Gondola Politics
The Gondola is a Non-partisan Political Issue
Many say UDOT’s gondola decision is a “done deal” given the politically -affiliated special interests that back it. Nothing could be further from the truth. Elections have consequences, and if the public supports and makes known they will vote for politicians who are for common sense affordable solutions to traffic congestion in the canyons, we can defeat the gondola via political pressure.
In short, the gondola’s $1.4 billion+ price tag to taxpaying voters (~ $1200 per household)–most of whom will never ski in Little Cottonwood Canyon–means that money will not go to more urgent transportation and infrastucture needs across Utah such as new and improved roads, better plowing and road safety, improved bus services in areas like West Vallely City–not to mention all the other budgetary needs for education, social services and so forth.
Our research shows that while it may seem most anti-gondola voters lean Democrat, plenty of Republican and Independent voters and political candidates do not feel a gondola is a good us of taxpayer funds–especially for a state that prides itself on fiscal responsibility.
READ 2025 SANDY CITY ELECTION CANDIDATE VIEWS ON GONDOLA:
politicians For and against the gondola
“I’m on record a long time ago saying that I think the gondola is a good idea.” ~ Utah Gov. Spencer Cox
Clint Okerlund - District 42
opposes gondola
“It is clear the vast majority of residents doesn’t want the gondola. I currently openly oppose the gondola and will continue to openly oppose the gondola…”
Mayor Trent Staggs (Riverton)
opposes gondola
“Government’s job is not to pick winners and losers. Spending over $1 billion in taxpayer funds to transport skiers to two resorts dos just that.”
Senator Kirk Cullimore - District 19, Majority Leader
Pro Gondola
“I would like to express my favor for the gondola option based at the La Caille station as the solution for Little Cottonwood transportation…The gondola option provides the most economical, safe and reliable transportation for Little Cottonwood Canyon while also having the benefit of minimal environmental impact…” Read Sen. Cullimore’s gondola support letter.
Gay Lynn Bennion - District 41, Cottonwood Heights 2025 Mayoral Candidate
opposes gondola
“Because clean drinking water is our priority and because flexible solutions like parking reservations, enhanced buses, and tolls are very likely to address traffic congestion, I am opposed to the gondola…financial decisions are moral decisions. The funds spent for a gondola would benefit about 3% of Utahns.”
Monica Zoltanski - Sandy City Mayor
opposes gondola
“The fight for protecting our natural resources will never end… Remember to plan your trips up the canyon in peak times and take public transit or carpool. This is the time to demonstrate that local people will bring the best solutions to solve our traffic problems without destroying the natural beauty of the canyon or emptying the public purse.”
Senator Mike Schultz
Pro gondola
“Sooner or later the gondola has to happen; buses aren’t going to solve the problem,” Schultz said. “The goal, long-term, is to be able to get off of a plane at the airport and get to skiing and never have to get in a car.”
Natalie Pinkney - SL County Council At-Large C
Opposes gondola
While I recognize the need to address congestion in Little Cottonwood Canyon, I do not support the gondola proposal. This solutions seems disproportionate and potentially harmful to the canyon’s natural beauty.
Erin Mendenhall - SLC Mayor
opposes gondola
Senator Stuart Adams-Senate President
Pro gondola
“I appreciate the Utah Department of Transportation’s thoughtful process and the Utahns who engaged and provided their feedback. This solution took into account the sensitivity of Little Cottonwood Canyon while helping provide prompt relief to traffic congestion. This phased approach enables UDOT to see what phases might be needed in the future.”
Laurie Stringham - SL County Council At-Large A
opposes gondola
The gondola is an excellent tourist attraction, but really it’s not solving the problems we’ve talked about up in the canyons. UDOT did not consider other options that could be more environmentally friendly, like a tunnel or trains going up the canyon.
Verona Mauga - Rep District 31
opposes gondola
I oppose the construction of the Little Cottonwood Gondola and believe it should not be funded by tax payer dollars…I hav serious concerns about the environmental impact, disruption to our natural landscape, and the financial burden it may impose.
Jen Dailey Provost - District 22, Minority Whip
opposes gondola
It is deeply concerning to watch the government override the will of the people to install a taxpayer-funded gondola that will destroy the local ecosystem.
