Welcome to the City Journals Voters Guide!

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 Murray, Pam Cotter and Jared Eborn are running for District 2. 

 

Q: Do you believe current property tax revenue is being used effectively? How so? 

Pam Cotter: Murray City works with each department head to carefully determine their needs in order for the city to present a budget for the year. We are then very careful to stay within that budget.

Jared Eborn: Yes, I believe Murray has generally used property tax revenue effectively to fund essential services such as public safety, parks, libraries, and infrastructure maintenance. These are the core responsibilities of a city, and Murray has managed them responsibly without dramatic increases in tax rates compared to neighboring cities.   | That said, I also see opportunities to improve how those dollars are prioritized. As our community grows and ages, we need to ensure investments are forward-thinking - maintaining safe neighborhoods, preserving green space, and modernizing infrastructure - rather than simply reacting to immediate needs. Effective use of tax revenue should always be transparent, accountable, and focused on long-term benefits for residents.

Q: Thinking about fiscal responsibility, what values should your local budget reflect? How do you plan to balance those values? 

Pam Cotter: The budget should reflect the needs of citizens and businesses within Murray. We stay within the budget to meet those needs.

Jared Eborn: A city budget is more than numbers on a page - it’s a statement of values. Murray’s budget should reflect priorities like safety, sustainability, accessibility, and fairness. That means funding police, fire, and emergency services while also investing in parks, trails, clean water, and infrastructure that improve everyday life. It means supporting economic development in a way that lifts small, locally-owned businesses and creates opportunity without sacrificing our neighborhoods’ character.  | Balancing these values requires listening to residents, carefully weighing needs against resources, and being transparent about trade-offs. I believe in proactive planning so that we’re not scrambling to fix problems after they arise. By looking at long-term impacts and keeping equity at the forefront, we can make sure the budget serves all residents - young families, seniors, and everyone in between.

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? 

Pam Cotter: Murray already has an auditing system that takes place every year. Meetings are all streamed on Murray’s YouTube channel and the minutes of each meeting are on Murray City’s website.

Jared Eborn: Transparency and accountability are cornerstones of good government, and Murray residents deserve to know how decisions are made and how their tax dollars are spent. When transparency standards aren’t met, trust in government erodes. I would support stronger systems such as clearer public reporting on budgets and contracts, timely posting of meeting agendas and minutes, and easy-to-access digital tools for residents to follow city business.  | I also believe in building a culture of accountability among elected officials themselves. That means committing to open communication with residents, encouraging robust public comment, and ensuring independent oversight through audits or citizen advisory boards when needed.  | Personally, I pledge to lead by example - making my own communications, votes, and reasoning fully open to the public so residents always know where I stand and why. I also pledge to provide common-language reports of each city council meeting and other meetings whenever possible so Murray residents have a more clear understanding of what discussions and decisions are being made that impact their daily quality of life.  | Residents should always feel empowered to hold their leaders accountable, and leaders should welcome that scrutiny.

Q: What is your stance on local government cooperation with ICE? 

Pam Cotter: I represent EVERYONE within my district. I have no desire to get Murray involved with national issues like immigration and ICE.

Jared Eborn: I am strongly opposed to Murray police partnering with ICE or DHS. Local law enforcement’s role is to keep our neighborhoods safe, not to enforce federal immigration policy. Agreements with ICE undermine community trust, especially among immigrant families, who may then hesitate to report crimes or seek help when needed. They also pull limited resources away from the core mission of protecting residents and building safe, thriving neighborhoods.  | Some nearby cities, such as Riverton, have chosen to align with ICE under the direction of extremist leaders. That approach divides communities, erodes trust, and makes everyone less safe. Murray should take the opposite path—embracing transparency, fairness, and inclusion. Our city should be a welcoming place that values diversity and equity, where the police are trusted partners to all residents. By rejecting ICE partnerships, we strengthen both public trust and public safety.  | I am grateful for the thoughtful message from the Murray City Police Department stating they have no intention of working alongside any federal agencies to enforce immigration law.

Q: How will you prioritize and protect proper historic restoration of existing structures? 

Pam Cotter: I have been involved with the Murray Museum, Murray Theater and the Murray Armory preservations and re-purposing of these facilities. I also supported the sale to preserve the Murray Chapel and the Townsend house.

Jared Eborn: Murray’s history is an important part of our identity, and preserving it should always be a thoughtful priority. Not every old building can, or should, be restored using city funds, especially when the cost outweighs the benefit or the structure is beyond repair. But when a site or building holds significant historic or cultural value, I believe the city should work closely with property owners, historical groups, and the community to find common ground.   | That can mean providing incentives, connecting owners with grants, or finding creative ways to adaptively reuse historic structures while keeping their character intact. Protecting our civic history isn’t just about saving buildings, it’s about honoring the people, stories, and legacy that make Murray unique, while balancing fiscal responsibility and community needs.  | In keeping with an ideal to spend civic funds wisely, I would like to cautiously approach each preservation and restoration project with an eye for not committing valuable city budget in ways that may not serve the future needs of the city well.

Q: How do you plan to serve community needs? 

Pam Cotter: I’m available at nearly all hours of the day. My email and phone number are listed on the Murray website and my campaign page. If something is important to you, it is important to me. I will continue to work until I find an answer or solution to your needs.

Jared Eborn: Serving community needs starts with listening - understanding the thoughts and concerns and ensuring every resident feels heard and respected. I intend to be accessible, open, and responsive, while collaborating with my fellow city councilmembers and working closely with city departments. My promise is to lead and meet each decision with research and teamwork.  | For me, serving Murray means more than solving problems as they arise, it means planning for a city that is safe, welcoming, sustainable, and inclusive. That includes focusing on daily quality-of-life issues like safe streets, clean parks, responsive city services, and balanced growth, while also making sure decisions reflect the needs of all residents, not just the most vocal.  | My goal is to build partnerships and foster trust so that Murray remains a city where everyone feels included, heard and valued.

Q: One main succinct reason/goal for why you are running for this election: 

Pam Cotter: I want to continue serving the residents of Murray and especially District 2 by listening to you and taking care of your problems and needs.

Jared Eborn:  I'm running to ensure that Murray remains a vibrant, inclusive, and forward-thinking community where every resident, regardless of age, income, or background, feels valued and supported. By prioritizing affordable housing, embracing environmental responsibility, enhancing parks and recreation services, and fostering transparency and collaboration, I aim to build a Murray that works for everyone.

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?):

Pam Cotter: I worked for Murray School District for over 30 years in various capacities. I have continued to serve my community by doing my City Council job for the past 4 years.

Jared Eborn:  I have 30 years experience in professional communications, marketing and event planning experience. I am the past executive director of the Utah Cycling Association and have served on the boards and donated considerable time, money and resources to the following groups: Murray High School Theatre and Performing Arts, Murray High School Water Poll, Murray Aquatics Club, Equality Utah and others.

Q: How can residents stay informed about your campaign? 

Pam Cotter: www.pam4murray.com

Jared Eborn: Read more at JaredEborn.com or send me an 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 actions will you take to help conserve the Great Salt Lake? 

Pam Cotter:  Murray Council District 2 has the most green space in the city. I worked with Murray Public Works to have Murray implement the State’s Water Savers program. Murray Golf Course uses secondary (non-drinkable) water to care for the Golf Course.

Jared Eborn: I believe local government plays a critical role in protecting open space and natural areas, both for recreation and for the environmental health of our community. Preserving parks, trails, and natural corridors not only improves quality of life, it also safeguards wildlife habitats and helps manage stormwater and air quality. I am a strong advocate for protecting green and open spaces in Murray while supporting regional efforts to conserve water for the Great Salt Lake, because our city’s outdoor spaces and recreational opportunities depend on a healthy, sustainable environment.  | Two actionable steps I would support for the Great Salt Lake: 1) Promote water conservation programs in Murray, including incentives for xeriscaping, water-efficient landscaping, and efficient irrigation to reduce unnecessary water use, helping both residents and the lake. 2) Support regional collaboration with state and neighboring municipalities to implement policies that protect inflows to the lake, including advocating for smart water management in agriculture and urban development, which directly impacts our local ecosystem and quality of life.

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)?

Pam Cotter:  I have always encouraged home ownership over rentals. I believe that building your own home equity is beneficial to your future financial health. I was the only NO vote against building apartments in the downtown Block One area because the majority of Murray citizens responded against that in the survey. I also voted in favor of Murray’s Form-Based Code to limit the size and style of buildings in that area.

Jared Eborn: If elected, I will approach high-density housing, short-term rentals, and property value protections with balance and foresight. Affordable family housing is critical and our city needs more townhomes, condos, and small starter homes so that young families and working residents can stay in Murray. Large single family homes are wonderful, but today’s needs are different than those many of us grew up with. That said, we must ensure new developments respect our neighborhoods and maintain property values.  | Murray’s location along the mass transit lines and the I‑15 corridor makes it a prime area for apartment and mixed-use development. While this presents opportunities for growth, it also requires careful planning to ensure that new buildings are designed responsibly, fit the scale of the community, and include necessary infrastructure improvements to avoid congestion and preserve quality of life for residents.  | I strongly support holding builders accountable to a higher standard, requiring them to make needed improvements to streets, sidewalks, and infrastructure.  | My promise is simple: growth in Murray should benefit residents first, providing housing options while protecting the character, safety, and livability of our community.

Q: What education policies do you support? Residents asked about school closures, capping class sizes, banning books, and restricting teachers to do their jobs. 

Pam Cotter:  Murray School District is a separate entity from the City Council. Residents elect their School Board members to represent them in that area.

Jared Eborn: I am pro-teacher and pro-education. While the Murray City Council does not oversee the local school district, we serve the same community, and I believe it’s important to support policies that strengthen learning for all students. I oppose banning books or restricting teachers from doing their jobs, and I support initiatives that help keep class sizes manageable so every student has the attention they need to succeed.  | I proudly and eagerly participated in the signature gathering effort to protect the UEA and other public employees’ right to collective bargaining.  | In addition, I am eager to explore opening a community center in at-risk neighborhoods to provide after-school programming, tutoring, and family support. By complementing our schools with safe, enriching spaces, we can help students thrive academically and socially, while supporting families and strengthening our community as a whole.

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.

Pam Cotter: Murray City has looked for a place to house the homeless, but we have been unable to find one that meets all the requirements. Because of this, Murray contributes to the funding of neighboring cities that do have the facilities. 

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.) 

Pam Cotter: Murray City’s Senior Recreation Center provides daily lunches at a very low cost and we also support Meals on Wheels. Seniors who have a low income can go to Murray Utilities office and they will reduce monthly Murray utility bills to those who meet the requirements.

Jared Eborn: Murray has an aging population, and it’s important that our seniors and residents on fixed incomes are able to live safely, independently, and with dignity. I support enhancing offerings at the Murray Senior Recreation Center, expanding access to food pantries, and strengthening community health services to ensure that seniors have access to nutrition, medical support, and social engagement - especially in light of potential federal cuts to Medicare and Medicaid.  | I also believe in programs that help seniors age in place affordably, including home safety initiatives, community-sponsored transportation options, and local support services that reduce isolation and promote wellness. By investing in these programs, we can ensure that seniors remain connected to their community, have their basic needs met, and continue to thrive in Murray.