District 6 City Council Challengers Battle Voter Apathy

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) The four candidates running for Dave Buhler's District 6 Salt Lake City Council seat champion small business, green space and benefits for same-sex couples.

But during a debate sponsored by KCPW Friday, candidates said the biggest issue facing their neighborhoods is voter apathy. Community councils are the backbone of city politics, says top fundraiser J-T Martin, but it can be difficult to get people to attend meetings. Law requires city council members to consult community councils during their decision-making process. That lends an important degree of say-so to Salt Lake City residents even if turnout at monthly community meetings remains low, says Ellen Reddick, the founder and chair of the Bonneville Hills Community Council.

Reddick points to her service on Emigration District Coalition as evidence. The coalition is a group of community council chairs that joined forces to have a greater stake in city governance.

Candidate Roger McConkie praises community councils for fighting against monster homes and helping preserve District 6's historic character.

Another candidate, William Huckins, says city council members have to hit the streets and personally attend community council meetings to make sure the city is responding to the needs of their constituents across Salt Lake City. Hear the debate among District 6 candidates on the Midday Metro page at KCPW.org.

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