Our Candidate Endorsements for Sandy City and Cottonwood Heights Nov. 4 Races

Friends of Little Cottonwood Canyon (FoLCC) exists to oppose UDOT’s gondola plan and promote fiscally responsible, common-sense solutions to canyon congestion. As a single-issue advocacy group, we unapologetically vet and support candidates who share and demonstrate our commitment to accountability, transparency, and responsible use of public funds.
Cottonwood Heights Mayoral Race 2025 – Candidates Weigh In on Gondola, Growth, Safety

As Cottonwood Heights approaches the November 4, 2025, election, we surveyed mayoral candidates Mike Weichers and Gay Lynn Bennion on critical topics: UDOT’s gondola proposal, Wasatch Boulevard’s future, and the city’s top challenges. Their responses show shared priorities with distinct approaches.
Shared Opposition, Different Reasons: Sandy City Council District 3 Candidates Williams and Nicholl on the Gondola Debate

The debate over the proposed Little Cottonwood Canyon gondola continues to shape Sandy’s local elections. In the Friends of Little Cottonwood Canyon survey, candidates Iva Williams and Kris Nicholl both voiced opposition to the billion-dollar project, though each emphasized different reasons and priorities.
Cottonwood Heights District 3 Race: Prazen and Newell United Against Gondola, Differ on City Priorities

In Cottonwood Heights’ Council District 3 race, both candidates — Randy Prazen and Shawn Newell — stand firmly against UDOT’s proposed Little Cottonwood Canyon gondola. While united in their opposition to the costly project, their priorities for the city and approaches to future challenges highlight different perspectives.
Cottonwood Heights Council District 4: Birrell vs. Kim – Safety First in the Shadow of the Wasatch

Council District 4 candidates Ellen Birrell and Ernie Kim present a united front against overreach from state projects while championing local livability. Both strongly oppose UDOT’s proposed 8-mile gondola, viewing it as an unnecessary taxpayer burden that fails to address real traffic woes. Their visions for Wasatch Boulevard emphasize transforming it from a high-speed commuter route into a safe, scenic gateway to the canyons, with calls for traffic calming, protected paths, and 35 MPH limits over lane expansions.