Mayoral Race Voters Guide
Oct 06, 2025 07:54PM ● By City Journals Staff
Cottonwood Heights City Hall Ribbon Cutting
2025's General Election Day is on Nov. 4. (See other important dates and SLCounty information in our Voting Information Overview page at the Valley Journals here.)
In preparation, we surveyed our readers (like you!) to ask which local topics would determine important voting decisions for local races. We then asked your local candidates those reader-suggested questions. Candidates were asked to limit their answers to 200 words.These are their answers:
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In Cottonwood Heights, Gay Lynn Bennion and Mike Weichers are running for Mayor.
Q: Do you believe current property tax revenue is being used effectively? How so?
Gay Lynn Bennion: No. First, the current city budget underfunds Unified Fire Authority so that we are short a firefighter at the Wasatch Boulevard Station. With 800 wildfires this year, we are putting emergency workers and our community in danger. The national standard is four firefighters for a fire apparatus, so that two firefighters go into a structure fire and two stay outside. We need to reallocate our budget to ensure full staffing is a priority. Second, when we ignore 500-plus illegal short-term rentals operating in our city for several years, we are leaving Transient Room Tax uncollected, because we aren’t collecting the licensing fee and they may not be remitting taxes, since they aren’t operating legally. We could increase our city revenues by working with experts to set high standards for short-term rental licenses. This is the way to bring this business model under control and increase our city budget.Mike Weichers: I believe current property tax dollars are being used efficiently. Our goal is to provide essential services: public safety, infrastructure, including roads and plowing snow, storm water reliability and emergency preparedness. The city currently funds all of these services while keeping property taxes as one of the lowest rates in Salt Lake County.
Q: Thinking about fiscal responsibility, what values should your local budget reflect? How do you plan to balance those values?
Gay Lynn Bennion: As elected officials, we value wise use of tax dollars and the need to invest in public safety and public infrastructure, the main responsibilities of government. Our priority should be to fund these basic services. Once we have a clearer understanding of each dollar’s purpose in our budget, perhaps we could try participatory budgeting (PB), which allow citizens to be part of the decision-making process on requests outside of basic city needs. PB is an option our city could explore to increase citizen involvement and understanding of the difficulty of balancing our values.Mike Weichers: Our city budget exemplifies a commitment to public safety, both police and fire. With some of the best response times in the state, both our police and fire departments represent our commitment to making sure people feel safe in Cottonwood Heights. We also see less turnover in these departments by committing to pay our first responders fairly.
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?
Gay Lynn Bennion: Zero-based budgeting would be a way to take a deep dive into each department’s budget and its budgeting practices. We need to better understand why the annual budget has grown and appears to lack priorities, transparency or accountability. For example, the budget may not account for operation and maintenance of the new public works facility. Instead of adjusting from the previous budget, with zero-based budgeting, the city would start from scratch and justify every expense to allocate funds intentionally, with goals to avoid overspending, increase transparency and clarify the purpose of spending. We could be more transparent about costs. Some residents have studied the Canyon Centre investments our city and county made and find it’s unclear how much the city and Canyons School District may be losing to this project compared to benefits that were envisioned.Mike Weichers: A few months ago, we started publishing our meetings agenda seven days in advance, versus 48 hours previously, to give residents more time to review current issues. The current council is required to sign conflict of interest disclosures every year, and I support making these disclosures public. I would support current state law when conflicts arise and are not disclosed.
Q: What is your stance on local government cooperation with ICE?
Gay Lynn Bennion: The majority of individuals who have been detained by ICE do not have criminal backgrounds. We are not experiencing problems with immigrants in our city, and our law enforcement officers should stay focused on their current priorities of crime prevention and response, traffic safety and public service to residents.
Mike Weichers: I support our current policy which states -- No Active Immigration Enforcement – CHPD does not investigate or actively search for immigration violations and has no cross-designated ICE officers under 287(g). CHPD will cooperate with all Federal agencies as requested.
Q: What is your stance on the proposed canyon gondola?
Gay Lynn Bennion: I stand with the vast majority of residents in strong opposition to the gondola. I work closely with the grassroots groups working for solutions, and I am trusted and endorsed by their leaders. We are working for common-sense transportation solutions such as using private shuttles and more frequent public buses to transport people during peak hours on the 30 or so days when the canyon is congested. Last year, I successfully sponsored a stronger traction law to restrict vehicles that are not weather worthy from being in the canyons on days with winter weather conditions.Mike Weichers: I oppose the gondola and support an enhanced bussing model to alleviate Wasatch Boulevard and canyon congestion.
Q: How will you protect the character of local neighborhoods?
Gay Lynn Bennion: We have phenomenal local leaders. One of them leads his community in a neighborhood potluck every summer and has even started a nonprofit to help neighbors with needs. This individual would like to help this kind of cohesive bonding start in other city neighborhoods. As we encourage neighborhood leaders like this one to share passions and knowledge with others, we can strengthen relationships within neighborhoods. Where we see the possibility of development or redevelopment, we need to hold neighborhood meetings to discuss options, educate residents about the increased costs of housing/development when residents push back against development, and work for consensus on a vision of how local neighborhoods can grow while maintaining their distinct character.Mike Weichers: I am a big proponent of not allowing growth to disrupt our current suburban neighborhoods. I support strategic ways of planning for growth, but not at the expense of Cottonwood Heights neighborhoods. I will continue to fight to keep local zoning decisions at the city level, instead of allowing the state to regulate city zoning.
Q: What steps would you take to ensure that seniors can age in place affordably and safely in our community?
Gay Lynn Bennion: There are two parts to the equation. We need to help seniors bring in more revenue sources and lower expenses. Revenue can come from helping them rent out rooms in their houses or build Accessory Dwelling Units. I have focused on housing for the past five years as a state legislator and I know we need “missing middle” housing in our city. This means more duplexes, townhomes, condos and flex homes, which are seven small homes on 1 acre, each with three bedrooms, one and a half bathrooms, each costing about $300,000. We need smaller, affordable housing for seniors and for young families so they can become homeowners. One way to reduce costs for seniors and all residents is through incentives and training sessions on adapting home landscapes to conserve water, which will also aid in preservation of the Great Salt Lake. The city can host workshops for seniors to ensure they are aware of property tax circuit breaker programs to help reduce property taxes where applicable. Also, as we find ways to increase public and safe active transportation in our city, we improve outcomes both for seniors and all residents.Mike Weichers: I will continue to fight to not raise city property taxes. Seniors on fixed incomes are the ones hurt most by tax increases and keeping them as one of the lowest in the county is the best way to help them afford to live in Cottonwood Heights.
Q: How will you prioritize and protect proper historic restoration of existing structures?
Gay Lynn Bennion: We have a fantastic Historic Committee, which should have been more closely involved with conversations involving the Old Mill. Our city needs to be realistic, but also creative, about historic restoration of existing structures. As we work with the Historic Committee, we will be able to best prioritize and protect historic structures. We can empower the historical committee more so their voices are heard earlier during the planning process.
Mike Weichers: The city currently has an ordinance in place to protect historic buildings. I led an initiative to increase the fines for anyone that demolishes a historic building without going through proper legal procedures. I will support continuing to identify buildings that don’t yet have a historic designation and work with the community to make sure we continue to honor our heritage.
Q: How do you plan to serve community needs?
Gay Lynn Bennion: As a long-term resident of Cottonwood Heights, I am in touch with many neighbors. They complain that their concerns are unaddressed despite involving the city council or filling out survey after survey. We have great staff members. City leaders should listen and learn from our staff, city residents and one another to collaborate and best serve our community. Leaders should carefully review recent community surveys. I answer emails, phone calls and texts from my constituents now, and I will do that same one-on-one work as mayor of our city. I see the need for a few more committees that would allow citizens to address some of the needs we have. I hear many concerns about the ability to walk and bike through the city and concerns about unsafe intersections and streets. A Safe Streets for All Committee would be a productive way to address these concerns and work for solutions. Another resident suggested a Think and Do Committee. Let’s let retired experts and other interested city residents help our city address goals and concerns.
Mike Weichers: We are currently looking at ways to provide more services to our seniors. We implemented monthly Senior Services in the last few months and are looking for new ways to provide more support to our seniors with help from existing county services.
Q: One main succinct reason/goal for why you are running for this election:
Gay Lynn Bennion: Cottonwood Heights residents tell me they want a government that is more responsive, proactive and inclusive than we currently have. We all want a walkable, healthy city and growth that benefits our city, not just developers. We want a city that helps our seniors age well. These are my priorities, and I have the knowledge and connections to bring our vision to reality.
Mike Weichers: I’m running for reelection to help “The Heights” town center become a reality.
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?):
Gay Lynn Bennion: I am serving my third term as State Representative for House District 41 in the Utah Legislature. For the past five years, I’ve served on Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environmental Quality and Political Subdivisions Committees where I deal with water, air, land and housing issues. I’m eager to bring the skills, experience and connections I have gained to benefit our city.
Mike Weichers: A lifetime resident of Cottonwood Heights, Mike Weichers has shown himself to be a proven leader with a deep commitment to his community. Mike's leadership extends beyond City Hall, as he has also served as Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Unified Fire Authority, a board member for the Salt Lake County Board of Health and a Commissioner for the Central Wasatch Commission. Mayor Weichers has a broad background with experience as a finance professional and entrepreneur. He earned his bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University. When he's not working, Mike enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife, Jenni, their six children and six grandchildren. His extensive experience and commitment to the community make him a trusted and proven leader. I am nearing four years’ experience as the current mayor of Cottonwood Heights.
Q: How can residents stay informed about your campaign?
Gay Lynn Bennion: My website is gaylynnbennion.com. I promptly answer emails, texts and phone calls. I have a team of volunteers, and we are coming to every door in our city. I’m also on social media. Facebook: Gay Lynn Bennion for Cottonwood Heights Mayor and Instagram: electgaylynnhd41 Threads: electgaylynnhd41. Phone is 385-200-1794.
Mike Weichers: Voteweichers.com or 801-403-4459
Optional – Salt Lake County residents reported a handful of additional topics of concerns and questions. Please feel free to answer any of the following questions you'd like to respond to. Responses to questions in this section are not necessary.
Q: What role do you believe local government should play in protecting open space and natural areas within your community? Residents specifically asked: What actions will you take to help conserve the Great Salt Lake?
Gay Lynn Bennion: Our city has fantastic parks and trails, which I use and enjoy almost daily. I often post photos of my hikes on Facebook. These assets can’t be replaced, and I will always work to protect open space and expand it where possible. I’d encourage tree planting where feasible, for beautification, improved air quality and extreme heat mitigation. In addition, another source of open space are people's own yards and landscapes of local businesses. With increasing water bills for all of us, our city should work with the USU Extension Service, Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District and others to help residents conserve water through smart sprinklers, drip irrigation and replacing unused grassy areas with drought tolerant native plants and trees. Experts see reducing water we use on lawns as one of the major ways municipalities can contribute water to the Great Salt Lake. Our city can help residents with their water bills and get water to GSL through education and incentives. Our city also needs a wildfire mitigation program, which other cities have, to reduce risks of wildfire and to keep home insurance costs from rising. Fully staffed fire stations are vital to protect open spaces, parks and our homes.
Q: If elected, how will you begin managing high-density housing, short-term rentals, and property value protections in your community? Residents specifically asked: Do you support holding builders accountable to a higher standard like expecting builders to make needed improvements to streets and sidewalks?
Gay Lynn Bennion: I support increasing higher density housing in strategic locations, such as those near transit hubs and economic centers. New residents can help increase tax revenue without excessive burden on current residents. New residents also spend money on local businesses, which increases our tax revenue. But to do this right, we must hold developers accountable to develop public infrastructure, such as sidewalks and water infrastructure so existing residents also reap benefits. We must do a better job to engage local residents so their needs are addressed. Updated zoning, education and work with impacted neighborhoods is key to reducing NIMBYism and limiting costs for builders. I have been focused on short-term rentals for the past four years because city residents asked for my help. I work closely with a national expert and sponsored a 2024 bill that would have set state guidelines. Sadly, the bill was successfully killed by STR lobbyists. We need to set high standards for STR licenses and require all operators to get a license. The increased taxes and fees will more than pay for quality enforcement. This is the only way we’ll get this business model under control, especially with the coming Olympics.
Q: What education policies do you support? Residents asked about school closures, capping class sizes, banning books, and restricting teachers to do their jobs.
Gay Lynn Bennion: City policies don’t directly impact education, but education is a personal priority for me. I’m sad to see culture wars negatively impact students, families and teachers. Utah’s strong education system was validated in 2022 when our eighth-grade students showed no significant drop in math scores—the only state to do so. I support librarians and teachers as experts and encourage parents to be involved and supportive of our public education system. Our four children benefitted from public schools as my husband’s Air Force active-duty service took our family around the country. I’m sad that my granddaughter’s Utah school has cut the music program due to budget constraints. Our society and individuals benefit from a robust, healthy public education system.
Q: What are your priorities regarding funding of homeless shelters and assistance programs? Residents specifically asked about safe spaces, quality of shelters, and accessibility of programs.
Gay Lynn Bennion: People who are unsheltered are our family members, neighbors and friends. Our state had an 18% increase in individuals experiencing homelessness in the last year, which was driven by skyrocketing housing costs, mental illness and impacts of drug and alcohol abuse. We’re one of the few states that didn’t see a significant drop in opioid abuse rates last year. Our state has not invested in deeply affordable housing. The 1,300 bed facility planned near the airport for the unsheltered would require $35 million annually to operate, and our legislature has been unwilling to provide this level of funding. While we need more shelters, we also need deeply affordable housing and supportive services to help address the needs. There are about 2,000 homeless students in Canyon School District. This is a problem that impacts all of us.
