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 Midvale, Jamie Steverson and Denece Mikolash are running for District 5. 

 

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

Jamie Steverson: The effectiveness of property tax revenue depends on how well it supports key community priorities like public safety, infrastructure, and social services. In Midvale, there’s room to invest tax dollars more strategically.Denece Mikolash: I believe in wise spending and transparency. Our property tax revenue is essential for funding core services like public safety, our police and fire departments, and maintaining our city's infrastructure, including roads and parks.

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

Jamie Steverson: Fiscal responsibility in a local budget means prioritizing values that support community well-being, transparency, and sustainable growth. Key values include public safety, efficient use of taxpayer dollars, investment in infrastructure, support for vulnerable populations, and fostering economic opportunities.Denece Mikolash: A responsible budget must reflect our community's core values: public safety, maintaining infrastructure, and enhancing quality of life. I believe in a balanced approach that prioritizes essential services while also planning for future growth in District 5. I will work to find efficiencies, ensure continued transparency in all spending decisions, and seek public input to align our budget with community priorities.

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? 

Jamie Steverson: Midvale already has strong transparency foundations with open budgets, public meetings, and online portals. To further hold local officials accountable when transparency standards aren’t met, I support strengthening oversight systems that ensure timely, consistent enforcement.Denece Mikolash: Midvale already has many systems in place to ensure transparency and accountability, as outlined in our Municipal Code. Our City Council meetings are recorded and posted online, and we provide opportunities for public comment both in person and via online submission, giving every resident a chance to have their voice heard. I will support enhancing these existing systems by promoting our Community Council as a key forum for residents to directly express concerns and meet with municipal leaders and staff anytime. By strengthening these direct lines of communication and ensuring all transparency protocols are fully utilized, we can build even greater trust and accountability with the community.

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

Jamie Steverson: My policy is clear: Midvale will have zero cooperation with ICE. Local law enforcement should focus on community safety, not federal immigration enforcement.   | Experience from regional counties shows that agreements with ICE often sow distrust, deterring immigrants from reporting crimes or cooperating with police. This undermines public safety for everyone. Midvale’s police, as part of the Unified Police Department, currently do not enforce immigration laws, and maintaining this separation is essential to fostering a trusting relationship with all residents.  | While ICE operations focus on immigration violations, they do not have local law enforcement oversight and have been criticized for lack of transparency and aggressive tactics. Therefore, no local resources or data should be shared, and local officers should not participate in ICE programs or task forces.  | Zero cooperation means protecting residents’ rights and prioritizing fair, unbiased policing. It supports a safe, inclusive community where immigrants feel secure reporting crimes without fear of deportation.  | Midvale’s role is to serve and protect all of its residents equally, ensuring public safety without becoming entangled in federal immigration enforcement. This stance balances security with respect for human dignity and community cohesion.

Denece Mikolash: Our priority is to ensure the safety and trust of all residents. The Unified Police Department, which serves Midvale, does not operate as an immigration enforcement agency. Their focus is on community policing and public safety, responding to all residents regardless of their citizenship status. This approach ensures that individuals feel safe reporting crimes, being witnesses, or seeking help without fear. I fully support this collaborative relationship with UPD, as it aligns with our core mission to create a welcoming and secure environment for every person in Midvale. This stance is a reflection of our city's values and commitment to an inclusive community.

Q: How will you prioritize and protect proper historic restoration of existing structures? 

Jamie Steverson: Preserving Midvale’s historic structures is vital to maintaining our community’s unique character, heritage, and sense of place. I prioritize proper historic restoration by supporting clear preservation guidelines and proactive collaboration.  | First, I advocate for strengthening local historic preservation ordinances that set clear standards for restoration work, ensuring repairs and updates respect original materials, architectural details, and craftsmanship.  | Second, I support providing property owners with access to technical assistance, grants, and low-interest loans to encourage accurate, high-quality restorations without undue financial burden.  | Third, I believe in fostering partnerships with local historical societies, preservation experts, and the community to raise awareness about the value of historic buildings and encourage stewardship.  | Fourth, requiring early and transparent review processes for proposed changes to historic properties through design review boards or commissions helps prevent inappropriate alterations and promotes thoughtful decision-making.  | Finally, I support integrating historic preservation into broader city planning, linking it to sustainable development and cultural tourism efforts that benefit the entire community.  | Proper historic restoration preserves our past while enriching Midvale’s future—a balance achievable through strong policies, community engagement, and resource support for property owners.

Denece Mikolash: As a City Council Member for District 5, I advocate for policies that incentivize preservation, such as grants and low-interest loan programs specifically for historic rehabilitation. Our Redevelopment Agency is already doing great work with programs like the Midvale Main Adaptive Reuse Loan Program, and I will push to expand these initiatives to more properties.   | Furthermore, I will support the development of clear, accessible design guidelines that respect the historical integrity of our buildings while allowing for modern functionality. Working with the Planning Commission and local stakeholders, we can create a framework that makes it easier for property owners to navigate the restoration process and ensure our historic structures stand for generations to come. This collaborative approach will ensure our past informs a vibrant, thriving future.

Q: How do you plan to serve community needs? 

Jamie Steverson: Serving community needs requires listening actively, prioritizing equity, and delivering practical solutions that improve daily life for everyone in Midvale.  | First, I plan to engage regularly with residents through public forums, surveys, and digital platforms to understand diverse perspectives and emerging concerns. This ongoing dialogue ensures the community’s voice drives priorities.  | Second, I will focus on equitable access to essential services like public safety, quality infrastructure, health resources, and affordable housing, making sure no group is overlooked. | Third, I support investing in innovative programs like alternative crisis responses, economic development initiatives, and youth services that address root causes and create positive outcomes. | Fourth, fostering partnerships with nonprofits, businesses, and other government agencies amplifies resources and expertise to better meet complex community needs.  | Finally, I will commit to transparent budgeting and evidence-based decision-making to ensure community funds are used efficiently and effectively.  | By combining listening, equity, innovation, collaboration, and transparency, I aim to build a Midvale where every resident feels supported, safe, and empowered to thrive.

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

Jamie Steverson: My main goal is to promote smart, equitable governance that enhances community safety, ensures fiscal responsibility, improves transparency, and supports sustainable growth—building a resilient and inclusive Midvale for all residents.

Denece Mikolash: I’m honored to serve District 5 and excited to run for Midvale City Council again! Over the past term, I’ve deepened my understanding of how our city works, the challenges our neighbors face, and the goals we share for our community through close collaboration with the city and residents. My priorities remain clear: strengthen our local economy, enhance community well-being and safety, and ensure every voice is heard as we shape Midvale’s future together. I believe thoughtful policy-making and strong community partnerships are key to real change, and I’m dedicated to working actively to help Midvale thrive now and for generations to come.

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?):

Jamie Steverson: I bring extensive experience in finance and management to my candidacy. My background includes roles in equity compensation and management, where I gained deep expertise in budgeting, financial planning, and strategic oversight. This experience has equipped me with strong skills in analyzing complex financial data, optimizing resource allocation, and ensuring accountability in organizational operations. I understand the importance of fiscal responsibility in government and am well-prepared to apply sound financial principles to Midvale’s budgeting and management challenges, ensuring efficient use of taxpayer dollars while supporting community priorities.

Denece Mikolash: With 25 years of experience in marketing, I've built a career on listening to people's needs, solving problems, and delivering results. My professional background, which includes managing budgets and leading projects, prepared me to effectively serve as a Midvale City Council member since January. This direct experience has further equipped me to continue in this role. I also served as Secretary of the Salt Lake County Democratic Party, where I gained valuable insight into community needs and the inner workings of a political organization.   | As a former HOA president, I worked to improve our community while keeping fees low, which showed me firsthand how powerful collaboration can be. I am committed to being the voice of my district, ensuring residents are heard and that our city grows responsibly, creating a safe, vibrant, and thriving place for all. My priority is to ensure the residents of my district are heard and their concerns are at the forefront of every decision about Midvale's future.

Q: How can residents stay informed about your campaign? 

Jamie Steverson: People can stay in touch by visiting www jamiesteverson.com or following on Facebook at facebook.com/jamieforoffice 

Denece Mikolash: My contact information is available at www.DeneceforMidvale.com or follow me at @DeneceforMidvale.

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.

Q: What role do you believe local government should play in protecting open space and natural areas within your community?  Residents specifically asked: What actions will you take to help conserve the Great Salt Lake? 

Jamie Steverson: Local government has a vital role in protecting open space and conserving the Great Salt Lake. Midvale can lead by implementing strong water conservation policies on public properties, replacing lawns with native, drought-tolerant landscaping and upgrading irrigation systems to reduce water waste. These actions set a community example for residents.  | I will also prioritize land-use policies that protect wetlands and critical habitats, limiting urban sprawl and encouraging green infrastructure to reduce runoff and pollution entering the lake’s watershed.  | Collaboration with state agencies, regional watershed groups, and conservation organizations is essential to support efforts like wetland restoration and securing sustainable water inflows to the lake. Coordinating with agricultural and industrial water users to promote efficient water usage is also necessary given their large share of consumption.  | Public education campaigns will raise awareness of the lake’s importance and encourage community-wide conservation efforts.  | Midvale’s active engagement in regional planning and legislative advocacy will ensure the city’s interests and environmental commitments are represented in broader Great Salt Lake preservation initiatives. | By combining local actions with regional collaboration, Midvale can effectively contribute to safeguarding open spaces and the vital ecosystem of the Great Salt Lake for generations to come.

Q: If elected, how will you begin managing high-density housing, short-term rentals, and property value protections in your community?   (Residents specifically asked: Do you support holding builders accountable to a higher standard (like expecting builders to make needed improvements to streets and sidewalks)?

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

Jamie Steverson: I support education policies that prioritize quality learning environments, equity, and respect for educators and students.  | I oppose school closures that disrupt communities, especially without thorough analysis of long-term impacts on student access and outcomes. Instead, I favor investing in existing schools to improve facilities and resources.  | Capping class sizes is important to ensure teachers can give students adequate attention, improving learning and social-emotional development.  | I reject any efforts to ban books or restrict teachers’ professional judgment. Educators must have the freedom to provide diverse perspectives and prepare students for a complex world.  | I support policies that empower teachers with resources, training, and autonomy needed to meet student needs effectively, while encouraging parental and community engagement in education.  | In sum, education policies should focus on strengthening schools, supporting educators, and fostering inclusive, open environments where all students can succeed.  | This balanced approach respects teachers’ professionalism while ensuring quality education and community stability. 

Q: What are your priorities regarding funding of homeless shelters and assistance programs?  Residents specifically asked about safe spaces, quality of shelters, and accessibility of programs.

Q: 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.)