Welcome to the City Journals Voters Guide!

2025's General Election Day is on Nov. 4.   (See other important dates and SLCounty information in our Voting Information Overview page at the Valley Journals here.) 

In preparation, we surveyed our readers (like you!) to ask which local topics would determine important voting decisions for local races. We then asked your local candidates those reader-suggested questions. Candidates were asked to limit their answers to 200 words.These are their answers: 

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In South Salt Lake, Aileen Hampton and Sharla Bynum are running for the District 3.

 

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

Aileen Hampton: No, I feel there is great room for improvement to efficiently use our tax dollars. Since I ran for City Council in 2021, property taxes have been raised twice. The first time, property tax was DOUBLED. I could have more faith that a tax increase was necessary if it hadn’t been preceded by the city council voting to increase local elected officials’ pay by 40-50%. Now, city councillor pay is about 70% higher than it was four years ago. This has raised grave concerns in me about the priorities that have been used for the allocation of our citizens’ tax contribution.

Sharla Bynum: Our current property tax is being used responsively and thoroughly reviewed each year by the Council.  A portion of it is designated for public safety allowing us to have a stable funding source for police and fire services.

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

Aileen Hampton: The first, most important thing is that the regular services obligatory to municipal government are provided to citizens with a service-first attitude. Although municipal employees are valuable, making an indispensable contribution to the lives of the residents of the city and should be fairly compensated for their positions, it is still important to remember that they are public servants in a small city with limited revenue. Also, promotion of the arts and activities that promote community involvement and connection are vital to the well-being of residents. Another essential element is for the budget to be written in such a way that a layperson can follow what expenditures are there and what they mean. Those in government service must always remember that they are accountable to the public, both in current spending and in planning for the future. Above all, everything must balance. Of course, this is a huge challenge, but new perspectives will help.

Sharla Bynum: Our local budget must reflect long-term vision and planning.  It is better to have smaller increases over time to meet needs rather than wait decades to increase fees placing unnecessary burdens on our residents and business owners.

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? 

Aileen Hampton: This is a very important question and one I wish to discuss with constituents. How do we best hold our elected officials accountable? The main way we have right now is our election system, when we can choose someone that we think would do better. And that is why I am running, so voters in my district have a choice. I hope they choose new eyes to represent them in looking at the situation in South Salt Lake.

Sharla Bynum: We recently enacted a Code of Conduct for our City Council to ensure we are being ethical and civil to all.  Something like this should be replicated on a State level along with a process to remove those who aren’t willing to abide.

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

Aileen Hampton: I have been very concerned about this issue since a personal acquaintance, a previous but recent resident of South Salt Lake, was arrested when he turned up for his regular refugee hearing and then was summarily deported. I feel local government should be cooperative with ICE when ICE provides clear evidence as to why specific persons are of interest to them for unlawful activity. Otherwise, our residents need the benefit of our belief that they are law-abiding, no matter where they came from. Salt Lake City, and South Salt Lake in particular, have not only a history of effectively integrating immigrants, but an international reputation for welcoming refugees. It is important to me that those residing here now feel safe in the support of their neighbors and local government, so that they can focus on building better lives and continuing to contribute to their new community.

Sharla Bynum: I do not support a formal agreement to partner with ICE.  I believe that the role of our public safety includes ensuring that the Constitution is being followed and everyone has the right to due process.

Q: What is SSL doing to protect immigrants and people of color?

Aileen Hampton: 

Sharla Bynum: South Salt Lake is the most diverse community in Utah, and we take pride in celebrating and supporting that diversity. Through our Promise South Salt Lake programs, families have access to before- and after-school opportunities, English and financial classes, food pantries, small business resources, and grants that fund cultural events—ensuring every resident has the tools to thrive.

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

Aileen Hampton: Fiscal Responsibility

Sharla Bynum: In today’s divisive political climate, I am committed to fostering unity and collaboration. My focus is on bringing people together, emphasizing shared values, and working collectively to find solutions—an approach that is more essential now than ever before.

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?):

Aileen Hampton: I was born in Provo and raised outside of Toronto in a working class neighborhood, where I came to love the ethnic diversity. Later I came to Utah to work at the University of Utah in a molecular biology lab for ten years, then moved to South Salt Lake when I married. I felt at home among the many kinds of people that call this city home. Now I am the mother of four sons, ages 13-17. When my husband passed away last year, we chose to continue our lives right here in South Salt Lake, so we’re deeply invested in the future of this city. I value cultural diversity in our neighborhood, welcoming new neighbors while continuing to support our long-time residents.  | My work experience is extremely varied, and I have worked in many industries, particularly banquet serving while raising my family and also volunteering at my children's school. I just finished serving a three-year term as Secretary on the School Community Council. Currently I’m employed both as a Substitute Library Assistant for the Salt Lake County Library (you may have seen me at the Granite Library) and as a Field Representative for the Census Bureau, gathering data for the nation’s labor statistics. These positions have given me extensive opportunities to interact with the public and understand people’s situations and needs, both by giving and gaining information. I ran for South Salt Lake City Council in 2021. With even more experience now in federal, state, and county government positions and a wide variety of skills, I’m capable, qualified, and ready to represent you well at the municipal level.

Sharla Bynum: Sharla Bynum, a lifelong educator and three-term South Salt Lake City Council member, has dedicated her career to service. A proud ‘True Aggie,’ she earned degrees from Utah State University and the University of Utah before becoming an elementary school principal in Granite School District. For over 20 years, Sharla has called South Salt Lake home, where she continues her family’s legacy of education and civic leadership. As Council Chair, she works to strengthen her diverse community by expanding opportunities and resources for all residents.

Q: How can residents stay informed about your campaign? 

Aileen Hampton: My website VoteforAileen.org will be available soon. I also have a Facebook page, Alieen Hampton for South Salt Lake.

Sharla Bynum: Please contact me at…https://www.sharlabynum4ssl.com

Optional – Salt Lake County residents reported a handful of additional topics of concerns and questions. Please feel free to answer any of the following questions you'd like to respond to. Responses to questions in this section are not necessary.

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

Aileen Hampton: This is a matter of great interest to me. Affordable housing is one of the biggest pieces. South Salt Lake has traditionally been a low-income oasis in Salt Lake County, but this is quickly changing as our excellent central location has been recognized. We are dealing with market forces in our area that, while creating great opportunity for some, are squeezing out long-term residents who are unable to afford inflation, increasing housing costs, aging homes, and higher local taxes – all at the same time. I was there at the city tax meetings in 2022 to advocate for those who were financially stressed and struggling, and heard the stories of those who came to say that due to their low or limited incomes, a large tax increase meant that they would need to leave their paid-off homes to find somewhere outside this region, and even the state, that could fit their budget. That is a huge shame. I also know several families who were forced out of their apartments so that their complexes could be changed to charge higher rent. Workers, the disabled, and retirees had found a home in our city. The majority of retirees in our neighborhoods are the ones that have been here for many years, and built this area into the city we have today. These groups deserve high consideration in the decisions City Council makes. They are also the clearest reason that careful, responsible use of city funds is mandatory.   | In addition, City Hall has the opportunity to be a central resource to assist households that need help to find it among sometimes-hidden community resources. Our municipality can also take leadership to motivate residents to think about how they can help their neighbor. I have seen progress in this regard, and will continue the effort to further this outreach.