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 South Jordan, Rachel Lewis and Don Shelton are running for District 1. 

 

 

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

Rachel Lewis: South Jordan has been a good steward of property tax revenue, but those dollars are being stretched further as sales tax revenue has declined over the past couple of years. That means we are leaning more heavily on property taxes to cover essential services like public safety, roads, and parks. We need to continue using property tax revenue wisely, but the bigger focus should be on growing sales tax revenue through smart economic development. Supporting our great South Jordan businesses, encouraging people to shop local, and attracting new businesses will help strengthen our tax base so property taxes can be used more effectively. Just as important, the city must be transparent about where we stand financially so residents can see both the challenges and the solutions.

Don Shelton: South Jordan's property tax goes to the city's general fund.  The property tax does not entirely cover the cost of public safety, so effectively the property tax is used to pay for our police, fire, and emergency responders.  I believe this is an effective and appropriate use for these sacred funds.

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

Rachel Lewis: When I think about fiscal responsibility, I think about how most families budget at home: cover the essentials, plan ahead, and avoid spending money you don’t have. The city should take the same approach. We need to be careful with taxpayer dollars, keep our focus on core services like public safety and roads, and also make smart investments that help South Jordan grow without adding extra burden on residents. With my business experience, I know how to set clear priorities, stick to a budget, and make sure results are transparent and measurable. That’s the approach I’ll bring to city hall.

Don Shelton: Our budget should reflect the values of city residents.  South Jordan City was the first city in the State of Utah to implement Priority-Based Budgeting.  The priorities are: 1-Safe Community, 2-Reliable Public Infrastructure, 3-Balanced Regulatory Environment, 4-Desirable Amenities & Open Space, 5-Economic Development, 6-Sustainable Growth, 7-Engaged Community, 8-Responsible Governance. The city surveys the community every year to make certain these priorities have not changed.  All budget decisions are tied directly to these priorities.  You can learn more about our Strategic Priorities at www.sjcutah.gov  

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? 

Rachel Lewis: Residents should always be able to see how tax dollars are being spent and how decisions are made. Budgets, council votes, and spending reports should be easy to find and easy to understand. If those standards aren’t met, there should be real follow-up like public reporting or independent audits. I also believe in proactive communication so residents don’t have to go digging for information. At the end of the day, transparency is about trust, and the more open we are, the stronger the connection will be between the city and the people it serves.

Don Shelton: The State of Utah has rules that municipalities must follow that are generally referred to as Open and Public Meetings Laws.  Each elected official is required to go through training every year regarding these laws.  No votes may be taken except in public meetings.  There are some exceptions to these laws, for example: discussion of the sale, lease, or purchase of real property, pending litigation, and discussion of the character and/or competence of an individual. These types of issues may be discussed in a closed meeting, but no votes may be taken.  The State of Utah imposes significant penalties for violations of these laws.  The South Jordan City Attorney is diligent about making sure the City Council follows these laws.  Also, the State Auditor watches closely for violations.

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

Rachel Lewis: Our police officers have limited resources, and those should stay focused on keeping South Jordan safe by preventing crime, protecting families, and building trust in our neighborhoods. Federal immigration enforcement is a separate responsibility, and when cities take that on, it pulls attention and resources away from local priorities. I support cooperation with federal agencies when required by law, but I do not believe South Jordan should enter programs that go beyond that. Strong community policing, clear boundaries between local and federal roles, and a focus on crime prevention are the best ways to keep our city safe.

Don Shelton: I can't speak for other municipalities, but I can tell you South Jordan has more public safety issues than our police force can handle as it is.  We simply do not have the capacity to add immigration enforcement to the load our officers are currently carrying.  That said, if our officers, in the course of their normal duties, arrest an individual who does not have legal status in the United States, I believe they should notify ICE.

Q: How will you plan roads, schools, and commercial areas for the population South Jordan is going to have, not just the people here now? 

Rachel Lewis: Growth is one of the biggest reasons I’m running for City Council. I live near the new ballpark where so much development is happening, and I see every day how important it is to have voices at the table who are directly impacted. South Jordan must stay ahead of growth by working closely with regional planners, the school district, and developers so our infrastructure keeps pace. Roads should be designed for traffic flow and safety in advance, not as an afterthought. Schools must be coordinated with Jordan School District so sites are secured before land is gone. And commercial growth should strengthen our economy and provide jobs close to home. Listening to residents who feel the impact of growth every day will be key to shaping the right solutions.

Don Shelton: South Jordan City Staff and Council Members work closely with residents, the Governor's Office, the Legislature, Jordan School District, Wasatch Front Regional Council, and large landowners to plan for all infrastructure.  These plans are part of the City's Master Plan.  There are specific details in the Transportation Master Plan, the Water Master Plan, the Parks Master Plan, and others.  These plans are updated regularly and project population growth out 30 years.  

Q: Saratoga Springs adopted term limits for their City Council members, capping service at three consecutive terms. What is your position on implementing term limits for the South Jordan City Council, and why?

Rachel Lewis: I think term limits are healthy for a community. They create space for fresh ideas and give more people the chance to serve. A model like Saratoga Springs with three consecutive terms feels like a good balance. It allows council members to gain experience and contribute while also making sure residents have regular opportunities to bring in new voices. Public service should be about representing the community, and term limits help keep that focus strong.

Don Shelton: I am supportive of exploring the option of term limits for the South Jordan City Council. I am currently seeking my final term on the city council to finalize long-term projects that have been put in place, which will benefit from my follow-through. I am self-term limiting and believe that those who approach city government from a service-oriented goal will do the same. I am confident that I will be a significantly more effective public servant during my final term than I was during my first term.  Experience matters when seeking to achieve results and get work done for our city.  

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

Rachel Lewis: I’m running because I believe South Jordan’s best days are still ahead. Real leadership starts with listening to residents and then acting on what matters most to them. That’s the commitment I’ll bring to the city council. My vision is to keep South Jordan a place where my boys and future generations will want to return, and a community we can all be proud to call home.

Don Shelton: I did not plan to run for re-election but was persuaded by the mayor and members of the City Council to run.  We have important work to do to complete significant projects in process.  Downtown Daybreak and surrounding areas require much complicated work with the landowner and surrounding landowners.  I also want to make certain that our public safety is appropriately funded, and that the next phase of Bingham Creek Regional Park is completed.

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?):

Rachel Lewis: I’ve spent more than 20 years in corporate communications and marketing, with an MBA from the University of Utah and a BA in Public Relations from BYU. For seven years I chaired the Utah Workplace Safety Committee, helping promote safety statewide. I’ve also led and served in our community as chair of Utah Best Buddies, on Daybreak’s Community Standards and 2024 Board Selection Committees, and as a PTA board member, youth soccer coach, and volunteer tax preparer with the VITA program. Most importantly, I’m a mom, wife, and neighbor who understands the everyday experiences of South Jordan families. This is my first run for public office, and I want to bring both my professional leadership and community experience to serve our city.

Don Shelton: I hold a BSBA and spent my professional career as a financial advisor.  I held the Certified Financial PlannerTM professional designation along with an investment management designation. I served as President and Chair of the Financial Planning Association in the State of Utah. I have served on the City Council for several years now and as part of that role, I serve on the Governor's Commission on Housing Affordability, the Legislative Policy Committee of the Utah League of Cities and Towns, the City's Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, and Senior Advisory Committee.  I also Serve as Chair of the Jordan River Commission. All that said, the most important role I have as a member of the City Council is helping residents.  I originally ran believing I could be responsive to residents.  I still believe I can do that, but much more effectively now given my experience.  Again, Experience Matters!

Q: How can residents stay informed about your campaign? 

Rachel Lewis: You can stay up to date by visiting my website at rachel4sojo.com, where you’ll also find links to my Facebook and Instagram. I’d also love to hear from you directly at [email protected].

Don Shelton: Website: voteshelton.com. • Email: [email protected]. • Facebook: @Don4SJCouncil. • Instagram: @VoteDonShelton

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? 

Rachel Lewis: South Jordan is fortunate to have trails, parks, and open spaces that make our city such a wonderful place to live. I believe local government has a responsibility to protect these areas through smart growth and thoughtful long-term planning. Protecting the Great Salt Lake is especially important, not only for our environment but also for the health and well-being of families across the valley. I will support local water-saving efforts, promote responsible development that prioritizes conservation, and work with regional partners to safeguard this vital resource for generations to come.

Don Shelton: 

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)?

Rachel Lewis: South Jordan is growing, and with that growth comes both opportunities and challenges. We need to guide it carefully so our neighborhoods stay safe, welcoming, and true to the character that makes people want to live here. High-density housing should only move forward where schools and infrastructure can support it, and short-term rentals should be balanced in a way that respects both property rights and neighborhood stability. I also believe builders should be true partners in our community.

Don Shelton: 

Q: What education policies do you support? Residents asked about school closures, capping class sizes, banning books, and restricting teachers to do their jobs. 

Rachel Lewis: Education is one of the main reasons families choose to call South Jordan home, and it is at the heart of what makes our community strong. I believe every child deserves a classroom where they can get the attention they need, which is why keeping class sizes manageable is so important. Our teachers should feel trusted and supported to do their jobs, and parents should always have transparency and a real voice in decisions that affect their children. I do not support broad book bans. Instead, I believe families and educators can work together to make thoughtful choices that reflect our shared values. If school closures are ever on the table, those conversations must be open, transparent, and shaped by meaningful community input.

Don Shelton:

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.

Rachel Lewis: Homelessness affects the entire Salt Lake Valley, and South Jordan has a role to play in regional solutions. My priority is ensuring shelters are safe, clean, and accessible, while also addressing root causes with mental health resources, workforce development, and transitional housing. Partnerships with nonprofits and surrounding cities are key. We need to work together so that programs are not just temporary fixes but pathways to stability and dignity.

Don Shelton: 

How do you plan to assist your senior residents and those on fixed incomes?   (Residents specifically asked about seniors being able to age in place affordably, senior safety, food insecurity and nutrition for low-income households, and support programs.) 

Rachel Lewis: My parents have lived in South Jordan for nearly 40 years, so I’ve seen how important it is for seniors to feel supported and able to stay in the community they love. Through my work with Medicare programs, I’ve seen firsthand what resources are available and how overwhelming they can sometimes feel. I want to make sure seniors and those on fixed incomes know about and can access the support they need.  | That means helping seniors age in place affordably, making safety a priority, and working with local groups to tackle food insecurity and expand access to healthy food for low-income households. At the heart of it, I want South Jordan to be a place where seniors feel safe, connected, and cared for, just like my parents do.

Don Shelton: