South Salt Lake council holds three-minute interviews with 17 applicants to fill vacant seat

South Salt Lake — At a Jan. 22 work meeting the South Salt Lake City Council heard brief, three-minute interviews from 17 applicants seeking to fill the council seat vacated by the election of Council Member Natalie Pinkney.

Council Chair Charlotte Item opened the session and outlined the process: applicants would be called in application order, answer two questions posted at the podium and on Zoom, and had three minutes each. "So we had 17 applicants..." the chair said as the council began the interview sequence.

The applicant pool included long-time residents, recent arrivals, business owners and public‑sector professionals. Several candidates listed the city budget and the upcoming budget cycle as a top priority, and multiple applicants said they would focus on completing or supporting the family resource center and related services for families experiencing housing instability.

Darlene McDonald, a South Salt Lake resident who said she bought a townhome in the city 15 years ago, said community ties guided her application. "Community is important to me," she told the council, and cited the city's Promise program and services for vulnerable neighbors.

Business and economic development themes were raised by Tim Chappell, owner of Chapel Brewing, who said his daily contact with residents and local business owners shaped his priorities: "we engage with the population every day," he said, and asked the council to support efforts to bring more customers and events to the creative arts zone to boost local revenue.

Several applicants emphasized housing and transit. David Lichtman, a renter and former engineer, described a "food desert" in his neighborhood near 39th Street and urged the council to resolve obstacles to a planned grocery/service node in the Harmony development. He also called for improved access and development around Central Pointe Station.

London Lehman, a resident and parks panel participant, listed affordable housing and public-safety protections for minorities among his priorities and specifically said he would pursue "passing the ordinance on limitation of short term rentals." Other applicants repeated calls for more green space, continued support for the Promise South Salt Lake program, youth services, and programs for older residents.

A handful of applicants pointed to governance and continuity. Ray DeWolf, a former South Salt Lake council member, said a primary goal would be bringing continuity and rebuilding relationships across council, staff and the community. Other applicants cited prior volunteer service on the parks advisory committee or the planning commission as preparation for the role.

The council did not take a vote at the work meeting. Chair Item told applicants the council would make its appointment during the regular meeting scheduled to follow the work session. The work meeting adjourned to allow time before the regular meeting.

Notes: the interview format was two set questions (1) tell us about yourself and why you are the best candidate and (2) if selected, what would your priorities be to finish this year; each applicant had three minutes; the vacancy resulted from the election of Council Member Natalie Pinkney.