This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2017, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Recent news stories have complained about the many instances where elected officials seem to be ignoring taxpayers and citizens. This is not just in national politics but also in local government bodies. Although much news coverage has focused on these issues in Salt Lake City, all municipalities have some or all of the issues.
Local issues include increased fees, taxes, bonds, lack of appropriate and effective public safety funding, secret meetings and decisions, maintaining roads and parks, homeless and affordable housing. In many cases in the past, tax increases have been revealed and approved just after an election. Public safety, homeless and affordable housing issues seem to be front page news over the last year. These issues demand effective elected representatives.
That is why citizens should consider running for one of the many municipal positions up for election this year. In Salt Lake County alone there are 15 mayoral races, 40 city council positions open, 10 metro township council positions and 29 local service districts up for election this year. The window for applying to run for these offices (only one per year is allowed) is from June 1 to June 7 at 5 p.m. Municipal elections are nonpartisan and are held in odd-numbered years. The mayor and council qualifications and filing locations are generally with your city recorder. The metro township candidates have to file at the Salt Lake County Election Division Office, 2001 S. State Street. The local service district information is at your local service district office.
For residents of Salt Lake City, filing must be done in person at the City Recorder's Office at the City Building at 400 S. State Street. The primary election (for more than two candidates) is Aug. 15 and the General Election is Nov. 7.
The contribution limit in Salt Lake City is $750 (unlimited personal funds are allowed although voluntary limits are suggested). Other cities and positions have different limits, if any. In the past, Salt Lake City council candidates spent from $5,000 to $34,000 with an average of $16,000. Salt Lake City Districts 1 (northwest), 3 (Avenues), 5 (Central City west of 1300 S.) and 7 (Sugar House) have elections this year. The votes to get through the primary tend to be in the low hundreds and the general election winning candidates get 1,000 to 2,000 votes. Other municipalities and offices are usually much less costly and receive fewer vote totals. The requirements are that the candidate must be a resident of the district for 12 months preceding the general election. The cost to register as a candidate in Salt Lake City is $84 and other municipalities' positions cost much less to register (generally $25).
These elected positions have the power to tax and pass laws that affect all of us. Although the positions are nonpartisan, these positions are stepping stones to higher office. If you are interested in elected office, now is the time to test your potential. Worst case scenario, you will see what it takes to run a campaign and win votes. Best case scenario, you will get elected!
In addition, as pointed out by former state Rep. Jennifer Seelig (who now works for Salt Lake City), the number of women running for office decreases significantly from representation on community councils (about 50 percent). Now is the time to consider running to ensure truly representative elected officials.
The best way to ensure a healthy democracy is to encourage public engagement and ensure respectful competition at election time. Local municipal elections this year have a small window for declaring candidacy that ends June 7 at 5 p.m. If you want to change the world, start locally and consider running for one of the many elected offices up for elections this year. The best way to ensure effective government is elections. And elections need candidates, now.
George Chapman is a former candidate for mayor of Salt Lake City.