Q: Do you believe current property tax revenue is being used effectively? How so? 

Braxten Rutherford: Unfortunately, we can only really speculate. I have no reason to suspect abuse or misuse, but it is simply too difficult for the average Draper resident to find any kind of comprehensive, non-cryptic disclosure. As mayor, I will make transparency the rule, not just a norm. Property tax revenue, spent effectively, betters the community AND raises property values.

Troy Walker: Yes, Draper is efficient and transparent with the use of its tax revenue. We are the second lowest taxed city in Salt Lake County and provide excellent public safety along with quality-of-life amenities including world class parks and trails.

Q: Thinking about fiscal responsibility, what values should your local budget reflect? How do you plan to balance those values? 

Braxten Rutherford: My budget priorities will be centered on the Draper residents of today, not just the never-arriving ‘near’ future of tomorrow. Quality, effective, and easily accessible services benefit both the individual, and collective property values. As mayor, I will be cost conscious in every spending decision, no matter the size, while ensuring that operations are adequately funded to the level that Draper residents expect, deserve, and pay for.

Troy Walker: The city should be conservative and prudent. We must fund our operations and provide the level of service the citizens expect. 

Q: Many residents reported concern for government oversight and transparency. What systems would you support to hold local officials accountable when transparency standards aren't met? 

Braxten Rutherford:  Intentional lack of transparency can only be taken as a sign that there is something to hide. Transparency means more than disclosure; it means clear, readily available information at the touch of a button. As mayor, I will implement a weekly report on the all city activities, construction, and expenditures. This will include a short, concise weekly podcast episode so that residents can become informed on their morning commute. Those who do not meet consistent transparency standards will be removed, and my office will personally see that standards are restored.

Troy Walker: All our business and study meetings are open. We provide online access to all city information. We take regular public comments and do our best to provide emergency and relevant public safety information as soon as is practicable.

Q: What is your stance on local government cooperation with ICE? 

Braxten Rutherford: As ICE is a federal government agency, I would be obligated to a degree of cooperation. I may disagree with the current operational ethos of the agency, but as a rule of law mayor, I will always adhere to lawful state and federal orders. However, I would require ICE agents operating within Draper to adhere to the same standard. I would personally insist on accompanying ICE for the duration, to ensure that the civil and due process rights of ALL my constituents are constitutionally protected. 

Troy Walker: Our Police department’s job is to police Draper City. Our officers serve and protect all our citizens. Our officers enforce local ordinances and state laws. We are not an extension of federal law enforcement. It is not our job to do the work of any federal agency. Our officers will assist other law enforcement, including ICE in emergency situations and our officers will notify ICE regarding arrested individuals when appropriate as they have always done. I do not support using our local police department as an extension of ICE or any other federal agency.

Q: What is your stance on the proposed canyon gondola? 

Braxten Rutherford: This issue should be decided by effected Sandy residents, but my understanding of the issue is that mountain resorts would benefit far more than Sandy. I do not believe enough has been done or proposed that would offset the burden to the average Sandy homeowner or resident. If the proposed canyon gondola were a Draper issue, I would vocally oppose it. I would be open to an alternative solution to the canyon transit issue, but this one does not appear acceptable.

Troy Walker: Draper city is currently doing several deed restricted housing projects with developers. Those projects involve the city investing tax revenue that we receive that is designed to be used in housing to lower the purchase of a home for city and school district employees. That is the extent of the Cities’ involvement in government assisted housing. Draper does not have the budget to fund senior housing or any other type of housing.

Q: How do you plan to serve community needs? 

Braxten Rutherford:  The first step, which I have already begun in earnest (email my personal inbox: [email protected]), is to identify those needs. I fear that local politicians often imagine what their community needs based on their own Draper experience, which is limited. Solutions are created to problems that don’t necessarily exist, and real issues are glossed over or ignored. A city like Draper is not so big that individual resident concerns cannot be heard or addressed by the mayor personally. As a full-time mayor, I will be in that office with my door open, my inbox ready, and my phone line clear.

Q: One main succinct reason/goal for why you are running for this election: 

Braxten Rutherford: I love Draper. Our city needs (and deserves) qualified, dedicated, and compassionate leadership. A mayor shouldn’t just be a part-time gig or side hustle. As a Draper citizen, I want a full-time mayor who earns every dollar of their tax-funded salary. That is the kind of mayor that I will be.

Troy Walker: Keep and improve our quality of life.

Q: Background (residents have asked: What is your relevant educational/job experience? What previous government positions or offices have you held? How long have you been on the council?):

Braxten Rutherford: 35-years-old, and the oldest child of five, Braxten Rutherford was born and raised here in the Sandy/Draper area. He is both an elementary school teacher at the Waterford School, and a professional freelance writer. Braxten is a former youth counselor for high-risk teens in residential treatment, and (fun fact) is also a former Hogwarts student (Operational Managing Lead) at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Troy Walker: I have been a practicing attorney for the last 29 years. I have an undergraduate degree in accounting. I have served on the council for six years and I have served as Mayor for 12 years.

Q: How can residents stay informed about your campaign? 

Braxten Rutherford: Please visit me at www.votebraxten.com, or email me directly at my personal email: [email protected].