District 5 candidates stress downtown development, recreation center and public safety during Midvale interviews

Eight applicants spoke during the Jan. 7 Midvale City Council candidate interview session, laying out recurring priorities for District 5 including downtown Main Street redevelopment, the planned recreation center, affordable housing and public safety. Several candidates said they would emphasize resident outreach and transparency if appointed or if they run in the next election cycle.

Denece Mikolash, who was later appointed, said she would "support the new rec center and library and continue to rally around the events that bring the community together," and described outreach to make sure residents know how to access services. Jeannette Hernandez Heltman noted infrastructure pressures tied to Midvale’s density, citing traffic, sewer and fire service as areas needing foresight. Wayne Sharp, a former council member, described public safety as the community’s top concern and said he supported the Unified Police Department for shared services and cost savings. Other candidates — Luke Maynes, Chase Brauchie, Chris Wadsworth and Paul Abraham Ramirez — emphasized community events, trails and connectivity, business support and transparency around development.

Candidates generally described similar short-term goals: engage residents through events and outreach, support downtown projects and ensure the recreation center yields community benefit. The interviews provided council members with comparative statements about each candidate’s experience, priorities and planned community engagement over the coming year.