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

Brad Byngton: Our city uses our property tax revenue effectively. The majority of our funds are spent on public safety and essential services. We need to remain vigilant on rising property values that will continue to increase our property taxes even with tax rates unchanged. These increases hurt our elderly residents and those on a fixed income. I will look for solutions to this ongoing problem in our city.

Kathryn Dahlin: Each year when I receive my “Notice of Property Valuation and Tax Changes” sent by the Salt Lake County Auditor, I look at each line item and ask myself if I believe that each is a good use of taxpayer funds. There are some expenditures that I find to be more effective than others. I believe that Draper City, through our elected officials and city employees, works hard to ensure that our tax dollars are spent wisely. Effectively using taxpayer dollars means fully funding our emergency services, like the Draper Police and Fire departments. I also support financial investments and long term planning for our transportation and infrastructure needs. Draper also has extensive trails and open spaces and I support our city’s efforts to maintain these lands and reduce fire danger.  

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

Brad Byngton: Draper City should adhere to strict budgeting practices just like any small business or any family. Before asking for more money from residents, the city staff and council should determine if efficiencies in the budget can be made or if there is any waste to be cut. I believe a budget is a promise to our city's residents that we will do everything we can with the tax dollars they have entrusted us with.

Kathryn Dahlin: Draper City has been well managed in many ways and that good governance makes Draper a place we love to live. I support a fiscally responsible balanced city budget that maintains the livability we enjoy. Some of my top priorities for our city budget are 1. Public safety, 2. Transportation and infrastructure maintenance and long term planning and 3. Maintaining the livability of our community through trails, parks and open spaces. I also believe that being fiscally responsible means saying no to some good ideas. Some programs and departments have expanded in recent years. Inflation has forced most families to look for ways to reduce spending and focus on necessities, and I believe that our government entities should also look for ways to effectively work to stretch existing budgets rather than raise spending.

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? 

Brad Byngton: There are many policies in place to ensure officials are meeting transparency standards. However, in instances where residents feel their local government is not transparent, I would advocate citizen oversight panels and independent ethics commissions. When a potential problem is identified, these entities would hold our elected officials accountable.

Kathryn Dahlin: I am an advocate for good governance and have published guest opinion articles supporting efforts to increase transparency and fight government overreach. The greatest tool the citizens have against corruption is the power of our vote!  

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

Brad Byngton: Our Draper City police ‘line of service’ enforcing local code and state law moves further West each month, further from the police station. Our police lack the budget and resources to address immigration issues while continuing their current duties. However, if they encounter someone who is in our country illegally or if ICE asks them to detain someone already in police custody, then our police should cooperate with federal law enforcement as allowed or required by law.

Kathryn Dahlin: I believe in limited government. The federal government has jurisdiction over immigration and I support efforts by the federal government to enforce the law.

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

Brad Byngton: I am opposed to the canyon gondola.

Kathryn Dahlin: The proposed canyon gondola is being discussed by the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) and, it is my understanding that if UDOT were to move forward with such a proposal, any government funding would be decided by the Utah legislature. The gondola would not be in Draper, nor would the city have any jurisdiction or funding requirement. This is not a matter that has been or will be considered by the Draper City Council.

Q: What steps would you take to ensure that seniors can age in place affordably and safely in our community? 

Brad Byngton: We need to address our rising property values, which increase the cost of living for our seniors. I will advocate for restrictions on the annual property tax assessment increase, tying the increase to an inflation gauge with an annual maximum (i.e. 2 or 3%) to help long-term property owners remain in their home once they are on a fixed income. Addressing this problem will be the best way to ensure our seniors can age in place while maintaining an affordable lifestyle.

Kathryn Dahlin: Draper’s seniors are an important part of our community and I believe we all have a responsibility to look out for and support our neighbors. The Salt Lake County run Draper Senior Center provides services, meals and social opportunities for seniors in our community and there is an active Meals on Wheels program in our city as well. I would love to see efforts in our city to expand caregiver support and consider more senior living options in areas where development is being considered.

Q: How do you plan to serve community needs? 

Brad Byngton: I am a servant leader and will remain so on the Draper City Council. This means I will be driven purely by Draper City residents' desires and needs. I will hold open forums for citizens to come and tell me their priorities and concerns. I will relay updates from city council meetings on social media pages and newsletters to keep you updated. And I will ensure your voice is heard every step of the way.

Kathryn Dahlin: As a candidate for City Council, I have made it a priority to attend Council meetings, Planning Committee meetings as well as various committee and School Board meetings. I have knocked on hundreds of residents' doors and spent countless hours listening to their needs and concerns. For many years I have volunteered in our schools and participated in city programs and events. I believe that a Council member can best serve the community by taking the time to listen to their constituents and working to ensure that the government serves the needs of the people. 

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

Brad Byngton: I am running to protect Draper for future families. As a father with two children and one on the way, I am personally invested in ensuring our city remains safe and suitable for our families.

Kathryn Dahlin: My family and I love living in Draper and with my professional background and extensive volunteer experience, I am uniquely prepared to work on the Council to preserve our great quality of life while moving confidently into the future. 

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?):

Brad Byngton: Born and raised in La Crosse, Wisconsin, Brad learned early the value of service and hard work. He earned a degree from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, and later an advanced degree from American Military University. He was commissioned in the U.S. Air Force, where he spent 16 years as an officer, deploying twice to combat zones. He served at several locations in the US, spending time serving as an executive officer at the Pentagon and finishing his military career at Hill Air Force Base in Utah.   Brad served in federal law enforcement, rising to become a three-time Special Agent in Charge within the Office of Special Investigations. Following his career in federal service, Brad created and succeeded as a small business owner, learning the challenges and rewards that come with it.    In 2019, he and his family put down roots in Draper. A year later, he earned his Utah real estate license and advanced to become a branch broker in 2024. Today, as an active real estate broker, he helps clients find their home and community along the Wasatch Front. In his spare time, Brad enjoys mountain biking and trail running in Utah's great outdoor spaces.

Kathryn Dahlin: I worked as a legislative aide in the United States Senate for a number of years. I learned the specifics of local, state and federal government and how government budgets work. I worked for Senator Bob Bennett (R-UT) from 2008-2010 and handled transportation, technology and housing issues. During this time I worked with many Utah cities (including Draper) on planning and funding transportation projects. Since 2014, I have stayed at home to raise my four children and have been an active community volunteer. I have been on my elementary PTA Board for 8 years (currently serving as President) and am in my second year on the Draper Park School Community Council (SCC). 

Q: If you would like to explicitly state your political party, please do so here: 

Kathryn Dahlin: I support the nonpartisan nature of our municipal races, however I am a registered Republican.

Q: How can residents stay informed about your campaign? 

Brad Byngton: Website: Votebradbyington.com |  Facebook:@votebradbyington. |  Instagram: @votebradbyington

Kathryn Dahlin: Please follow me on Facebook or Instagram at Kathryn4Draper. My website is www.kathryndahlin.com