Resident made raised potato doughnuts for Halloween Page 6
turns 100 City council recognizes organization’s century mark Page 21
Holladay City welcomes Trader Joe’s
By Collette Hayes | c.hayes@mycityjournals.com
Trader Joe’s celebrates its new store location with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The store is part of the new Holladay Hills development located at the former Cottonwood Mall site.
Holladay Hills is now home to Trader Joe’s—a grocery store where the customers frequently rave about the high-quality, fresh store-brand products and the affordable prices.
The Holladay community has been abuzz with excitement, awaiting the grand opening of the new Trader Joe’s store since its announcement. The store has become part of the new Holladay Hills development, a master planned mixed-use project located at the former Cottonwood Mall site. On Oct. 31, shoppers began lining up outside the store an hour before the grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony.
Holladay City is optimistic that the opening of the new store will lead to several additional signed leases when others see the tenants who will be leasing in the new development. Also, it has the potential to create a halo effect, elevating the success of all businesses in the surrounding area.
Mayor Rob Dahle stopped by the grand opening to talk with customers and share in the excitement of the moment. He emphasized the numerous benefits the new establishment will offer to the Holladay community and Holladay Hills.
“This development has been progressing slowly, but I think what you’ll see in the next six months is several leases being signed, bringing in new businesses. Townhouses are now under construction, and a small portion of the property will be dedicated to the Lifetime Fitness gym, which I believe will be announced soon. Trader Joe’s coming to Holladay is huge. What excites me the most is the potential impact it will have in terms of the overall development of Holladay Hills. This could mark the beginning of one of the most unique shopping environments, perhaps in the state.”
Holladay resident Maureen Larsen, affectionately known as “Honey” throughout the community, is now in her 80s. Even so, she was one of the first customers in line for the grand opening. Every Sunday, Honey provides a large vase full of flowers for the meeting house chapel where she attends church. With her keen design sense, she creates beautiful arrangements that
“We think Holladay will be an excellent fit for our store,” said Trader Joe’s general manager Douglas Overholtz. “We are excited to be here and to offer Holladay a fun shopping experience along with the best quality products at the best prices.” (Collette Hayes/City Journals)
uplift and inspire the congregation.
“I think by far Trader Joe’s has the best flowers and at a delightful price,” Honey said. “I’m thrilled every time I walk in because of the wide variety they have. This week, I’m buying flowers in fall colors. The selections are so unique and simply beautiful. Flowers make me so happy!”
Another Holladay resident, Christy Tosney, came straight from Pilates to the grand opening to pick up some of her kids’ favorite snacks.
“I have one child who simply loves the Belgian chocolate available here,” Tosney said. “Also, I thought we’d give some of their Thanksgiving popcorn a try. Three minutes in the microwave, and their Spanish-style rice is ready to go. Everyone in the family loves apple cider, so that’s definitely on the
shopping list.”
General manager of the Holladay Trader Joe’s store, Douglas Overholtz, has worked for Trader Joe’s for 19 years and in seven different states. He was also the general manager of the Cottonwood Heights store for many years. He says, “Frequently, I had Holladay residents come into the Fort Union store and express how they would like their own Trader Joe’s neighborhood store.”
“The Holladay community is rich in culture and the area is enchanting. We’re trying to carry over that same enchantment inside the new store,” Overholtz said. “We think Holladay will be an excellent fit for our store. We are excited to be here and to offer Holladay a fun shopping experience along with the best quality products at the best prices.” l
Tree planting ceremony at Knudsen Park honors arborist
A dawn redwood tree was planted in Knudsen Park as a living symbol of the many contributions made by certified arborist Travis Jones in his effort to make Holladay the kindest community for trees.
By Collette Hayes c.hayes@mycityjournals.com
The Holladay community, city officials and members of the Holladay Tree Committee gathered at Knudsen Park for a tree planting ceremony in mid-October. During the event, a magnificent dawn redwood tree—a relative of the California redwood and giant sequoia—was planted in honor of the invaluable contributions made by certified arborist Travis Jones.
“Like olive trees that have been giving away food, medicine and oil since Neolithic times, Travis has been generously giving away his time and sharing his tree expertise, plus volunteering his faithful truck, hands and back, to the Tree Committee for over 15 years all without expectation,” Tree Committee member Wendy Frank said.
According to Frank, Jones has spent untold hours coordinating with nurseries, Blue Stakes, Granite School District principals, elected city officials and staff on behalf of the Tree Committee. “How many shovels Travis has gone through along the way, or gallons of gas he’s paid for out of his own pocket is anyone’s guess,” said Frank. “He’s always dug deep for others and would go out on a limb for anyone.”
Holladay has a significant tree canopy that covers approximately 40% of the city, contributing to its historic charm, as many of the trees date back to the 1850s. To protect this valuable resource, the city council
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the Tree Committee meetings that was robust, inspirational and contagious,” Frank said. “His optimistic, easy-going, humble spirit only enhanced his invaluable tree expertise, problem-solving strengths, steadfast accountability and spontaneity to dig into any daunting project with a can-do attitude.”
A Rocky Mountain Power senior utility forestry arborist, Jones was recognized as a national semifinalist for the 2012 Alliance for Community Trees Volunteer of the Year Award. At the time, he was serving as board secretary on the Holladay Tree Committee.
“Travis was our nonstop point man during the city of Holladay Arbor Day celebrations and tree giveaways,” Frank said. “He has identified, inspected, selected, ordered, lifted, hauled, transported, delivered, planted, climbed, trimmed, watered, protected, preserved, hugged (all but a spiky Joshua tree, of course) and conducted rigorous service projects on behalf of the Tree Committee—plus served as an influential, unflappable voice advocating for the sustainability of our urban forest.”
established the Holladay Tree Committee and created a Tree Canopy Sustainability Ordinance. This ordinance requires permits and sustainability plans for any development activities that may affect the trees.
“Travis’s passion for trees and professional expertise helped to lead the city in adopting a city ordinance aimed at preserving our cherished Holladay Tree canopy,” Mayor Rob Dahle said.
Additionally, the city provides vouchers to residents to help with the cost of planting new trees on their private property. Holladay is a designated Tree City and participates in the Tree City USA program,
which promotes the planting, maintenance and preservation of trees throughout the community. “Travis was also instrumental in the free tree giveaway, tree voucher program and city-sponsored tree planting events,” Dahle said. “His leadership leaves a lasting legacy for generations that will follow.”
According to Frank, Jones served as a Tree Committee member for many years and as chairperson from 2021 to 2024, stepping into the huge shoes of nine-year Chairperson Dennis Roach, who now serves on the Holladay Planning Commission.
“Travis brought a distinctive energy to
Committee chair member Cecilie Mattison took the lead in organizing the tree dedication. She expressed, “Volunteer arborist Travis Jones was an advocate for our city’s trees and an invaluable mentor and friend for other volunteers on the Holladay Tree Committee. I hope that Travis felt our love and appreciation today.”
The Holladay Tree Committee is always in need of new committee members who reside in Holladay City and share a passion for trees. Recently, Jones relocated to Oregon, and the committee is currently seeking a certified arborist to serve on the committee. If you would like more information about the Tree Committee or how you can help Holladay’s urban forest, please email Jonathan Teerlink at jteerlink@holladayut.gov. l
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Family, friends and city officials from Holladay, along with members of the Holladay Tree Committee, gathered at Knudsen Park for a tree planting ceremony honoring Travis Jones. This event recognized his many years of volunteer service dedicated to protecting and maintaining the city’s tree canopy. (Photo courtesy of Cecilie Mattison)
A recipe clipped from the newspaper began a 50-year holiday tradition
A raised potato doughnut recipe inspired Holladay resident Sue Robbins to consider an alternative to traditional Halloween treats.
By Collette Hayes c.hayes@mycityjournals.com
Arecipe for raised potato doughnuts, clipped from the Salt Lake Tribune’s Society section in the 1960s, sparked the beginning of a 50-year Halloween family tradition for Holladay resident Sue Robbins.
It was late October, and Robbins and her husband, who lived in the Sugar House area, grew increasingly concerned about their small children venturing out on Halloween night to bring home bags of candy that perhaps would weigh almost as much as the kids themselves. With its tree-lined streets and an abundance of houses in close proximity, Sugar House offered an inviting atmosphere for costumed children. The kids could easily follow the glowing porch lights and dash from door to door, with each house offering a wealth of sugary treats just a few steps away.
A recipe from a local newspaper inspired Robbins to consider an alternative to giving out candy —an idea that her husband had already partially suggested. If she was going to provide a sweet treat, why not offer the children something they could enjoy right away? At the very least, the treat could give a quick energy boost for the long night ahead.
“One day, close to Halloween, I was reading the Salt Lake Tribune and in the Society section I found a recipe for raised potato doughnuts,” Robbins said. “My husband and I weren’t feeling at all good about our little children going out on Halloween to get gobs of candy. He had mentioned to me when he was a boy, he had a neighbor who would make doughnuts and cider for the children instead of handing out candy. As I finished reading the recipe, I thought well, instead of giving out candy, I will hand out doughnuts, but both doughnuts and cider might be a bit too much for me to handle.”
It took a few years for the idea of giving out raised potato doughnuts as a Halloween treat to develop into a family tradition. Robbins explained, “In 1974, we started building a home in Holladay. We moved into our new home in January, and by October, I felt settled and comfortable. I pulled out the doughnut recipe I had saved in my recipe box and decided to make a batch, which made 100 doughnuts.”
On Halloween night, Robbins turned on her front porch light and waited for the doorbell to ring. By the end of the evening, she still had several doughnuts left. Howev-
er, Robbins was determined, and by the third year, word had spread throughout the community about her Halloween doughnuts. As a result, she ended up turning off her porch light much earlier than she had planned and realized next year she would need to triple the batch.
For 50 years, by 6 a.m. on Oct. 31, Robbins had the recipe and the ingredients on the table, ready to make 300 raised potato doughnuts. Mixing was done by hand using her 1904 Universal Bread Maker bucket, which she had inherited from her great-aunt. Her husband helped by shaking sugar onto each doughnut in a paper bag. The doughnuts would then sit in a warm oven, waiting for the doorbell to ring.
“Sue and Mike are so welcoming to the children and to their parents,” said friend and neighbor Karen Melby Teerlink. “They make everyone feel happy and make sure the parents are included, so the parents know the doughnuts are a safe, fun treat. Sue is always smiling, happy and positive. We just love her. And her doughnuts are fabulous.”
From Rose Park to Orem people have come to Holladay on Halloween in anticipation of receiving one of Robbins’ homemade doughnuts. This year she has tried to get the word out that this would be the last year for the raised potato doughnut holiday tradition.
“It has been 50 years since I started this holiday tradition,” Robbins said. “I’m in my 80s now, and I’ve decided that this will be the last year. I think the thing I’ll miss the most is the kids. I enjoy seeing their costumes and the excitement on their faces when we bring out a warm tray of doughnuts and offer them one. Many people have asked me for the doughnut recipe, and I’m happy to share it in hopes that others might find as much joy in starting a holiday family tradition as I have.” l
Raised Potato Doughnuts
Ingredients
1 cup warm water
2 tbsp dry yeast (2 packages)
1 cup shortening
6 eggs beaten
2 tsp salt
3 cups milk
1 cup sugar
2 cups mashed potatoes
1 tsp lemon juice
2 tsp grated lemon rind
½ tsp nutmeg
12 to 13 cups flour
Combine milk, shortening, salt, sugar and mashed potatoes, then heat to lukewarm. Add beaten eggs and yeast, which has been dissolved in the one cup of lukewarm water. Add 6 cups of flour, lemon juice, grated lemon rind and nutmeg and beat until well blended and smooth. Add remaining flour to make a soft, but firm dough. (Firm enough to roll). Knead until smooth. Cover and let the dough rise until it doubles in bulk. Punch down the dough and divide it into two halves. Roll out ½-inch thick and cut with a cutter. Allow to rest, uncovered, for 30 to 40 minutes. Fry in deep fat at 375 degrees until golden on both sides. Drain on absorbent paper. Then dip in prepared glaze. Makes about 100 doughnuts.
Glaze (Kanab reader)
Ingredients
1 ½ cups powdered sugar
½ cup warm water
1 tsp vanilla
Combine and dip potato doughnuts in when golden brown.
For 50 years, Holladay resident Sue Robbins has been making raised potato doughnuts for the community as an alternative to traditional Halloween treats. This year, she has tried to get the word out that this would be the last year for the holiday tradition. (Photo courtesy of Karen Melby Teerlink)
Using a 1904 Universal Bread Maker bucket inherited from her great aunt, Sue Robbins mixes raised potato doughnut dough by hand. (Photo courtesy of Karen Melby Teerlink)
(Mrs. James V. Sorenson)
Wanderlust: How this Holladay resident’s travels led to her unique business
Courtney Smith’s Wanderlust boutique has just opened its doors in Holladay City. When you step inside, you’ll be whisked away to 197 countries around the globe.
By Collette Hayes c.hayes@mycityjournals.com
Interested in taking a trip around the world at the low cost of a half-gallon of gas? No bags to pack or passport needed, and you can skip the jet lag too. It sounds unbelievable, but it’s true—Courtney Smith’s Wanderlust boutique has just opened its doors in Holladay City. When you step inside, you’ll be whisked away to 197 countries around the globe.
Smith has traveled to 120 countries and is more than willing to share her travel experiences, as well as budget-friendly travel tips, from her time traveling the world as a tourist and working for the United Nations. She has a personal connection and an intriguing story to accompany the gift items in her store.
“I want people to know that if they want to travel, where there is a will, there is a way. You just have to do your research,” Smith said. “When people visit my shop, I’m excited to share information about traveling. For example, if you want to go to Japan this month, if you book your flight out of LA to Japan and take your own flight from Salt Lake to LA, you’ll save close to $6,000. I’m great at finding cheap flights and finding everything on a budget. If you’re not quite ready to book that flight to Japan, right now, Japanese rice bowls with resting chopsticks is one of Wanderlust’s bestsellers.”
A Holladay resident, Smith attended Cottonwood High School. After graduation, she decided she wanted to travel to Australia, but she lives by a strict travel code: if a flight costs more than $500, that’s too much to pay. Although she purchased a plane ticket, she also applied for a work visa to facilitate an extended stay, thereby alleviating concerns about the cost of a return trip. Once the work visa expired, and she still wanted to explore more of Australia, she applied for a student visa.
“Due to an extended trip to Australia, I ended up going to college in Sydney, Australia. I graduated from the University of Sydney with a degree in International Relations,” Smith said. “For 10 years, I worked for the United Nations in the Human Rights Department, working directly with refugees. However, the pandemic prevented me from providing contracts in that role.”
After the pandemic, Smith considered returning to the UN, but now had her 5-year-old daughter, Nora, to think about. “I realized this would be a great opportunity to start my business. I had always dreamed of owning a shop in Holladay. Since I grew up here, I consider it my hometown,” Smith said. “I continued traveling with the focus of buying merchandise for my new store. Now, Nora travels with me most of the time and has already visited 33 countries. Honestly, Wanderlust is just in my blood. A lot of my traveling has been just because I want to go to every country in the world.”
The most delicious aspect of Wanderlust is the international, flavorful treats. Additionally, numerous global cookbooks can transform any ordinary meal into an extraordinary one.
“I try to provide all international products,” Smith said. “We have a unique collection of cookbooks from different countries, and I often try to find cookbooks in the prima-
After leaving her job at the United Nations, Courtney Smith now travels to buy merchandise for her store, Wanderlust. Her 5-year-old daughter, Nora, travels with her most of the time and has already visited 33 countries. (Photo courtesy Courtney Smith)
ry language of the country. I’m a people person, and I love talking with customers all day, whether it’s about a cookbook or the beautiful lamps I just brought home from Turkey. My customers often become good friends.”
Many unexpected treasures can be found in the smallest of corners at Wanderlust. With a turn of a tiny crank, the enchanting melody of Vivaldi’s “Spring” flows from a miniature music box adorned with Egyptian motifs.
The candles and body care essentials available at Wanderlust are fragrant and comforting. The scent of Paris Luxurious Hand Soap transports one to the lavender and sunflower fields near the village of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence where these flowers gently sway in the warm summer breeze. The intoxicating scent rolls across the fields, heavily perfuming the air.
Next to the vibrant cut glass of the handmade Turkish lamps sits an old brass oil lamp that resembles a genie’s magical lamp. It prompts one to pause and wonder if it might be the prison of a once all-powerful genie.
In April 2026, Smith will be on her way to Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Kazakhstan is the most unique place Smith has visited, and the Czech Republic is her favorite destination because she says, “It feels like stepping into a fairy tale.”
“The cobblestone streets, castles and colorful old buildings of the Czech Republic create a magical atmosphere that feels unreal,” Smith said. “On top of that, it’s surprisingly affordable, so you can explore and enjoy so much without spending too much. I also love the Gothic architecture—every corner seems to tell a story. The libraries are incredible, especially in Prague, where you can find some of the most beautiful reading spaces in the world.”
Smith gives back to the people and to the communities she visits. A portion of every Wanderlust purchase goes to charitywater.org, a nonprofit organization striving to bring clean drinking water to every person in the world.
Wanderlust is at 4850 S. Highland Drive. Hours are Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Instagram: @ wanderlustslc l
Holladay artist shares her passion for creativity and meaningful connections
Bonnie Beck’s debut exhibit of abstract realism paintings will be on display at Holladay City Hall through December.
By Collette Hayes c.hayes@mycityjournals.com
The Holladay Arts Council has selected Bonnie Beck as Holladay Artist of the Month for December 2025 in recognition of her talent and skill as an abstract realism painter and visual arts educator.
Whether Beck is sharing her artistic talent and creativity with women experiencing homelessness or guiding children eager to discover the world of art in an elementary classroom, Beck encourages others to dig deep and find the artist within.
“I believe everyone is an artist; they just haven’t found their medium yet,” Beck said. “My passion is to encourage people to explore their creativity and discover their unique modes of expression. Each person has individual ideas and ways of expressing those ideas. I’ve had some pretty amazing experiences with adults who have come to the realization that they can create art.”
Being homeschooled gave Beck daily
freedom to explore her identity, connect with nature, and cultivate her creativity. She reflects, “I think my strong passion for art and creativity has something to do with my being homeschooled. I always felt like the sky was the limit when it came to creating. It definitely was the foundation of why today, I love to study, I love to learn, and I love to think outside the box.”
After high school, Beck enrolled in a twoyear Bible school located in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York. The school offered a unique blend of biblical education and practical experience, making it a perfect place to build a solid foundation in biblical principles she would utilize in the future.
“I’ve participated in many short-term mission trips,” Beck said. “At 16, I traveled to the Philippines, and by 18, I found myself in Italy and South Korea. It was while living in a kibbutz on the Sea of Galilee in Israel at age 23, I began to take painting seriously. Every day, we would visit archeological sites that hadn’t been excavated—not too interesting. I reached a point where I felt I needed to engage my mind and make better use of my time. I had some watercolors with me, and I started painting. After leaving Israel, I traveled and continued painting for 10 years.”
After returning to Utah, Beck married. She and her husband frequently explore art
Bonnie Beck’s art style engages the viewer on multiple levels depicting real-world subjects through abstract methods. (Photo courtesy of Bonnie Beck)
galleries. It was this activity that turned Beck’s tide of interest from watercolor to acrylic paint.
Beck said, “When were in an art gallery in Park City, my husband walked over to this large painting and called over his shoulder ‘I love this!’ I walked over to take a look. I told him I thought I could paint something similar. We returned to Salt Lake and immediately went to buy a large canvas and some acrylic paint. In the past I had used acrylic paint and it dried somewhat chalky and I didn’t really love the look. I decided to try mixing different things into the paint such as sand and baking soda. It made the paint thick and interesting to me.”
Beck displays and sells her art on the walls of many cafés and coffee shops in Utah. One of her favorite places to exhibit her art is a small gift shop in Capitol Reef National Park, where she recently participated in a four-day plein air event. Beck describes her passion for art on her website: “I’m a painter deeply inspired by the raw beauty of nature. My art is where the vibrant energy of the outdoors meets the canvas, through swift, passionate strokes of acrylic and watercolor.”
For the last few years, Beck has taught art at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center in West Valley. In addition, she offers art classes at local elementary schools and senior living centers. She is also committed to sharing her
Beck believes everyone is an artist; they just haven’t found their medium yet. Her passion is to encourage people to explore their creativity and discover their unique modes of expression. (Photo courtesy of Bonnie Beck)
talents and resources with women experiencing homelessness. Every year, on Valentine’s Day, she participates in a local event dedicated to helping these women. As a licensed cosmetologist, she uses her artistic skills to provide hairstyling, makeup application and guidance on selecting clothing that enhances their limited wardrobes.
“I love people,” Beck said. “I’m so fortunate that my art connects me to various communities, allowing me to get to know others and share my passion for creativity and meaningful connections.”
Beck’s debut art exhibit will be on display at Holladay City Hall through December. Join her for an open house on Dec. 10 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Holladay City Hall, 4580 S. 2300 East.
If you would like more information about Beck’s art work and commissions visit her website at: www.bonniebeck.com. l
Bonnie
Some spooky business happened in Holladay recently
Holladay businesses invite community “spirit” with a “Trail of Treats” and engaging Holla-ween fun.
By Collette Hayes c.hayes@mycityjournals.com
Over 36 Holladay businesses welcomed residents for a “spooktacular” evening at Holladay City Hall in October. Ann Frances Garcia, Holladay’s Economic Development and Housing Manager and the lead organizer of the event, invited Holladay businesses to load up treats and bring their best interactive games for a night of tricks, treats and family fun.
The event featured a face-painting booth, pumpkin bowling, and a spook alley that even made this writer jump once or twice. In addition, a pet costume contest was held and won by the Beetlejuice pets, Bucky and Steve Wright. Participating businesses showcased their best at the Holla-ween Spooktacular, highlighting their own personal touch and the unique qualities that make Holladay a great place to shop and live. l
A powerful and tough karate expert jumps on the “Death Row” water rower at the Orangetheory Fitness booth to test out his strength and endurance. Orangetheory Fitness, located in the heart of Holladay, combines full-body strength training with heart-pumping cardio. (Collette Hayes/City Journals)
the Best Hidden Gem in Holladay by the Holladay community in 2024, Snider Brothers Meats has been handing freshly wrapped meat over the counter to Holladay residents for over 33 years. A bumblebee and Spider-Man stopped by Snider’s booth for a cherry and a lime all-day lollipop from Snider’s owner, Amy Wilson. (Collette Hayes/City Journals)
pets, Bucky and Steve Wright triumphed in the best pet costume contest earning puppy dog bone treats from numerous business booths. (Photo
Voted
Beetlejuice
courtesy Ann Frances Garcia)
Utah PTA celebrates a century of advocacy for students
From school lunches to student safety, Utah PTA volunteers have spent 100 years making a difference in schoolchildren’s lives.
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
Thisyear, Utah’s students, families and schools are celebrating a milestone: Utah Parent Teacher Association turns 100. For a century, this volunteer-driven organization has been shaping education, student well-being and community engagement across the state.
Utah PTA President Julie Cluff says the organization’s century-long mission goes far beyond classroom parties.
“PTA volunteers sometimes get pegged as the ‘party moms,’ but our work has changed lives and we’ve shaped education policy in Utah for generations,” she said. “Our programs are the heart of what we do, but advocacy is why we started.”
The roots of Utah PTA stretch back to 1897 when three Utah delegates attended the first meeting of the nationwide parent-teacher movement, then called the National Congress of Mothers. A year later, Mrs. C.E. Allen established the Utah Congress of Mothers, laying the groundwork for organized parent advocacy. Though that early group dissolved by 1901, momentum continued. By 1910, the state formed a chapter of the National Education Association’s Department of School Patrons, and by October 1925, the Utah PTA officially began with Lucille Young Reid as the first president. In 1951, every school in the state had a PTA.
The mission established then remains at the heart of the organization: “To make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and
empowering families and communities to advocate for all children.”
Utah PTA President 2023-25 Corey Fairholm loves the mission.
“When they first started in 1925, they were worried about some of same things we’re worried about — making sure children don’t have access to smoke shops and here we are 100 years later, and we’re worried about vape shops,” she said. “At the legislature, they realize I’m representing 70,000–80,000 members who are concerned so the legislators are listening. Because the power of PTA, we have kindergarten, school lunches, support for students with disabilities and so many things beneficial to schoolchildren.”
Through the decades, volunteers have donated more than 1 million hours in 605 schools, bridging families and educators while supporting programs which enhance children’s health, safety and education.
Utah PTA’s impact can be seen in nearly every corner of school life. In the 1930s, it advocated for school lunches, paving the way for the National School Lunch Program in 1941. In Utah, longtime PTA member Tibby Milne remembers its start.
“I was a first grader in Richfield Elementary, and they started hot lunch there in this little cabin on the school grounds,” she said. “Mrs. Rowley did it, and she went on to run it nationally. She cooked the best food. I still remember her homemade bread and peanut butter cookies.”
PTA helped establish school libraries through legislation signed in 1956 and introduced the Reflections arts program in 1969. Utah was the first to introduce categories of theater, 3D visual arts and film and to advocate for a special needs division.
Last year, Utah had more than 17,000 Reflections entries statewide, with nearly half of its national submissions receiving awards. The state is also one of the few to have developed its own online submission portal, now a model for others across the country, Cluff said.
PTA promoted student safety in partnership with national organizations in the 1980s, including seat belt campaigns and bus safety programs.
“Our PTA worked on helmets, which was part of our safety campaign, and getting seat belts into cars — that was not easy,” said Milne, who helped shape initiatives such as the DARE program and the National Child Protection Act. “We had to change attitudes, but it was for the safety of children.”
One of Utah PTA’s most enduring accomplishments began in the 1980s, when a group of PTA parents discovered Utah’s trust lands — public lands granted by the federal government at statehood to benefit schools — were being mismanaged.
Those PTA parents put in motion a 30year advocacy effort which completely transformed the handling of funds, Cluff said.
“Today, those efforts bring millions of dollars every year to Utah’s schoolchildren,” she said. “What’s even better is that it’s not just today’s kids who benefit, it’s tomorrow’s kids too.”
Utah PTA was among the first in the nation to create a state-level special needs committee. Led by PTA advocate Karen Conder, the committee successfully passed a national resolution in 2018 establishing “high expectations for students with special needs.”
Utah has since added new resolutions supporting students with dyslexia and learning disabilities and continues to update them every seven years to reflect current research.
“Our resolutions are what give us a voice,” Cluff said. “They’re how we can walk into the Capitol, sit down with lawmakers, and say, ‘Here’s what our members want for Utah’s kids.’”
State PTA President 2013-15 Liz Zentner discovered her passion for advocacy.
“The first time as a PTA president, I went up to the Capitol for PTA Day at the Capitol and I realized this is where I can make a difference,” she said. “Now I encourage all members to send your representative and
your senator emails and tell them what you think about something.”
Utah PTA also runs unique programs such as the Battle of the Bands, a 23-year tradition which gives student musicians a stage to shine.
“It might not reach every kid, but it reaches kids who need that connection the most,” Cluff said. “Some of these students are not just talented musicians, they’re amazing and polite kids.”
Beyond education, the Utah PTA has tackled broader community issues which affect children’s ability to learn, including affordable housing, homelessness and food insecurity. Cluff has authored resolutions on these topics after seeing firsthand how unstable housing impacts students in her Midvale community.
“If kids don’t have a safe place to live, they can’t focus on learning,” she said. Utah has hosted the National PTA convention twice, in 1938 and 1988, reflecting its leadership on a national stage. Most recently, in 2022, Utah PTA received the National PTA Outstanding State PTA Award and Gov. Spencer Cox has declared October 2025 as Utah PTA Centennial Celebration Month.
Through all its initiatives, Utah PTA teaches students to advocate for themselves. Each year, secondary students participate in PTSA Day at the Legislature, meeting lawmakers, discussing issues and even learning how to draft bills.
“I really believe the kids can make a difference,” Milne said.
After 100 years, Utah PTA remains a powerful advocate for children, families and educators.
“When our community comes together with a shared mission, we can do a lot of good to ensure every child has the support and opportunities needed to thrive,” Cluff said. l
Utah PTA President Julie Cluff holds the proclamation signed by Gov. Spencer J. Cox has declaring October 2025 as Utah PTA Centennial Celebration Month. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Displays showcased the advocacy and history of Utah’s PTA during its centennial celebration. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Current and past Utah PTA presidents pose for a recent photo. (Photo courtesy of Utah PTA)
Holladay City Council update includes extending court services to Brighton
Justice
By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
OnNov. 6, the Holladay City Council voted to pass a resolution that would expand the jurisdiction of the Holladay Justice Court to include the town of Brighton. Previously, Brighton had used the Salt Lake County Justice Court to handle cases involving less serious crimes, but in 2027, the county will no longer operate a justice court system. The transition will take place on Jan. 1, 2026.
“The jurisdictions that have been served by that court are looking for other Justice Court homes,” said Holladay City Manager Gina Chamness. “In a lot of ways, this makes sense. Chief [Justin] Hoyal serves as their police chief, as well. They’re all served by Unified [Police Department], so that’s a pretty easy transition.”
Holladay trails are included in the Utah Trail Network Map
Recently, the UDOT Trails Division completed the first component of the master plan for the Utah Trail Network Map. As part of that plan, the legislature has allocated $45 mil-
lion annually to fund the eventual build-out of this trail network statewide. Two trails in Holladay will be impacted by the plan.
“The first project in Holladay that is on the list is one that we have prioritized grant funds previously, and that is a trail along I-215 from Knudsen Park to Highland Drive,” Chamness said. “That section was highly rated but not funded in the last round. Eventually, as you’ll see on that trail network, the trail is projected to continue to the Jordan River in Murray.”
The second trail in Holladay is along 3900 South, with the trail slated to run from Wasatch Boulevard to a point in West Valley City that links with other trails in that area. Review the master plan at gis.udot.utah.gov/ utn-viewer.
Mosquito Abatement tax increase
The South Salt Lake Valley Mosquito Abatement District has proposed a property tax increase of $320,000 to stabilize costs for essential services, enhance operations and create funds for capital increase.
With no change in the tax rate since 2012, the District has experienced population growth of more than 200,000 individuals and 72,000 homes. The increase would equal 77 cents per year on a $600,000 home and a $1.40 yearly increase on a $600,000 business property.
A public hearing on the tax increase will
be held on Monday, Dec. 8, at 6 p.m. in the South Salt Lake Valley Mosquito Abatement District Office at 7308 S. Airport Road in West Jordan.
Holladay earns an AAA budget rating
In preparation for a bond issuance, Holladay was evaluated by S&P Global and Fitch Ratings to determine its ability to meet financial obligations. Both entities gave the city a top-tier AAA rating, signifying its strong financial position and management.
“When I started with the city almost 10 years ago, I never imagined that we would be at a point where we were receiving this kind of rating,” Chamness said. “I am really grateful
and gratified that we’ve made so much progress, and this recognition for me is like icing on the cake.”
Mayor Rob Dahle credited the team effort of the city council and staff to ensure that resident tax dollars were being used appropriately and frugally. He also thanked Chamness for her guidance through the last decade.
“Gina, I think you have to take a ton of credit for it. Your leadership and steady guidance have been critical to establishing an environment where we’ve been able to achieve this goal,” Dahle said. “I won’t lie. I’m very proud of it. I think it’s something we should all be proud of.”l
Two trails in Holladay are part of the UDOT Trails Division Master Plan and will receive funds to help build out the state’s network. (Map courtesy of UDOT Trails Division)
Holladay History Fair: Celebrating Holladay’s past with an evening of fun for the entire family
By Collette Hayes c.hayes@mycityjournals.com
Included in the Holladay History Fair was a local scavenger-hunt event. Community members competed to find the locations in Holladay shown in the photos below. How many of these Holladay locations can you identify? (Photo courtesy of Megan Attermann)
One of the most exciting highlights of the evening was Holladay History Bingo. This interactive twist on the classic game entertained families and encouraged participants to learn interesting facts about local history. Prizes were awarded for winning bingo cards, creating a fun and competitive atmosphere. (Photo courtesy of Megan Attermann)
For several years, in October, the Holladay Historical Commission has gathered the community for Holladay History Night, an engaging exploration of the city’s past. This year, the Commission hosted a History Fair that included Pioneer games and crafts for children, such as hopscotch, rolling hoops, marbles and making corn husk dolls. (Photo courtesy of Megan Attermann)
Energage partners with City Journals on new home for Utah Top Workplaces
Nominations open for 2026 employer recognition award honoring Utah companies.
Energage, the HR technology company powering the Top Workplaces employer recognition program, recently announced a partnership with the publisher of the Salt Lake Business Journal to create a new home for Utah Top Workplaces in 2026.
The partnership with Top Workplaces marks a shift in Utah; the awards had been published since 2014 by The Salt Lake Tribune. Now, City Journals, the publisher of Salt Lake Business Journal and 13 community newspapers, offers employers statewide the opportunity to earn trusted, credible recognition for companies that prioritize people-first cultures
and the workplace experience. Nominations for the 2026 Utah Top Workplaces award will be accepted through May, and the winners will be announced in the fall of 2026.
“We are excited to offer the Utah Top Workplaces award in partnership with Energage,” said Bryan Scott, publisher of City Journals. “We’re committed to serving our community, and this initiative gives us a powerful way to celebrate the organizations making Utah a fantastic place to work and do business. By shining a light on companies that prioritize their employees, we’re not only providing valuable insights for job seekers but also strengthening the business community.”
All organizations with 35 or more employees in Utah are eligible to participate, including public, private, nonprofit and government employers. There is no cost to nominate, participate or win the award.
Top Workplaces winners are determined by employee feedback collected through the confidential, science-backed Energage Workplace survey. This trusted survey measures key culture drivers proven to predict organizational success and employee engagement, and it has been refined by insights from millions of employees across more than 70,000 organizations over the past two decades.
“We’re thrilled to partner with City Journals to spotlight companies where employees feel truly seen, heard and valued,” said Dan Kessler, president of Energage. “This partnership ensures that deserving employers across Utah receive the visibility and credibility they’ve earned, helping them stand out to both top talent and customers.”
In addition to statewide recognition, participating companies may also be eligible for national Top Workplaces awards across culture excellence and industry categories — all based on the same single survey.
To nominate your organization for the 2026 Utah Top Workplaces award, visit www. topworkplaces.com/nominate/saltlake. l
No translation needed — friendship knows no borders
Cottonwood High students welcome Korean peers for a day of cultural and educational exchange.
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
Cottonwood High School recently hosted students from Incheon International High School in South Korea for a day filled with learning, cultural connection and creating friendships that stretch across the globe.
“We had 46 Korean students visiting our school, and they were paired up with Cottonwood students, who volunteered,” said Cottonwood Assistant Principal Ashley Snarr. “We begin by bringing them into the auditorium, where the Korean students are called on stage by their Korean teacher, and Justin (Pitcher, principal) calls our Cottonwood buddy, and they get to meet each other for the first time. We also gave them these really cool Cottonwood mugs with our logo on them so they could use them throughout the day.”
After introductions, the pairs head to first period. The visiting students attend four classes, experiencing firsthand how American classrooms function.
“Our teachers are incredible and do a great job at making sure that they have materials ready for all the students. They participate in all the class activities and assignments just like the Cottonwood students,” she said.
Pitcher said it’s inspiring to watch both groups learn side by side.
“It’s pretty incredible to watch our Korean students sitting in a math class,” he said. “There may be some language proficiency challenges, but they’re working together with the Cottonwood students to get through these problems, because they’re recognizing that, even though it’s taught in English, finding a slope is finding a slope.”
The visiting students were amazed by the range of electives available at Cottonwood, from auto shop and woodworking to theater and choir.
“They had a jaw-dropping experience when they saw the auto shop, and kids actually working on cars,” Pitcher said. “They said they don’t have a lot of electives in their school.”
They also were impressed by the arts programs.
“We went into a theater class where kids were giving monologues; they came out and said, these kids are like professional actors,” he said.
Snarr said many were fascinated by differences in American schools.
“They talked about how they don’t have a swimming class in their schools, and about our tennis and baseball facilities; they were amazed by that,” Snarr said. “They love being able to experience all the new and excite-
ment of the American schools.”
Music also is a common topic, said Steve Perschon, Granite school leadership and improvement director.
“The fun thing right now is K-pop is really popular,” he said. “Our kids get into that and they have fun talking about K-pop and listening to the songs and dancing together.”
During lunch, the students shared a meal that’s quintessentially American.
“We get them Chick-fil-A, because it’s an American meal, and one of our kids’ favorite. They love to share it with the Korean students,” Snarr said.
Students also had a chance to exchange social media contacts and token gifts.
“Our students already are missing them; they’ve said, ‘They were so fun. I love learning from them. We’re already good friends,’” Snarr said. “Our kids enjoy this, and they see this as a super valuable experience for themselves, because they learn so much about the Korean culture of these students and how their school works.”
The exchange program has been running for about a decade.
“It’s a partnership between the University of Utah and Incheon, which is a top honors-level school, so they spend a day at the U before coming to our high schools — Olympus, Taylorsville and Cottonwood,” Perschon said, saying the three schools were selected for teaching Korean or Asian languages and proximity to each other.
In addition, the Korean students visit Boston, New York, Las Vegas and Los Angeles and national parks as part of their twoweek cultural tour.
Perschon said the impact reaches far beyond the classroom.
“This is really good for our students to
see that global perspective and to recognize that, in this world, we’re a lot more similar than we are different,” he said. l
Cottonwood High and South Korea’s Incheon International High School students attended classes and lunch together for a day as part of a cultural and educational opportunity. (Photo courtesy Ashley Snarr)
A $7-a-month question: Should Salt Lake County raise property taxes?
Salt Lake County’s proposed 2026 budget includes a 19.6% property tax adjustment—about $7 a month for the average homeowner—to maintain essential services and fund public safety.
By Shaun Delliskave s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com
Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson says the County’s first tax adjustment since 2019 is needed to keep up with inflation and rising service demands. Voters will get their say Dec. 9 at a Truth-inTaxation hearing.
According to Mayor Wilson, Salt Lake County’s property-tax rate has effectively declined for 15 years due to Utah’s Truth-in-Taxation law, which automatically reduces the certified rate as property values rise—keeping overall County revenue roughly flat unless leaders formally vote for an increase. While this prevents hidden tax hikes, it also means County revenues haven’t kept pace with inflation, population growth, or the rising costs of public safety and health services. Over that same 15-year period, inflation has eroded nearly 30% of the County’s purchasing power, even as average home values have soared from roughly $250,000 in 2010 to about $638,000 today.
The mayor’s proposed 19.63% adjustment would restore part of that lost ground, adding about $7.28 per month—or roughly $90 per year—for the average homeowner. Importantly, the increase affects only the County’s portion of the total property-tax bill—about 17%—with the remainder going to cities, school districts and service districts
such as fire, water and sewer. In practical terms, the proposal adjusts just the County’s “slice” of the tax pie, not the full amount residents pay each year.
“Salt Lake County is a community that addresses vital needs, invests in parks and open spaces, enriches our lives through arts and culture, and protects public safety,” Wilson said in her October newsletter. “After years of tightening budgets and absorbing inflation, this adjustment is needed to sustain essential services and maintain a balanced budget.”
Where the money would go
Wilson emphasized that public safety consumes about 74% of the County’s general fund, supporting the sheriff’s office, the County Jail, the District Attorney and indigent defense. The increase, she said, would also preserve regional programs such as flood control, Meals on Wheels and public health initiatives.
The proposed budget also expands evidence-based alternatives to incarceration, such as mental-health treatment, early-intervention programs and community supervision—efforts the mayor says “make communities safer and stronger.”
Public input and the road to approval
The Salt Lake County Council is now reviewing Wilson’s proposal through a series of public meetings. The Council will vote on a preliminary budget Nov. 25, followed by a Truth-in-Taxation hearing on Dec. 9 at 6 p.m. at the Salt Lake County Government Center, 2001 S. State St. in Salt Lake City.
Residents can attend in person or submit comments online before the Council votes on the final budget later that evening.
Utah’s Truth-in-Taxation law requires local governments to hold such a public hearing whenever they propose collecting more property-tax revenue than the previous year.
Public safety remains the flash point
The proposal comes one year after Salt Lake County voters rejected a $507-million public-safety bond that would have raised property taxes to expand jail capacity and build a new justice center. Roughly 52% of voters opposed the bond, citing confusion about its scope and overall costs. After the defeat, the County shifted to a smaller 0.2% sales-tax increase earlier this year to fund limited jail-expansion efforts.
That rejection still looms large in the background of this year’s debate. County officials argue that while voters turned down the bond, the need for additional funding to maintain core public-safety operations remains.
Part of a statewide trend
Salt Lake County isn’t alone in revisiting property taxes. Across Utah, 59 cities, school districts and local entities have held or scheduled Truth-in-Taxation hearings this year—many citing inflation and unfunded state mandates. Neighboring counties such as Davis and Utah counties have also warned that they may consider rate adjustments next year to offset rising costs.
At the same time, the Utah State Tax Commission recently denied 35 requests for property-tax increases statewide, amounting to nearly $50 million in rejected revenue proposals—underscoring both the legal and political hurdles facing local governments seeking more funds.
Supporters of Wilson’s plan argue that
Graphic on proposed tax increase on the impact on a $638,000 home. (Shaun Delliskave/ City Journals)
the County’s budget has reached a breaking point. “Public safety, public health and regional services simply can’t keep running on 2019 dollars,” one budget analyst said. Critics counter that government should “tighten its belt” before asking residents for more, particularly as homeowners already face higher housing costs and assessments.
Residents who want to weigh in can find full budget details and a comment link at slco.to/rate. l
The Gifting Tree allows teens to celebrate the holidays
Every small donation helps create a big result.
By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
Thousands of teens in Salt Lake County face a Christmas holiday in emergency shelters, temporary housing or foster homes, but the County has partnered with the ShelterKids nonprofit organization to ensure these youth have new clothes, toys, school supplies and more.
The Gifting Tree is a historically impactful program that allows residents, businesses and organizations in Salt Lake County to provide gifts for these teens. Gifting Trees are located in County libraries and local businesses, displaying tags that include a wish list or essential needs for children in programs through Salt Lake County Youth Services.
“The Gifting Tree supports youth in our community who are in crisis,” said Noelle Reymond, Salt Lake County Youth
Services communications manager. “These are children who are in emergency shelters, who have been removed from their home by DCFS from an unsafe home environment.”
Each year, more than 9,000 kids in Salt Lake County experience abuse, neglect or foster care disruption. The Gifting Tree provides gifts for children in the ShelterKids emergency shelter, transitional living, after-school programs or short-term crisis placement.
Residents are asked to select a tag from a Gifting Tree, purchase the items listed and return the unwrapped gifts to any of the 18 libraries in The County Library system, participating business or directly to ShelterKids at 177 W. Price Avenue in Salt Lake City.
“ShelterKids helps bring in all the extra donations for these kids and that’s everything from gifts for the holidays to new clothing,” Reymond said. “It includes toys and gifts for birthdays, hygiene products and school supplies, so pretty much anything that those kids need.”
Reymond said this year is especially difficult with inflation, higher prices and the gov-
ernment shutdown that affected SNAP benefits. The most requested items are comfortable sweatpants and sweatshirts in all sizes, journals, art supplies, books, LEGO kits, sports balls, card games, full-size hygiene products, toiletries, make-up, snacks and treats.
The goal of the Gifting Tree Program is to provide teens with the simple joys that can make a significant difference in their lives. Children and teens who experience the holiday season in crisis situations often feel isolated and lonely. Reymond stresses that even small donations are greatly appreciated.
“The most amazing part of the annual Gifting Tree donation drive is that it’s made up of many, many, many small donations,” she said. “When we see all of those small donations come together, it has a huge impact. That is the beauty of this project, so every little bit helps.
“Everyone doing their small part to support this program helps create a huge effort that supports the thousands of youth that we serve every year. We couldn’t be more grateful for that tremendous community support.”
New and unwrapped items can be dropped off through Monday, Dec. 22. For more information, and for a list of suggested items, visit ShelterKids.org. l
Gifting Tree donations can be brought to any of the 18 Salt Lake County libraries through Monday, Dec. 22. (Photo courtesy of Salt Lake County Youth Services)
Holladay City Council recognizes Utah PTA’s centennial
For 100 years, Utah PTA has strengthened schools and supported families.
By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
Holladay City officials honored a century of accomplishment by recognizing the 100th anniversary of the Utah Parent Teacher Association during a November City Council meeting. The mayor and councilmembers took time to express their gratitude to an organization that has supported student success since 1925.
“I think the schools in our community are an important part of the fabric that makes Holladay great,” said Councilmember Matt Durham. “We have great parents and great teachers, and we really appreciate the time and effort that the PTA puts into helping efforts that are happening in our schools.”
Utah PTA President Julie Cluff and President-Elect Cammy Whitchurch attended the meeting to share an overview of the organization’s century-long legacy. Cluff noted that during the last school year, residents, educators and leaders donated more than 24,300 volunteer hours to Holladay schools, with an estimated value of $845,000.
“PTA is a network, it’s not a hierarchy,” Cluff said. “For a century, Utah PTA has been a steadfast advocate for children, families and education, shaping policies and initiatives that strengthen communities. As we celebrate 100 years of dedication, we honor the countless volunteers, leaders and advocates who have championed for student success, safety and well-being. This milestone reflects a legacy of impact, collaboration and unwavering commitment to a bright future for Utah’s youth.”
Councilmember Emily Gray read a proclamation celebrating the organization’s centennial and its commitment to ongoing student support. The statement acknowledged the Utah PTA’s history of establishing programs and services that help improve children’s lives, advance parent and family engagement in school activities, promote arts in education and champion school safety.
As the largest volunteer child-advocacy organization in the state, Utah PTA continues to share its mission and invites parents, caregivers, grandparents, educators and caring adults to create environments that nourish a child’s education.
“This centennial year provides an opportunity to reflect on Utah PTA’s many accomplishments and celebrate 100 years as a powerful voice for children, a trusted resource for parents, and a strong advocate for public education,” Gray read. “Utah PTA has left a lasting impact on schools, families, and communities across the state by fostering leadership, empowering voices, and ensuring that generations of children have benefit-
From left, Holladay Councilmember Ty Brewer, Utah PTA Region 5 Support Committee Chair Liz Shellum, Councilmember Matt Durham, UTA PTA President Elect Cammy Whitchurch, Utah PTA
President Julie Cluff, Councilmember Paul Fotheringham, Councilmember Emily Gray, Howard Driggs PTA President Amy Gabbart, Utah PTA Safety Commissioner Tina Seastrand, Mayor Rob Dahle and Councilmember Drew Quinn celebrate Utah PTA’s 100th anniversary. (Photo courtesy of Holladay)
ed from stronger educational opportunities, healthier environments, and a greater sense of belonging.”
Holladay Mayor Rob Dahle said he believes it’s fundamental for the City Council to support the public school infrastructure as
sons to the various elementaries, junior highs and high schools that are in Holladay or support Holladay,” Dahle said. “We have had a great relationship with Granite School District and superintendents, and certainly what I feel are incredible [GSD] representatives, Clarke Nelson and Julie Jackson.”
Over the last 100 years, Utah PTA has introduced programs into public schools that are still popular today, including Reflections, Ribbon Weeks, Teacher Appreciation Week, School of Excellence, arts grants, Battle of the Bands and Leadership Academy.
Utah PTA also actively promoted the creation of a suicide prevention center in 1964, reinforcing its commitment to addressing youth mental health. In 1935, the group advocated for warm lunches at school. It was estimated that, at the time, 1,200 students left home every day without a meal, so the PTA provided one for them.
a community strength and resource. He appreciates the relationship he and his family have had with Holladay schools throughout the years and the work they do to educate the next generation.
“All of our councilmembers serve as liai-
“We have a great advocacy history and have been actively involved in advocating for our children and our families,” Cluff said. “In 2007, we led the charge to fight the voucher program. This one hits home to me. I’m a resident of Midvale, a city with a high Title 1 population, and every dollar counts in my community. We are a strong proponent of keeping public education in our public schools so they can do the most good for the most students.” l
Council works to provide taxpayers best value during budget process resulting in tough cuts
In the 12 years I’ve been on the Salt Lake County Council, this was the most intense budget season I’ve ever encountered. It began when Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson proposed a 19.6% property tax increase. As we see the economy softening, some of us on the council vowed to dig in, realign the county spending with top priorities, and find ways to be more efficient and effective with your tax dollars so we could lower that property tax ask. I’ve since learned that while it may feel good to give people government perks, it is sure painful when it’s time to take them away.
I’ll start with daycare. It’s a big issue throughout the state and while there are fewer daycare waiting lists in Salt Lake County, it’s still unaffordable for many families. Somehow Salt Lake County has been subsidizing four daycares to the tune of $6000-$10,000 per child. That means that property taxpayers, like you, are paying half the tuition for about 271 kids.
I had many people contact me and say they were fine with their tax dollars to go to low-income families, but this program had no income qualifications. We certainly had many families who were making more than
Aimee Winder Newton
Salt Lake County Councilmember District 3
the median household income, yet they were being subsidized by those on low or fixed incomes. We made the decision to get out of the daycare business.
Another tough decision was related to a senior center. We voted to close a senior center on 10th East in SLC that is currently vacant and only 1.8 miles away from another senior center. Not every city has a senior center, so to have two so close did not make sense. It saves taxpayers $6-7 million in one-time costs and $400,000 in ongoing costs each year. The empty building was in the process of being renovated and the $3 million funds spent thus far to remove asbestos would’ve needed to happen regardless of the use.
We hope those who love the 10th East Senior Center will be able to continue attending activities at the Liberty Senior Center, as I’m a big believer in the value of the human connection that seniors can get by interacting with others. We love all of our seniors, and this decision was made recognizing that we have many on fixed incomes who feel that the more we rein in government spending, the better. Our taxpayers have made it clear that they are stretched to the limit and the county needs to focus on core services.
Budgets are tricky and Salt Lake County has one of the most complicated budgets. While the overall budget is $2 billion, $500 million of that is just pass-through taxes that go from the state to cities or UTA. Another $1 billion make up restricted funds, enterprise funds, and tourism taxes – which can only fund certain things or those that are tourist-related. Have you ever wondered why we justify spending money on arts, culture, parks, golf, recreation, and convention centers? Those entire budgets either generate their own revenue sources or they use tourism taxes from hotels, car
rentals and restaurants. They do not use any property tax.
About $500 million of the budget is the General Fund. That is where we have total flexibility to use the funds however we please. This is where your property taxes go -- $220 million from residential property taxes. Currently 74% of our General Fund expenditures are public safety related – jail, prosecution, criminal justice services, etc. The rest covers things like elections, audits, etc. Because we capture the same amount of money as the previous year (minus new construction), the county does tax increases every few years just to keep up with inflation. To read my FAQs about the budget, visit tinyurl.com/SLCObudget
During this year’s budget I’ve tried hard to look at programs that are out of the county’s scope (daycare) or items that seem duplicative or unnecessary (two senior centers within 2 miles of each other). We’ve also cut positions that aren’t fulfilling the county’s overall mission or that we don’t believe are necessary. Rest assured that we are going to bat for you so you can keep more of your hard-earned money.
Life & Laughter - A Christmas Carol: Corporate Edition
Ebeneezer Scrooge sits on the edge of his vast four-poster bed, wondering what the heck just happened. Three ghosts have shown him his greedy behavior and how, because of his miserly ways, he’ll die hated and alone.
“Oh, well,” he says, as he jumps off the bed and heads to his vault, where he swims through stacks of gold coins like Scrooge McDuck. “It’s not my fault there are poor people.”
Jacob Marley’s ghost hovers nearby, rattling his heavy chains. “Remorse is a heavy burden,” he cries. Scrooge tells him to get lost and skips downstairs to count his money.
The jolly Ghost of Christmas Present jumps out from behind the couch, reminding Scrooge of the two ghastly children hidden in his robes, representing poverty and ignorance. “You have so much,” the ghost says. “You could help so many.”
“They should get jobs,” Scrooge replies. “It’s not my problem.”
The spirit starts to disagree, but Scrooge calls in officers from Interstellar Creature Enforcement to haul the ghost away. Christmas Present mutters something about corporate greed as he gets zip-tied.
Scrooge runs to the window and sees a young boy on the street below. “Hello, fine
Peri Kinder Life and Laughter
fellow! Run to the Cratchit house and tell Bob to come to work. I gave him the day off, but there are debts to collect!”
“But it’s Christmas,” the boy responds.
“Humbug! Christmas is just an excuse for sloth. Remind him that although I didn’t give him a raise or bonus this year, I put a ping-pong table in the break room and, because it’s Christmas, he can use the Keurig one time today. He should be grateful.”
The Ghost of Christmas Past taps Scrooge on the shoulder. “Old Fezziwig shared his wealth with employees and friends. He was greatly mourned.”
“Well, Fezziwig is dead,” Scrooge says. “Where did compassion get him?”
He dismisses the spirit, then calls his maid to bring him weak tea (“I’m not wasting money on sugar!”), plain, toasted bread (“Jam is a luxury!”) and a hard-boiled egg (because it is Christmas, after all).
Scrooge slurps his tea, the sound echoing through the cavernous room as the grandfather clock ticks away the final moments of his miserly life.
Meanwhile, across the city, Bob Cratchit and his family wake up to a vast display of gifts and food. Knowing exactly how stingy Scrooge would be, friends and neighbors quietly pooled their money to create the perfect Christmas morning for the family.
The Cratchit children are awed by the generosity. Peter eagerly opens the latest Dickens novel, Martha admires her fashionable scarf and the baby toddles around with a new doll.
Neighbors even started a GoFundMe for Tiny Tim so he could see a doctor and the town carpenter made him a new crutch. The home is filled with laughter and friendship as everyone roasts Ebeneezer Scrooge with Victorian cocktails. Even the dog gets tipsy.
While Scrooge and Cratchit live just miles apart, their life experiences are vastly different. Although poor, the Cratchits love each other and are cared for by the people around them. Communities take care of each other.
It’s something Scrooge will never understand. All his wealth won’t save him.
He sees the Ghost of Christmas Yet to
Come dramatically using his bony finger to beckon Scrooge to follow. Time’s up.
“Fine,” Scrooge says, “but I’m taking my egg. Eggs are expensive, you know.”
Marley moans from the hall, “Mankind was your business.”
“Gold was my business!” Scrooge yells as he stomps after the ghost, wishing he could roll around in his money just one more time.
