QUESTION: What differences do you see between yourself and your opponent?
JIM BRADLEY: Most of what I know about my opponent comes from the sound bite issues outlined on his website. Yet, if I am re-elected, the following major issues will continue to receive my attention: Protection of the County’s AAA financial rating. The budget is the council’s job #1.
Balance on the County Council: I work well with my colleagues, regardless of party affiliation. I am pleased to receive the backing of my former Republican Council colleagues Marv Hendrickson and Steve Harmsen. My re-election is also supported by Republican Mayors Tom Dolan, Russ Wall, Josh Mills, and Bill Applegarth as well as Mayors Dan Snarr, JoAnn Seghini, and Ralph Becker. I bring balance and a voice of independence to the County Council.
Protection of canyons: Salt Lake County has embarked upon a re-write of the Foothill Canyon Protection Zone. I have a long and clear history of protecting our canyons for future generations. I want to remain an active voice in the conversation.
Alternatives to incarceration: With 70% of the County’s general fund budget going to the jail and related services, criminal justice programs require our attention. The Sheriff has not asked for funding for new jail beds in over five years. This is remarkable and is a testament to our work. Through implementation of an early case resolution program, overcrowding releases from the jail have gone from an average of 700 per month to less than 12 per month. This is saving taxpayer dollars and we must continue the work.
Arts and Culture: One of the first public buildings erected by the pioneers was Social Hall. Social Hall was a gathering place for early residents to share arts and music. In 2010 the Americans for the Arts recognized my local leadership in the arts. I will continue to be a voice for local artists and artistic groups as we move forward.