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, Natalie Bradley and Bailee Jones are running for the District 3 Council Seat. 

 

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

Natalie Bradley: Yes, I believe that in Holladay, our current property tax revenue is being used effectively. A significant portion of these funds supports essential services, particularly our police and fire departments, which are critical to maintaining safety in our community. Property tax revenue also helps fund other vital public services that enhance our residents’ quality of life.  | In addition, the city has been fiscally responsible in building a modest fund, which allows us to invest in larger infrastructure projects, such as the development of the park at Spring Lane, without financial strain.  | If elected, I will ensure that every dollar spent by the city continues to serve the best interests of our residents and contributes to a strong, sustainable future for Holladay.

Bailee Jones: Allocating public funds is one of the most serious actions a public official can take, therefore, I believe there’s always room to improve how tax revenue is prioritized. While some funds are well spent, we need more accountability to ensure taxpayer dollars directly support essential services like public safety, infrastructure, and community programs. Local government needs to react to changing community needs, and that requires staying close to the voters to ensure our community stays headed in the right direction.

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

Natalie Bradley: Holladay’s budget should reflect the values of our community: safety, quality public amenities, responsible growth, and long-term sustainability. Our residents care deeply about maintaining a safe environment, investing in parks and public spaces, maintaining strong infrastructure, and ensuring that new development aligns with the character and charm of Holladay.  | Balancing these values means making thoughtful, transparent decisions with limited resources. Prioritizing projects that deliver the greatest benefit to the most people, while also planning ahead for future needs. I will work to ensure that every budget decision reflects these shared priorities and supports the long-term well-being of our entire community.

Bailee Jones: A responsible budget should balance efficiency with community needs. My focus is balancing essential services with long-term planning, while keeping government spending transparent and sustainable.

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? 

Natalie Bradley: I believe transparency is the foundation of good governance, and I am fully committed to ensuring that Holladay residents are informed and engaged in the decisions that shape our community. City council meetings should remain easily accessible, agendas and minutes should be clear and timely, and major decisions should always include opportunities for public input.  | To strengthen accountability, I would support systems that build on the strong foundation Holladay has already established. This includes making sure residents know where to find important information and how they can engage with our city’s adopted master plan. Continued public meetings and increased use of digital tools—such as the city website and online engagement platforms—can further improve access and understanding.  | I also believe in maintaining clear and responsive channels for residents to voice concerns and ask questions, whether by email, text, phone, or in person. If elected, I will work to ensure transparency is not just a stated value, but a lived practice backed by real systems that build trust and hold city officials accountable.

Bailee Jones: I support clear reporting, accessible public records, and community forums that allow residents to see how decisions are made. Accountability should be built into every process. I also think that city council members need to stay focused on the constituencies they represent. This is local government and local issues should stay the priority.

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

Natalie Bradley: Federal money should be used for federal enforcement. I believe that Holladay’s limited local resources should be dedicated to local needs—not diverted to carry out federal immigration responsibilities.  | Our focus as a city should be on supporting our residents and ensuring that everyone who calls Holladay home feels safe, respected, and welcomed. Local law enforcement and city services should be centered on building trust within the community. 

Bailee Jones: I believe local government should focus on community safety and public trust. Federal immigration issues should remain under federal jurisdiction.

Q: How do you feel about the current developments going in around Holladay?  

Natalie Bradley: Holladay is a place people are proud to call home, and it’s easy to see why. We have excellent schools, vibrant neighborhoods, thriving local businesses, and a strong sense of community. As our city continues to grow, we must guide that growth with intention and integrity.  | I believe in responsible, sustainable development that protects what makes Holladay special. That means careful planning to prevent overdevelopment, preserving our green spaces—like the new Spring Lane Park—and investing in infrastructure that serves both current residents and future generations.  | As new developments take shape, I will work to ensure they reflect the character of the neighborhoods they join, contributing to—not compromising—the fabric of our community. Growth is inevitable, but with the right approach, it can enhance the Holladay we all love.

Bailee Jones: Development is important, but it must reflect our community’s character and values. I support growth that balances economic opportunity with preserving Holladay’s unique charm. Our planning priorities must also adapt to the changing needs of residents in a way that allows the community to grow or contract as demographics shift. For example, when schools close, children are often required to travel further in the mornings and afternoons. We need to ensure our infrastructure supports these changes safely—through bike lanes, smarter city planning, and community-oriented development that keeps residents connected and supported.

Q: How feasible are the plans regarding the Holladay District?

Natalie Bradley: At this stage, it's too early to determine the full feasibility of forming a separate school district with Millcreek and South Salt Lake. The first and most important step is to conduct a thorough feasibility study. This study would assess whether these three communities have the resources, student population, and infrastructure needed to support a new school district.  | Until that study is completed, any assumptions would be premature. What’s most important is that we approach this process with transparency, data, and community input to ensure that any decisions made are in the best interest of our students, families, and communities.

Bailee Jones: The Holladay District has great potential, but we need continued careful planning and community involvement to ensure it remains a vibrant, sustainable space. Its rare a space of this size comes up for development in a populated center such as Holladay. The lot also retains sentimental value for many community members. I want to see it become a place where community members can gather again to create shared memories.

Q: 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)?

Natalie Bradley: As long as development plans comply with city codes and regulations, the city has limited authority to dictate architectural style—similar to how homeowners have freedom in designing their houses within code. While the city can set standards for safety, height, and usage, aesthetic choices often fall to developers within those guidelines.  | If elected, I plan to work closely with developers to help them better understand the character and values of our community. I will encourage designs that respect and complement the surrounding neighborhoods, striving to balance growth with the charm and identity that make Holladay unique.

Bailee Jones: To be blunt, I think that mistakes were made with this development project. Its hard to find consensus at times on a project of this size and importance and we all want to see this space filled with people and thriving businesses, but I definitely think there is room for improvement. My priority is making sure future development reflects community values and remains consistent with Holladay’s vision.

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

Natalie Bradley: I’m running for office to serve our community by strengthening the connections that make Holladay special—supporting inclusive programs, meaningful events, and opportunities that bring residents together.

Bailee Jones:  I’m running because I believe Holladay deserves leaders who listen closely, act with integrity, and put in the work to keep our neighborhood healthy, charming, and prepared for the future.

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?):

Natalie Bradley: I am a former educator with a deep commitment to serving the Holladay community in ways that bring people together, strengthen neighborhoods, and support our schools.  | I spent six rewarding years on the Holladay Arts Council, including two years as Chair. In 2023, I was honored with the Holladay Helping Hands Award in recognition of my contributions. Even after my term ended, I have continued to volunteer and stay engaged because I believe in the incredible energy and connection that the arts bring to our community.  | In addition to my work with the arts, I am actively involved in local education. I have served as President of the Bonneville Junior High Community Council and as a member of the Woodstock Elementary PTA Board. Currently, I serve on the Cottonwood Council PTA Board, where I help create and lead programs that promote service and leadership among students. These roles have given me valuable insight into the strengths and challenges facing Holladay families. | Together, these experiences have prepared me to serve effectively and thoughtfully on the city council, where I remain dedicated to making Holladay a vibrant, inclusive, and connected community.

Bailee Jones: I’m Bailee Jones, and I’m running for Holladay City Council – District 3 because I believe our city deserves leaders who listen closely, act with integrity, and put in the work to keep our neighborhoods healthy, connected, and prepared for the future. I believe I have the right experience to deliver those results. Holladay has always been my home. I grew up on the east side of the Salt Lake Valley—shopping at the old Cottonwood Mall and playing soccer at Bonneville Junior High. Today, my husband and I are raising our three boys here, surrounded by extended family. After earning a business degree from the University of Utah, I built a career across both the private and public sectors. I worked in Washington, D.C., representing Utah’s interests and contributing to national policy, and now serve at a financial technology company focused on helping people traditionally left behind by financial services. My professional and volunteer experience has given me the skills to listen, lead, and deliver real results for Holladay.

Q: How can residents stay informed about your campaign? 

Natalie Bradley: My website Bradleyforholladay.com or on Instagram at bradleyforholladay. 

Bailee Jones: Residents can learn more and follow updates at electbaileejones.com.

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.  

Q: What role do you believe local government should play in protecting open space and natural areas within your community?

Bailee Jones: Local government should protect open space by ensuring new projects like the Spring Lane development are carefully reviewed and balanced with the needs of surrounding neighborhoods. With so many of our community spaces eroding, we must make preservation a priority. Protecting green areas and shared spaces safeguards Holladay’s character and strengthens our sense of community.


Q: If elected, how will you begin managing high-density housing, short-term rentals, and property value protections in your community?

Bailee Jones: I support responsible growth by holding builders to higher standards—such as improving streets, bike lanes, sidewalks, and infrastructure—so that development benefits the entire community without harming existing neighborhoods.


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

Bailee Jones: I support strong schools with smaller class sizes, open access to educational resources, and trust in teachers to do their jobs. Education should reflect the needs of families and students, not political agendas. Above all, education must reflect local priorities and needs.

Q: What are your priorities regarding funding of homeless shelters and assistance programs?

Bailee Jones: Funding should be directed where it creates measurable improvements in safety, dignity, and long-term outcomes.

Q: How do you plan to assist your senior residents and those on fixed incomes?

Bailee Jones: I will advocate for policies that allow seniors to age in place comfortably. This includes supporting safety measures and community services that ensure dignity and independence.