Voters Guide for District 4
Oct 07, 2025 12:56PM ● 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, Conner Jett Gale and Bev Uipi are running for District 4.
Q: Do you believe current property tax revenue is being used effectively? How so?
Connor Gale: In Millcreek, tax revenue goes toward public safety by means of the Unified Police Department. I appreciate this as it prevents a tax increase if the city’s UPD contract stays the same. However, with this exclusive use of property tax I am concerned if we are using our funds in an effective way to help our citizens. When our neighborhood's infrastructure isn't up to the standards they should be, something isn’t working. I also believe that we should consult the public and should seek more input from Millcreek’s citizens and see where our constituents want their taxes to be spent.Bev Uipi: All of Millcreek’s property tax revenue is allocated to support the Millcreek Unified Police Department. As the City Council, we consider this an effective use of funds because ensuring public safety is our top priority. This allocation is also clearly outlined in the annual property tax notice, providing transparency for our residents.
Q: Thinking about fiscal responsibility, what values should your local budget reflect? How do you plan to balance those values?
Our local budget should reflect the needs of our citizens, and we should prioritize our funds where they are needed most. That to me looks like a focus on our neighborhood infrastructure, then our local amenities, with a final priority on sustainable growth. Our infrastructure should first be both reliable and safe, then we need to maintain our open spaces, and create ease of access for our residents so everyone has a place to go. Only then can we start to look into sustainable and responsible growth.
If elected, I would advocate for clear priorities, involve residents in decision-making, and seek out processes that could be improved to deliver better results.
Bev Uipi: A fiscally responsible budget should reflect values like balance, transparency, long-term planning, and smart resource management. In Millcreek, we ensure our expenditures never exceed revenues. Our priorities include infrastructure needs such as streets, sidewalks, storm drains, flood zones, and development. When we became a city nine years ago, we inherited over 20 years of requests from Salt Lake County. Each year, we tackle what’s feasible within our budget.
For example, only 7% of our upcoming $25.9 million in transportation projects is funded by our general fund—the rest comes from federal, state, and regional grants we’ve successfully secured. Sales tax makes up 46% of our revenue, so we encourage residents to shop locally to support our community.
We base long-term planning on risk, safety, and available resources. Transparency is central to our approach: we communicate through Truth in Taxation hearings, open budget amendments in City Council meetings, our weekly e-newsletter, the Millcreek print newsletter, and direct conversations with residents. We believe strong communication is essential to good governance—and we’re always working to improve it.
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?
Connor Gale: Residents have made it clear that transparency and accountability are top priorities, and I agree. Millcreek has many programs to help promote transparency including access to public records and meetings, access to budgets-in-brief and government records access.I believe we need to create a widespread effort to make communication with local governments easier. This means creating more avenues of communication between the public and the council outside of contacting them directly. I believe we should do surveys before deciding on impactful decisions to get ideas from the public. We could also post online, the Millcreek newsletter, or do flyers out to the community the week before the council takes public comment and votes on these decisions so that anyone who isn't aware has ample opportunity to become informed and give their opinion.
Bev Uipi: Transparency is essential to earning and keeping public trust. I believe we have strong standards in place through statute and ordinance. However, when those standards aren’t met, I support systems that hold local officials accountable through clear oversight and public access. Currently, we conduct annual third-party audits, require public reporting of budget amendments and contracts, and offer a formal complaint process. Residents can also request records through GRAMA to ensure timely review and response. I support our open data tools that allow residents to track spending and infrastructure projects in real time on the Millcreek website. Regular town halls, listening sessions, and accessible communication—like our weekly e-newsletter and open City Council meetings—help ensure officials stay responsive and residents stay informed. Millcreek has made strong progress with Truth in Taxation hearings and public budget amendments. Accountability isn’t just about fixing problems—it’s about preventing them through transparency, communication, and community involvement.
Q: What is your stance on local government cooperation with ICE?
Connor Gale: My stance is simple, local government should focus on public safety and not immigration enforcement. Every person in our community should feel safe calling the police, going to school, reporting problems, or using city service. NO ONE should fear coming forward because of their immigration status. I will prioritize policies that protect residents and build trust.
Bev Uipi: As the Council member steering public engagement with policing in Millcreek since 2020, I believe public safety must be rooted in trust, transparency, and equal protection for all residents—regardless of immigration status. Cooperation with ICE should be limited to serious criminal cases, not civil immigration enforcement. Our local police are here to serve and protect, not to instill fear in families or discourage people from reporting crimes.
Millcreek’s diverse community includes refugees, ethnic minorities, and non-traditional families. To ensure everyone feels safe engaging with law enforcement, we must maintain clear boundaries between local policing and federal immigration actions. I support policies that prioritize community safety while respecting individual rights and dignity.
Q: How will you prioritize and protect proper historic restoration of existing structures?
Connor Gale: We must maintain our historic character in Millcreek. I have seen too many times now a community where once beautiful and historic buildings stood, are demolished and replaced by cookie-cutter shops, homes, and apartments that you can't tell apart. While some renovations are inevitable, they should be conducted in a way that makes the building safe but still maintains the historic character. Historical buildings are important, not only because they are beautiful, but because they offer a window into what the community once looked like.
Bev Uipi: As someone deeply rooted in Millcreek, I believe preserving our centuries-old history is essential for future generations. In 2000, Millcreek City established the Historic Preservation Commission, and I had the honor of being the Council member assigned to help launch this important initiative. The commission is composed of representatives from all city districts, appointed by the City Council, and operates under a formal ordinance that reflects our strong commitment to historic preservation.
We prioritize restoration efforts by supporting the commission’s work to identify, protect, and celebrate Millcreek’s historic structures. This includes advocating for proper restoration standards, promoting community awareness, and ensuring that preservation remains a key part of our city’s planning and development. For more details about the commission’s role and ongoing efforts, I encourage residents to visit the Historic Preservation Commission page on the Millcreek City website.
Q: How do you plan to serve community needs?
Connor Gale: I plan to make my best effort to hear the thoughts and concerns of all my constituents and make sure every voice counts. I believe that every person has a unique perspective and it is within the council's interest to understand how to help each individual best.
Bev Uipi: Serving Millcreek means listening, building relationships, and leading with compassion. I’m committed to representing not only my district, but also the voices of seniors, children, refugees, women, ethnic minorities, and non-traditional families—groups that are often underrepresented. As Utah’s first elected Pacific Islander woman, I take seriously the responsibility to promote safety, transparency, and inclusive representation.
I’m proud to be a lifelong Millcreek resident, having attended Upland Terrace, Wasatch Jr., and Skyline. My public service began in 2006 as Community Relations for Salt Lake County Mayor Corroon, where I worked closely with Millcreek’s community councils. In 2011, I helped launch the Millcreek Senior Center, which continues to provide meals, activities, and connection for our older residents in partnership with the library and recreation center.
Beyond government, I’ve helped coached Skyline girls volleyball, Jr. Jazz basketball, and served as President of Olympus Little Rugby. These experiences have deepened my connection to our community and strengthened my commitment to serve. I welcome feedback from residents and remain dedicated to improving how I serve Millcreek—together, we build a stronger city.
Q: One main succinct reason/goal for why you are running for this election:
Connor Gale: I’m running in this election because I have deep roots and a genuine love for Millcreek. I have been fortunate to grow up in the same house where my mother was born, my grandfather was raised, and my great-grandparents called home for over 50 years. My childhood was spent learning in our schools, exploring our parks and canyons, and participating in our neighborhoods, which has given me a firsthand understanding of what makes our community stand out. | Millcreek is truly one of the greatest cities in the Salt Lake Valley, and I am proud to call it home. I want to give back to the place that has given me so much, ensuring it remains safe, vibrant, sustainable and welcoming for future generations.
Bev Uipi: I’m running for re-election to continue serving and building a Millcreek that is safe, inclusive, and forward-thinking—where every resident feels heard, represented, and empowered.
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?):
Connor Gale:
Bev Uipi: Bev Uipi is currently serving her third term as an elected City Councilwoman and Mayor Pro-Tem in Millcreek, Utah. She made history as the first Pacific Islander woman elected to public office in Utah in 2016. Bev brings over 25 years of leadership experience across public and private sectors, with a focus on organizational change, community partnerships, and people development.
Her career includes nearly four years as Deputy Director for the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole. Prior to that, she worked with Salt Lake County as Center Manager of the Millcreek Community Center—leading it to national accreditation in 2015—and served in Community Relations under Mayor Peter Corroon for Millcreek. Bev began her professional journey in management with State Farm and later launched her own insurance agency with American Family Insurance.
She holds dual B.S. degrees in Consumer Economics and Housing from the University of Georgia, where she played collegiate volleyball, and earned her Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Utah. Bev is a passionate advocate and community leader, having served on numerous boards and commissions statewide. A proud American-Tongan native of Millcreek, she is also a devoted single mother to her 21-year-old son, Xane.
Q: How can residents stay informed about your campaign?
Connor Jett Gale:
Bev Uipi: bev4millcreek.com or facebook.com/bev4millcreek/
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))?
Connor Gale: High-density housing must be balanced with infrastructure, safety, and quality-of-life considerations, while short-term rentals, like Airbnb’s, should not be allowed especially in the current housing shortage. I believe that developments must be responsible, sustainable, and for the betterment of the community, not the individuals.
Bev Uipi: Millcreek’s land use is primarily single-family homes, and that’s expected to remain stable. Areas seeing multi-family development were already zoned for it, with defined building envelopes that guide what property owners can construct. Short-term rentals are regulated by state law, and recent changes have made enforcement easier for cities. The City Council has worked to balance property rights with state requirements, resulting in a cap on short-term rentals and a minimum distance between them—both actively monitored by Millcreek.
The city enforces building envelope standards, landscaping buffers, height limits, and zoning rules that determine where taller buildings can go. These regulations help preserve neighborhood character while allowing for planned growth. Millcreek’s strong public safety, infrastructure, trails, and overall quality of life positively influence property values, all within the framework of local ordinances.
