Candidate questionnaire — Matt Dalton

Answer: The cost of crime is more expensive than the cost of crime prevention. Our police force has remained at about 450 officers for approximately 30 years. Our hard working officers are overburdened. I feel that it is important to not only to look seriously at increasing the size of our police force but also to adequately compensate our current officers in the field. I believe that an investment in our police force would pay dividends to the residents of Salt Lake City in the long term. The safety of our families, homes and neighbors are concerns we all share. I plan on working with city public safety officers and community councils to help maintain a high level of neighborhood safety. In addition, I am also in favor of programs such as the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), Neighborhood Watch and Community Action Teams.

Question 2: Downtown remains a concern for many residents. Do you feel the city is doing the right things to help revitalize downtown? What would you do as a council member to help downtown?

Answer: I feel that the investment in the downtown malls planned by the LDS church will significantly help with the revitalization of the downtown areas. I would work to encourage increased high density urban housing in our downtown.

Question 3: One big issue that could soon become an issue in District 7 has been people tearing down traditional homes and replacing them with monster homes. Some say new, bigger homes are needed to attract families to the city and maintain property values. Others feel these large homes are ugly and aren't compatible with the city's traditional neighborhoods. What's your opinion? How should city government handle this issue?

Answer: I would work to promote residential development that is compatible with surrounding residential neighborhoods. The scale and character of the surrounding neighborhoods should be considered in the design and construction of new development. Many of our current zoning standards allow for development that is not compatible with surrounding neighborhoods. I will work to update our current zoning standards to promote development that does not have a lasting negative impact on our neighborhoods and communities.