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.
Prazen emphasizes fiscal responsibility, limiting development, and ensuring public oversight, calling for leaders to resist highway-style expansion near the canyons. Newell, meanwhile, focuses on pedestrian safety, infrastructure needs like sidewalks, and stronger collaboration with state and county officials. Together, their responses provide voters with two distinct approaches to managing growth, transportation, and fiscal stewardship in Cottonwood Heights.
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Question 1: The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) has proposed constructing an 8-mile gondola, funded by taxpayer dollars, to improve accessibility to the ski resorts and to accommodate a projected 60% population growth. The Wasatch Front Regional Council estimates the cost of building and operating the gondola would be $1.4 billion. Are you (choose one):
Randy Prazen: Strongly against the plan
Shawn Newell: Strongly against the plan
Question 2: What are your thoughts for the future of Wasatch Blvd, the challenges it faces, and UDOT’s plans for this artery? What steps will you take to address these challenges and UDOT’s plans?
Randy Prazen: Our city leaders should stand against creating an artery style highway. We do not need a freeway at the mouth of either Canyon or in anyone’s back yard.
Shawn Newell: I look forward to designs that encompass pedestrian safety. These include lower speeds and safe crossing designs.
Question 3: What do you think are the top 3 issues/problems currently facing Cottonwood Heights?
Randy Prazen: Development, Fiscal Responsibility, Housing
Shawn Newell: The increases in services from Public Utilities and Cottonwood Improvement District. The incomplete sidewalks in many areas of the city and overall speeds on the main roads.
Question 4: What do you think the CWH Mayor and Council should do more of, less of, or differently to address each of these 3 issues?
Randy Prazen: More of working together, less backroom deals, and discussion without public oversight. Quit selling city owned property.
Shawn Newell: Develop and maintain a strong relationship with our state and county government officials. There needs to be discussions around shifting demographics and the necessary changes in services that must be addressed with these officials. Have more open conversations about the city’s budget and the considerations around resources to mitigate future infrastructure and services shortfalls.
