about the growth of the city, mixed with consternation about how quickly that growth is happening. These conversations are so nice to hear, since I hold many of the same anxieties and questions. I am running because I want to make sure West Jordan remains a great place to raise a family—for my own 6-year-old and 2-year-old sons, and for all of the families that live here. I will bring a family-focused vision for the future of the city. 

2. Voters want to feel heard by their city council members

Oh the stories I have heard. The good, the bad, and the ugly about voters' prior experiences with members of the city council. Positive interactions almost always boil down to the voter feeling heard and acknowledged well by their city council. Stories about messages being returned right away with quick action. Personal outreach by council members is also memorable to voters, and they tell me about it! I don't know how else to prove that I will be a responsive and active city council member other than showing up now during campaign season and talking to folks every evening I can, but I am going to keep doing that. I have the energy and the enthusiasm to represent the city well. 

3. The little things count

People are busy with hectic lives. West Jordan residents want their roads to be plowed, their garbage to be picked up, their water to be clean, and their community events to be thoughtfully planned. This is the sort of thing the council has a great deal of influence over, and this is why local elections matter. I will work to keep the little things running smoothly, so the average person just doesn’t have to think about them! That is the mark of a well-run city. 

My adventures through West Jordan have not only been about the steps I've taken but also about the meaningful conversations I've had with residents. I'll be using these insights and experiences to guide my efforts to ensure that our city remains a thriving community for all families.