Welcome to the City Journals Voters Guide!

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, Shawn Newell and Randy Prazen are running for District 3.  

 

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

Shawn Newell: In most cases, I believe our property taxes are working to provide the resources and services we need in our communities. There is always room for improvement. For example, how the collected tax dollars are utilized to improve the lives of residents is critical.  

Randy Prazen: Cottonwood Heights ranks as one of the cities with the lowest property tax rates in Salt Lake County. Much of Cottonwood Heights’ property tax revenue is committed to essential contracts for public safety, so in that sense the money is being used for critical services. At the same time, I think there’s room for improvement in how we allocate funds to public safety, infrastructure and communicate budget choices to residents. 

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

Shawn Newell: A budget that consists of public funds must be managed in a manner that is transparent and easily understood by community members. I will continue to openly share the priorities and expenditures of my city’s budget with all constituents.

Randy Prazen: Fiscal responsibility means making sure all dollars residents contribute is used wisely and transparently. I believe our local budget should reflect the values of safety, infrastructure and community well-being. That means prioritizing public safety through effective police and fire services, maintaining and improving our roads and sidewalks, and investing in parks and community spaces that enhance quality of life.

Q: Many residents reported concern for government oversight and transparency so; What systems would you support to hold local officials accountable when transparency standards aren't met? 

Shawn Newell: Anyone serving the public must maintain ethical behaviors across any and all subjects.  I believe in community accountability committees that focus on internal operations concerning all actions taken by elected officials.

Transparency builds trust, and residents deserve clear accountability when it falls short. I would support expanding open data practices, so budgets, contracts, and decisions are easy to access and understand. Council meetings could be livestreamed and provide clear ways for residents to submit questions and get answers. I also support independent oversight. Accountability should be built into how our city operates every day. 

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

Shawn Newell: Government officials have a responsibility to adhere to the directives set by leadership.  However, when these actions create environments of fear and concern, by our neighbors, and disrupts the lives of our fellow citizens we need to take into consideration if the actions are civil and justifiable and then act accordingly in our charged roles.

Randy Prazen: I do not support local government acting as an extension of federal immigration enforcement. Our resources should focus on safety, infrastructure and serving all residents. Partnering with ICE undermines trust in our community. Cottonwood Heights should prioritize fairness, inclusion and local needs, while leaving immigration enforcement to the federal government.

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

Shawn Newell: I am against the gondola as it has been proposed.

Randy Prazen: I do not support the gondola project. I feel there are many other less intrusive options that deserve our attention.

Q: How will you protect the character of local neighborhoods?  

Shawn Newell: I will work directly with residents, staff and my fellow councilmembers to develop decisions that take into consideration all variables to specific issues.

Randy Prazen: I believe in protecting open spaces, trails and parks, which are a defining part of our community’s identity. I will also work to maintain safe, walkable streets and support zoning that preserves neighborhood integrity while still allowing for responsible updates and improvements.

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

Shawn Newell: Here I will work to address growing economic constraints to minimize the impact on our aging population.

Randy Prazen: I will support seniors aging in place by encouraging affordable, accessible housing options, providing tax relief where possible and investing in safe sidewalks and walkable streets.

Q: How will you prioritize and protect proper historic restoration of existing structures? 

Shawn Newell: Here I will take the lead of our city’s volunteer community committees.

Randy Prazen: Cottonwood Heights should collaborate with the community and Historic Committee when dealing with any historic site. These collaborations should be transparent.

Q: How do you plan to serve community needs? 

Shawn Newell: I will continue to be pragmatic in my approach to community needs. Additionally, I will work closely with all of our city’s professional staff and residents to help me to make informed decisions.

Randy Prazen: I plan to serve community needs by making city government more open and accessible. One of my top goals is to bolster community involvement at city council meetings through livestreaming, better outreach and easier ways to provide feedback. I believe listening to residents first is the best way to make decisions that reflect and serve our community.

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

Shawn Newell: I am running to be a conduit between our residents, city officials and our state representatives.

Randy Prazen: I want to give people a choice when they vote for City Council District 3, no one should run unopposed. 

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?):

Shawn Newell:

Randy Prazen: I am a real estate professional and community advocate with leadership experience in business and management. While I haven’t held elected office before, I believe anyone can, and should, run for city council. These seats were created so everyday residents, not just politicians, have a voice in shaping our city. My background has taught me how to manage budgets, lead teams and make practical decisions.

Q: How can residents stay informed about your campaign? 

Shawn Newell: ElectShawnNewell.com   

Randy Prazen: VoteRandyPrazen.com