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 Holladay, Paul S. Fotheringham and Daren Watts are running for Mayor.

 

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

Paul Fotheringham: Yes!  My response is limited to property taxes being assessed and used by the City of Holladay only - not other taxing authorities.  In Holladay, our property tax assessment is about 30% less than the average assessment of all other municalities in Salt Lake County.  At present, the City of Holladay's share of residents' total property tax bill is about 13% for 2025 (also, well below the average across the county). Almost half of the city's budget is expended on public safety (police and fire/emergency medical), which in my view is appropriate because our primary municipal responsibility is to provide for public safety.  Next, at about 20% is public works (roads, stormwater management, infrastructure, etc), our next most important municipal responsibility. City administration costs are less than 8% - that's better than most non-profit organizations!

Daren Watts: It is challenging for me to provide a comprehensive answer on whether our property tax revenue is being usedeffectively, as numerous taxing entities allocate it. Unfortunately, we have seen a rise in our property taxes by 96% over the past eight years, largely due to demands from each of those various taxing entities. The most recent increase, including a raise and taxes from the Granite School District and the Central Utah Water Conservancy. Our own city raised the taxes in 2024 by ~ 15%. As it relates to the fiscal responsibility of the tax dollars associated with the city of Holladay, I have sat down with the city treasurer and reviewed every line item in the budget. I believe wehave been fiscally responsible, placing a minimal burden on our city through two bonds: one for a fire station and another for stormwater repair. One third of our budget goes towards the Police, which directly aligns with our goal to ensure the safety of our citizens. But that expense has significantly increased over the past several years. I aim to reduce the tax burden on our citizens by exploring the feasibility of establishing our own Holladay Police force. Thisis about gaining greater local control, ensuring our public safety services are directly aligned with our communities' needs, and providing more effective stewardship of our hard-earned tax dollars. 

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

Paul Fotheringham: In Holladay, our budget reflects the balance of our values within an environment of shifting costs of providing services. Over the last 5-8 years, we have seen significant inflation specifically in public safety costs.  Our priorities for providing public safety relative to public works haven't changed, but as cost structures change, budgets need to be flexible to meet those changes.  Though public safety and public works are our primary responsibilities, we also have opportunities to enhance the lives of our residents by providing quality public parks, and community events that give residents a sense of place and belonging.  Holladay is able to add these community assets and enhancements without shortchanging public safety and public works while remaining a low property tax municipality.

Daren Watts:  It is challenging for me to provide a comprehensive answer on whether our property tax revenue is being usedeffectively, as numerous taxing entities allocate it. Unfortunately, we have seen a rise in our property taxes by 96% over the past eight years, largely due to demands from each of those various taxing entities. The most recent increase, including a raise and taxes from the Granite School District and the Central Utah Water Conservancy. Our own city raised the taxes in 2024 by ~ 15%. As it relates to the fiscal responsibility of the tax dollars associated with the city of Holladay, I have sat down with the city treasurer and reviewed every line item in the budget. I believe wehave been fiscally responsible, placing a minimal burden on our city through two bonds: one for a fire station and another for stormwater repair. One third of our budget goes towards the Police, which directly aligns with our goal to ensure the safety of our citizens. But that expense has significantly increased over the past several years. I aim to reduce the tax burden on our citizens by exploring the feasibility of establishing our own Holladay Police force. Thisis about gaining greater local control, ensuring our public safety services are directly aligned with our communities' needs, and providing more effective stewardship of our hard-earned tax dollars. 

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? 

Paul Fotheringham: Holladay is adamant about adhering to Open Meetings laws which require no group discussions (of 4 or more Council members) of city business outside of an agendaed and recorded public meeting. All of our public meetings are agendaed and recorded and accessible via the city website. Information packets, assembled by staff to inform the Council of issues to be decided, are also published in advance. Since Holladay municipal government is non-partisan, there are no closed door partisan caucus meetings where votes are whipped and counted without public discourse.  Government bodies should also not be able to "police themselves."  The principal of checks and balances should be applied to all government bodies in order to support the values of accountability and transparency.

Daren Watts: I think it is wonderful that residents have reported concerns for government oversight and transparency.After all, we are public officials elected by the citizens to work on their behalf in this great city. All city Council and work meetings are available to be viewed in person or by video. My goal is to create a transparent, inclusive, and common-sense building and planning process, ensuring every resident has a meaningful voice in decisions that shape their property and our city. I support open communication with all city officials to help hold them accountable for these transparency standards. This is our moment to rekindle the spirit of local control, to invest in our future, and to truly work together to be heard. 

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

Paul Fotheringham: Public safety is the domain of local government and local policing. I'm not in favor of unnecessarily ceding local authority to federal authority or to state authority.  Also, ICE has become a dangerously partisan policing agency.  As a non-partisan government entity, I believe Holladay should strive to keep all elements of law enforcement non-partisan.  I don't believe that ICE currently meets that standard.

Daren Watts: Immigration is a federal responsibility, and federal laws, including those enforced by ICE, must be respected and upheld by all levels of government. Local jurisdictions should not unilaterally decide which federal laws they will or will not enforce. Local law enforcement agencies are seen as having a duty to cooperate with federal partners like ICE, especially when it comes to individuals who have committed crimes or are subject to federal immigration detainers. Cooperation with ICE is seen as critical for removing individuals who pose a threat to public safety, including those with criminal records, regardless of their immigration status. Honoring ICE detainer requests ensures that individuals who are in local custody and are wanted by ICE for immigration violations (especially those with criminal backgrounds) are transferred to federal authorities rather than being released back into the community. The argument is made that full cooperation makes communities safer for all residents, including legal immigrants, by ensuring that dangerous individuals are apprehended and processed. Consistent with my desires for fiscal responsibility, I feel that non-cooperation can lead to inefficiencies or increased costs for federal agencies, who then have to expend more resources to locate and apprehend individuals that local authorities could have easily transferred.

Q: How do you feel about the current developments going in around Holladay? (How feasible are the plans regarding the Holladay District? Why is the Holladay Hills being allowed to develop these modern looking giants (when the original plans were to make them classy and more traditional like what's being developed in downtown Holladay)?

Paul Fotheringham: After many years of inactivity and negotiation, I am delighted to see the redevelopment of Holladay Hills (the old Cottonwood Mall site) actively progressing.  Many residents are thrilled with the prospect of a new Trader Joes location going into the former ZCMI/Macy's building.  Upon completion, Holladay Hills will become a center of activity that will contribute to Holladay's tax base for the next generation, similarly to the old days of the Cottonwood Mall.  | "Growth" can be a scary word to an old and beloved community like Holladay.  I prefer "renewal." Without renewal, the alternative is stagnation and decay.  The Holladay Village is a great example of quality renewal. But with any change, trade-off's need to be balanced.  Vibrancy needs to be balanced with potential traffic and parking congestion. On balance, our Holladay Village is the envy of our neighboring municipalities and their residents. If you survey the lunch crowd at Great Harvest Bread, more than half of the patrons will likely reside outside of Holladay but they love coming to the Holladay Village.  | Holladay District?  Not sure what this term relates to.  We have Holladay Village (downtown), Holladay Hills (old Cottonwood Mall), Holladay Crossroads (6200 S & Highland/VanWinkle).  In all cases, these are private property developments.  Lease agreements and business plans within these developments are not within the purview of the City to direct, other than enforcing broad "land use" restrictions within the city code for the land use zone applicable to the parcels.  "Feasibility risk" is the burden of the developer/land owner.  Though the city has an interest in the success of any development in Holladay, private property rights (within zone restrictions) includes the right to pursue a vision of success at the risk of failure.  That said, I'm confident in the continued success of Holladay Village, and the impending success of Holladay Hills and Holladay Crossroads.  |  Holladay Hills is being developed under the land use entitlements granted in a Site Development Master Plan (SDMP) to the site's former owner General Growth back in 2008.  Those land use entitlements include height constraints, density constraints, and other constraints, but does not include architectural design constraints (as is the case at Holladay Village).   Neither the former owner (General Growth), nor the current owner/developer (Millrock Development) were ever constrained to any specific architectural style regardless of style examples presented in land use applications to the city.  Generally, the city doesn't and shouldn't involve itself in architectural design elements unless the city has a stake/investment in the property being developed (Holladay Village, City Hall, City Parks, etc).  Otherwise, city constraints  should include height, setback, uses, etc. (traditional municipal constraints only).  Note of reminder - no one currently on the City Council, including Mayor Dahle, were on the Council in 2008.

Daren Watts: I would like to build a Holladay for all generations, where every voice is heard. Housing affordability is a top concern across Utah. Here in Holladay, we've seen the challenges of balancing growth with our community's character. Projects like the Cottonwood Mall redevelopment showed us what happens when planning prioritizes high-density housing, leaving residents feeling unheard. People want to be listened to; they want their concerns to shape our future. I have heard again and again the concerns about the Holladay Hills, modern-looking giant townhomes. I have not been involved with the approval of that construction. We have a responsibility to respond to our community's concerns to keep new developments classy and more traditional, consistent with the character of our city. I have sat down with the Community and Economic Development leader and discussed the general plan. This plan is quite extensive and well thought out, and involved many members of our community. I would hope we can focus on a common-sense building and planning process that will continue to involve the voices of our community.

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

Paul Fotheringham: When managing renewal/change in a long beloved community, experience matters. 

Daren Watts: Many of you might wonder why I'm leaving Medicine to run for Mayor. Life has a way of teaching you profound lessons, and for me, that moment came in 2022. I fell and broke my neck, resulting in paralysis from the neck down in an instant. I went from a functional father, a husband, a physician, a workhorse, and a faithfully serving leader in my church to nothing, all of the action words that had described who I had become or lost. I was told that I might never walk or breathe on my own again. This moment created an absolute loss of power in that time, two truths became crystal clear: 1) I needed God – for hope, strength, and guidance beyond my own. 2) I needed people – for everything, for every ounce of care, and for every future step. It is only by the grace of God and the unwavering support of people – family friends, and strangers who all united to help me stand. My goal is to help harness the power of people to stay true to our original desire for local governance, help establish some vital new elements to our city, and give back. 

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?):

Paul Fotheringham: I have 8 years (2 terms) experience as the City Council Member for Holladay's District 3.  I also serve as Holladay's representative on the Unified Fire Authority Board and as it's current Board Chair.  Though I am recently retired now and able to give my full time attention to the Mayor's job, my professional life has been as banker and accountant - most recently as Director of Treasury Management Services at First Utah Bank in Millcreek.  Prior to the bank, I was Controller and Business Operations Manager at Sports Mall Group in Murray.  

Daren Watts: For the residents of Holladay, it's time for common-sense leadership, rooted in a deep understanding of service and community. That's precisely what Dr. Daren Watts offers as he steps forward to be your next Mayor. For decades, Daren Watts, a proud Holladay resident, has dedicated his life to the well-being of families and the health of our community. His journey began right here in Utah, earning his Bachelor's in Chemistry from the University of Utah before pursuing his medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin. This foundation fostered an attitude of critical thinking, problem-solving, and a commitment to excellence. Dr. Watts spent years serving our community as a General Ob/Gyn. From the University of Utah School of Medicine to St. Mark's Ob/Gyn Associates, he has been a trusted presence, guiding countless families through life's most significant moments. But his experience goes far beyond the examination room. His leadership in complex healthcare environments stands as a testament to his ability to manage, innovate, and make tough decisions with integrity. As Medical Director and Department Chairman at St. Mark's Hospital, Daren was responsible for crucial oversight and strategic direction, ensuring quality care and efficient operations. He brought people together, fostered collaboration, and consistently delivered results in high-stakes settings. These aren't just about medical titles. They're proof of his capacity to lead and deliver for our city. Currently, Daren is taking his passion for clear communication and honest dialogue to a broader audience as host of the "Not Your Doc . . . Anymore" podcast. This venture underscores his commitment to informing, engaging, and addressing vital issues – precisely the kind of open dialogue and transparent communication Holladay deserves in its leadership. In fact, he's recently spoken on "The Value of Trust Through Hardship" at a 'Beyond the Break' conference with Chris Williams and Heather Vanboerum. His message that deeply resonates with building a stronger, more resilient community. From his numerous teaching awards to his role on the University of Utah Alumni Association Executive Board, Daren Watts has consistently demonstrated a commitment to nurturing growth, fostering collaboration, and giving back to the institutions that shape our future. His background isn't just a list of accomplishments; it's a blueprint for effective leadership. It's about listening, understanding, diagnosing challenges, and implementing solutions that genuinely improve lives. Dr. Daren Watts isn't just running for Mayor; he's bringing a lifetime of dedication, integrity, and common-sense leadership to serve the Holladay he calls home. It's time to choose a leader who understands what it truly means to care for a community, and who will work tirelessly to build a brighter future for every one of us.

Q: If you would like to explicitly state your political party, please do so here:

Paul Fotheringham: The Holladay Mayor and City Council roles are non-partisan.  During my 8 years on the Council, we have purposefully maintained a very non-partisan atmosphere, and we have eschewed wading into partisan issues when behind the Council dais.  As Mayor, I would continue supporting this practice.  That said, I personally affiliate with the Democratic Party.

Daren Watts: I want to keep the city government focused on the issues that affect our daily lives and keep it non-partisan. I was so impressed talking to Ty Brewer, the current city council member in my district, when he told me that after working with his fellow council members, he had no idea which political party they were affiliated with. I believe that kind of attitude, particularly now with increasing difficulty for bipartisanship, will be more important than ever.

Q: How can residents stay informed about your campaign? 

Paul Fotheringham: fotheringhamformayor.com, Social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram) 

Daren Watts: Website: docwattsformayor.com    |  Instagram @DocWATTS_ 

Optional – Salt Lake County residents reported a handful of additional topics of concerns and questions. If you have some extra time, 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.  

Paul Fotheringham: I will take a "pass" on these questions as they are generally within the purview of other elected offices (legislature, school board, county health dept, etc).


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

Daren Watts: This question has been addressed consistently with members of our community. It is essential to represent not only the voice of our community members, but more importantly, those children who have no voice. I want to empower our families and secure our children's future. We must ensure that our children feel that they belong, and our schools are environments where they truly thrive. I imagine a Holladay, where our schools are governed locally, reflecting our communities' unique values and needs. Almost 20 years ago, our city attempted to form our own school district and evaluated these options with the formation of a small school district coalition. There were many hurdles at that time that thwarted the creation of our own district. Now, all around us, communities are claiming control of their children's education. As your Mayor, I will immediately re-establish a small school district coalition, initiating a thorough, transparent study of its feasibility because our children deserve a local education system that champions their success!