Voters Guide for District 2
Oct 07, 2025 12:49PM ● By City Journals Editorial Staff
2025's General Election Day is on Nov. 4. (See other important dates and SLCounty information in our Voting Information Overview page at the Valley Journals here.)
In preparation, we surveyed our readers (like you!) to ask which local topics would determine important voting decisions for local races. We then asked your local candidates those reader-suggested questions. Candidates were asked to limit their answers to 200 words.These are their answers:
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In Millcreek, Angie Gray and Thom DeSirant are running for District 2.
Q: Do you believe current property tax revenue is being used effectively? How so?
Angie Gray:Thom DeSirant: Absolutely. In Millcreek, every penny of property tax goes directly to public safety (police and animal control). We haven't raised property taxes in two years, and when we did increase them previously, it was only to cover mandated costs when the state forced Unified Police to separate from the County Sheriff. I'm always open to community input on how we spend your money. We need to stay mindful of families and seniors on fixed incomes while making sure our neighborhoods stay safe.
Q: Thinking about fiscal responsibility, what values should your local budget reflect? How do you plan to balance those values?
Thom DeSirant: Our budget should prioritize safety, stability, and sustainability so we can keep people safe, maintain reliable services, and build infrastructure that lasts. We've proven this works in Millcreek. We've balanced our budget every year, built one of the state's largest emergency funds, and still invested in roads, parks, and trails. The key is focusing on essentials first, then using grants and outside funding to stretch local dollars further. Many of our major projects get funded through county, state, and federal grants, which lets us accomplish more without burdening taxpayers. Smart budgeting means long-term thinking and creative funding solutions.
Q: Many residents reported concern for government oversight and transparency. What systems would you support to hold local officials accountable when transparency standards aren't met?
Thom DeSirant: We prioritize transparency in Millcreek. Residents can sign up for weekly emails about city business and meeting agendas, and we send residents a monthly newsletter with detailed updates. We also just launched a text program, just send "Hi" to 801-217-9811 to report problems or ask for information. I support independent audits, accessible public records, and strict open-meeting compliance. When standards aren't met, there should be real consequences through public disclosure, corrective action, or ethics reviews. People deserve to see how decisions get made and how their money gets spent. I'll keep working to make that information easy to find and understand.
Q: What is your stance on local government cooperation with ICE?
Angie Gray:
Thom DeSirant: I'm opposed. Local police should focus on community safety, not immigration enforcement. Unified Police already has a policy against cooperating with ICE, and I fully support that. Everyone in Millcreek should feel safe calling police, reporting crimes, and using city services without fear of being targeted over immigration status. When people trust local government, our whole community is safer. Millcreek has led the state in ensuring the federal government respects the rights of Millcreekers. We stepped up when ICE illegally tried to arrest a legal resident for honking at them, and we have worked to help lawful refugees stay in their homes.
Q: How will you prioritize and protect proper historic restoration of existing structures?
Angie Gray:
Thom DeSirant: Millcreek has incredible history, and even as a young city, our historic preservation committee is already working to protect important places and stories. My priority is preserving the character of historic structures while adapting them for modern use when possible. These buildings should remain vibrant parts of our community, not just museum pieces. Good preservation means finding the balance between honoring our past and meeting today's needs.
Q: How do you plan to serve community needs?
Angie Gray:
Thom DeSirant: I'll keep focusing on what makes Millcreek great: safe neighborhoods, walkable streets, strong public safety, and family-friendly spaces. Over four years, I've helped secure $6.5 million for Millcreek Common Phase II, expanded trails and parks, and invested millions in road and drainage improvements. Going forward, I'll keep listening through town halls, neighborhood meetings, and our texting platform. City government should be responsive and accessible, that means staying connected to what residents actually want and need.
Q: One main succinct reason/goal for why you are running for this election:
Angie Gray: Provide authentic local representation for local government.
Thom DeSirant: To keep Millcreek a place where families can thrive for generations to come by investing in safe neighborhoods, responsible growth, and strong community spaces. It’s also important to ensure growth is focused on keeping and bringing young families into Millcreek so our schools stay open and our community remains vibrant.
Q: Background (residents have asked: What is your relevant educational/job experience? What previous government positions or offices have you held? How long have you been on the council?):
Angie Gray: I am a third-generation resident of Millcreek, and I’ve lived in District 2 for the last 15 years. I’m a registered nurse, a mom/wife, and an active volunteer. I’ve always been invested in Millcreek and offer true representation from someone in the trenches. | I am an active Millcreek & Salt Lake City volunteer. On the Healthy Millcreek Coalition I help advocate ‘health in all policies’ and currently focus on youth mental health. I work on large-scale planning as a CERT member (Community Emergency Response Team), and I support arts and diversity through the Interfaith Harmony event planning. My kids and I have spent six summers as docents at This is the Place Heritage Park, hoping to honor Utah heritage & history. | Schools in Millcreek are an area of critical importance right now. The evolving landscape impacts us all. I’ve spent 8+ years volunteering extensively in our schools, including through Millcreek Elementary’s closure. I’ve also taught Nurse Assisting for Granite School District, and private Spanish classes. I see many perspectives and bring proven leadership amidst complex change. I know schools. | My nursing career has taught me advocacy skills and empathy. I have worked closely with elderly, immigrant, and homeless populations, in all types of care settings–from county clinics to federal hospitals to private concierge wellness practice. Two formative jobs I had prior to becoming an RN were working at Salt Lake City's The Road Home shelter, and working with Spanish immigrants in LA county. I care about vulnerable populations and understand the factors that influence wellbeing. A holistic approach to community increases longevity and quality of life for everyone.
Thom DeSirant: I have served on the Millcreek City Council since 2022. In that time, I’ve worked to expand open space, improve infrastructure, and ensure responsible housing growth. I’ve helped secure millions in grant funding for parks and trails, overseen major road safety improvements, and kept our city budget balanced with one of the largest rainy day funds in the state. I serve on the board for the Wasatch Front Waste and Recycling District and on the Utah League of Cities and Towns’ Legislative Policy Committee. Professionally, I’ve worked in nonprofit and political management, building coalitions and managing budgets that support our community. In my free time, I run a small record label, spend time with my cat, and garden as best as I can.
Q: How can residents stay informed about your campaign?
Angie Gray: www.angieformillcreek.com. | Facebook & Instagram: Angie For Millcreek. | Join my email list: [email protected]. | Text or call: 801-449-0780
Thom DeSirant: Visit VoteThom.com, follow me on social media (@votethom on instagram), or sign up for campaign updates by email at [email protected].
Optional – Salt Lake County residents reported a handful of additional topics of concerns and questions. Please feel free to answer any of the following questions you'd like to respond to. Responses to questions in this section are not necessary.
Q: What role do you believe local government should play in protecting open space and natural areas within your community? (Residents specifically asked: What actionables will you drive to help conserve the Great Salt Lake?)
Thom DeSirant: Millcreek's character comes from its natural beauty, from Millcreek Canyon to the Jordan River. Local government should protect these spaces while keeping them accessible to residents. I've pushed for more trails and secured funding for new parks. For the Great Salt Lake, I've advocated for collaborative efforts across all levels of government to protect water levels and ecosystems. This means supporting policies that reduce water diversions, encourage conservation, and preserve wildlife habitats. I've attended University of Utah workshops on how local leaders can support lake restoration. One of my first goals was getting Millcreek into the State Landscape Incentive Program. Now residents can be paid to install water-wise landscaping and drip irrigation (UtahWaterSavers.com).
Q: If elected, how will you begin managing high-density housing, short-term rentals, and property value protections in your community? (Residents specifically asked: Do you support holding builders accountable to a higher standard (like expecting builders to make needed improvements to streets and sidewalks))?
Thom DeSirant: We've worked to strike the right balance in Millcreek. We've limited short-term rentals to reduce neighborhood disruption while staying within state law. For new housing, I push developers toward owner-occupied units so families can build equity and put down roots. For high-density housing, I focus on keeping developments in the Millcreek Common area near transit, not in residential neighborhoods. This lets us grow without changing the existing neighborhood character. I believe builders should meet high standards, requiring sidewalks, street safety features, and stormwater upgrades. My main focus has been moving away from rental units to for-sale units so the next generation can get a foothold in the housing market and stay in Millcreek.
Q: What education policies do you support? (Residents asked about school closures, capping class sizes, banning books, and restricting teachers to do their jobs.)
Thom DeSirant: I strongly oppose banning books, micromanaging teachers, or cutting school funding. Teachers need freedom and resources to do their jobs. Families deserve well-funded, community-centered schools. |. I oppose unnecessary school closures that disrupt communities and support capping class sizes so every child gets proper attention. I fought to keep Millcreek Elementary open by meeting with the PTA and school board to advocate against closure. | Schools in our area are being closed due to declining enrollment, which is why I've prioritized housing policies that make it easier for young families to stay in Millcreek. While cities don't directly run schools, we can support education through safe routes to school and growth policies that prioritize young families.
Q: What are your priorities regarding funding of homeless shelters and assistance programs? (Residents specifically asked about safe spaces, quality of shelters, and accessibility of programs.)
Thom DeSirant: Homelessness is a regional issue, and Millcreek has been an active part of the solution. I support safe, well-run shelters, but also long-term solutions like affordable housing and mental health services. | We've worked with the county and state to ensure these programs have been funded properly while also ensuring neighborhoods are safe. I believe we should support efforts that give people not just a place to sleep, but a real path toward stability and independence. | We also have a strong Promise Program that supports our entire community with various assistance and resources.
Q: How do you plan to assist your senior residents and those on fixed incomes? (Residents specifically asked about seniors being able to age in place affordably, senior safety, food insecurity and nutrition for low-income households, and support programs.)
Thom DeSirant: Supporting seniors and residents on fixed incomes is a top priority. This means helping them age in place affordably and safely. | I've supported infrastructure investments like safer sidewalks, better lighting, and pedestrian-friendly walkways - improvements that especially benefit seniors. I support keeping property taxes stable, expanding food assistance programs, and strengthening partnerships with food banks and senior organizations. | By combining safety improvements, accessibility upgrades, and targeted support services, we can help seniors and fixed-income residents maintain independence, dignity, and quality of life in Millcreek.
