BIO

Name: John Todd (JT) Martin
Age: 49
Occupation: Owner of Emigration Market
Previous political experience: None

QUESTIONS

• Why do you want to represent District 6 on the Salt Lake City Council?

I am seeking this office because I want to make a difference in the lives of the people who live and work in District 6 and this city. Over a lifetime, my wife and I have gained a deep appreciation for the quality of life in this community. We are committed to raising our children here, just as my grandparents were 80 years ago when they chose to raise my parents in District 6.

That commitment goes beyond the spirit of community we have found in living here; it extends to our business as well. Eight years ago, Kimberly and I bought the Emigration Market at a moment when this neighborhood landmark might have closed. We felt the market was an opportunity to build a business while staying connected to the community we love.

Over the past eight years, I have gained knowledge about the relationship between small businesses and the communities they serve. I want to build on that knowledge, to unite the community on critical issues such as health, public safety, the environment and open space. It is my sincere desire to serve on the Salt Lake City Council.

• What do you see as the largest issue for District 6, and how do you propose to tackle it?

The largest issue before us is how to balance the pressures from growth in this district and throughout the city with the need to preserve the character and quality of life that draws people here. Every day we see a steady increase in traffic, crime and an aging infrastructure that threatens basic municipal service.

Growth is the core issue that finds its way into every discussion about the city. There is no area of municipal policy that does not intersect with the consequences of growth. Traffic through our neighborhoods must be managed and controlled. The use of varied traffic-calming techniques throughout the city have been effective and in some cases aesthetically pleasing. We need to focus on the least invasive techniques for slowing traffic in our neighborhoods. I support flashing speed indicator signs because they are the least expensive and most effective way to address this problem.

Property crime is becoming a significant issue as well. In order to battle property crime, I will increase participation in Neighborhood Watch programs through training and funding. I will also initiate mobile watch units powered by natural-gas vehicles, funded by private donations and staffed by volunteers to support law enforcement. I will also establish education-based programs to increase the dialogue we have on drug and alcohol abuse since the majority of criminal activity has a direct link to drugs and alcohol. I have the endorsement of Firefighters Local 1645, as well as the Salt Lake City Police Union, which represents the public safety officers whom I will actively engage in this fight.