QUESTION: In what ways does Salt Lake County government need to function better? How would go about addressing those issues?
JIM BRADLEY: Salt Lake County has made many strides over the past 12 years since the inception of the Mayor/Council form of government. The openness and transparency of Salt Lake County Government is nationally recognized and award winning. We still need to work on eliminating some duplication of services between independent elected offices and aggressive steps are being taken. For example, over the past few years the independent offices of the County Surveyor, Recorder, and Assessor have made great strides in coordinating GIS mapping services and shared functions. A discussion of a better functioning Salt Lake County would not be complete without mention of newly elected County Treasurer K. Wayne Cushing and the innovations he brought to his office. Tax receipts are up because of small changes Treasurer Cushing made in the way his staff follows up on returned mail. This means that cities, schools, and all taxing entities receive the funds budgeted, simply because a County official took steps to streamline his functions. Similarly, when called upon, Treasurer Cushing worked closely with me and the entire Salt Lake Valley Law Enforcement Service Area (SLVLESA) Board to provide a Note funding option that saved SLVLESA taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars in borrowing costs. These types of behind the scenes innovations and process improvements are occurring all over County government. I am proud to be part of the leadership team that is making these changes happen.
Additionally, Salt Lake County needs to be more proactive in assisting with valley-wide joint service and financing efforts. Salt Lake County needs to continue to develop programs such as the Jordan River Commission, the Zoo, Arts and Parks funding program, and the Countywide Cooperative Planning effort to bring all local officials to the same table so that together local entities can maximize the quality and cost effectiveness of valley-wide services.