February 2020 | Vol. 6 Iss. 02
FREE NEWLY ELECTED CITY COUNCIL MAKES HISTORY WITH ITS DIVERSITY By Bill Hardesty | b.hardesty@mycityjournals.com
T
he 2020-2021 South Salt Lake City Council is making history. The first person of color is on the council and for the first time the super majority of the council, that is five members, are women. Natalie Pinkney (Council Member at-large) and LeAnne Huff (District 1) join the council with reelected members Portia Mila (District 4) and Shane Siwik (District 5) along with Ray deWolfe (Council Member at-large), Corey Thomas (District 2), and Sharla Bynum (District 3).
Natalie Pinkney
Pinkney, 26, has lived in South Salt Lake City for over a year. She earned a bachelor of psychology from Marquette University and a master of education leadership and policy from the University of Utah. She works as a campus and corporate recruiter. Pinkney’s campaign slogan was to “Move Forward Together.” When asked how she was going to fulfill that promise, Pinkney said, “I plan to fulfill this theme by first proposing initiatives, resolutions, and ordinances that increase transparency and collaboration of city residents such as a participatory budget and neighborhood councils. I also plan to keep my engagement with the community by being active in neighborhoods and fulfilling the wants and needs of residents. Moving forward together means listening to residents and doing what they want and need above all else.” Pinkney has three issues she wants to work on during her term: increase budget revenue, so that departments are well staffed and able to accomplish city goals; work with the Prom-
New South Salt Lake City Council makes history with first person of color and a female super majority. (Bill Hardesty/City Journals)
ise program on their equity and diversity goals; and create more ways for residents and leaders to get involved in the city. Since Pinkney is a groundbreaker being the first person of color on the City Council, the City Journals asked her what that means to her. “I am so grateful and honored to be the first person of
color and first Black woman on the council. We have so much diversity in our city and having representation that reflects, that is a huge first step. For me this is about serving my community and making sure we are having important conversations that include everyone and makes everyone feel included in the city,” she said. Continued page 4
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