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, Bruce E. Turner and Brett A. Hales are running for Mayor. 

 

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

Bruce Turner: I do not believe our tax dollars are being used effectively.  Our taxes have been raised every year except for election years.  Not only that, but millions are also spent on restoring old buildings such as the Murray Theater, Murray Mansion and the Armory building.  The Armory building was used by the parks department, so the taxpayers had to build a new garage for the parks department.  In my opinion when all the problems started coming to light on the Murray theater we should have stopped construction, we spent way too much to rebuild it.  I know there was county money used put it is also taxpayers' money.  As mayor I will use our tax money to the benefit of everyone.  In my opinion the city should not be in the concert business or movie industry.  We could have funded the building for our Public works department instead of bonding.

Brett Hales: I believe Murray has been very responsible with how property tax revenue is used. We’ve kept services strong: public safety, parks, roads, and essential city functions while making sure taxpayer dollars are spent carefully and efficiently.  | It’s worth noting that for tax year 2024, Murray had the lowest property tax rate in all of Salt Lake County. That shows we’ve been able to provide high-quality services without placing an undue burden on residents. My commitment is to continue using tax dollars wisely, keeping Murray both affordable and well cared for.

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

Bruce Turner: We owe it to the citizens we represent to make sure we spend their money in a way that reflects the need of the taxpayers but should reflect what the government should actually be spending money for.  There is no reason departments trade in perfectly good equipment for new equipment to get the same brand name on all equipment.  The city also given a developer a prime piece of real estate along state street for nothing in return to the city.  The city also agreed to give the same developer 3 million dollars to build a parking terrace, the city gets to use 35 parking stalls during business hours.  In my opinion this shows a lack of care for are rate payer and taxpayer money.  The city spends millions of dollars on Christmas decorations for city hall.  These items are just a little of the poor spending habits our city has gotten into.  Our enterprise funds are being allowed to take money from their reserves instead of saving for projects.  I will make sure our enterprise funds are building their reserves, so we do not need to bond for projects.  It is as simple as doing your household budget; if we do not have the money we do not run out and bond for it, we save for projects, that is what the Citys five-year plans for each department are for.

Brett Hales: Murray’s budget’s under my leadership reflects these enduring values:  ) Stewardship. Spending every tax dollar wisely and avoiding waste.  )Transparency. Keeping priorities clear and costs under control.  )Legacy. Completing community priorities like the Murray Theater, Murray Museum, and Murray Armory during my administration.  )Sustainability. Planning for today while protecting Murray’s future.  ) Fairness. Investing in every neighborhood and directing resources where they’re needed most.  | Looking forward, I’ll keep Murray living within its means through responsible, target-based budgeting. We’re staying competitive by supporting the skilled employees who deliver the services you count on. We’re making smart investments in roads, parks, public safety, and facilities. We’re fixing problems before they become expensive emergencies. And we’re using reserves carefully while limiting rate increases to only what’s truly necessary.

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? 

Bruce Turner: When elected Mayor it is one of my goals to meet with citizens in neighborhood town hall style meetings.  In my opinion this lets citizens discus issues they are having in their neighborhoods such as any construction issues, police issues or road issues as Mayor I need to be able to listen and find ways to help our citizens with any issues they may be having.  I believe this brings trust and understanding to all residents within our city.  I believe we as elected officials should be open about everything we do.  In my opinion meeting with the citizens in this way helps do that.

Brett Hales: Transparency is the foundation of trust between residents and our city. As mayor, I’ve worked to make Murray government more open and accountable, and I’ll keep pushing our standards higher.  | We already broadcast and archive all City Council and Planning Commission meetings online so residents can see every discussion and decision. We’ve expanded public access to our budget documents, in fact anyone can review line by line where your tax dollars go.   |  If transparency standards aren’t met, I support clear systems of accountability: independent audits, required public reporting, and stronger enforcement of state open meeting laws. Most importantly, I believe in direct communication, whether at public meetings, neighborhood gatherings, or through digital platforms, so residents have a voice and we are held responsible.  |  Murray has the lowest property tax rate in Salt Lake County, while still delivering high-quality services. That didn’t happen by accident. It’s because we’ve kept our government efficient and accountable. I will work to keep Murray open, responsible, and transparent. 

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

Bruce Turner: As mayor of Murray City I would not have are police department work with ICE.  We have a police department that is more than capable of policing our city.  I believe there is only one city in our county that has agreed to have ICE work with their police department.  We need to provide police services fairly and equally for everyone within our city. 

Brett Hales: Every level of government has its role. Murray’s role is to keep our community safe, protect constitutional rights, and provide fair, equal service to every resident.  | The mission of the Murray Police Department is defined and advised by a citizen Public Safety Board. Its role is to prevent crime, protect life and property, preserve peace and order, and enforce our local laws. That’s where our focus needs to be. We are not an arm of federal immigration enforcement. Our job is to serve and protect the people of Murray, and we will continue to do so without bias or discrimination.  | Public safety depends on trust. When residents know they can call our officers without fear, they are more willing to report crimes, cooperate in investigations, and work with us to solve problems. That partnership is what keeps Murray strong.  | As your mayor, I will ensure our police department remains committed to fairness, accountability, and community partnership. 

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

Bruce Turner: It is my belief - and many citizens I have spoken to agree - that Murray City has overspent on saving historic buildings.  If a developer would like to come in and purchase historic buildings in our city and restore them, I am all for that happening.  I do not believe any more taxpayer money should be spent on restoring or purchasing historic buildings.

Brett Hales: Murray’s history is special, and protecting it has been a priority during my administration. We’ve invested in historic preservation and delivered results the right way. The Murray Museum reopened its doors in 2025 in the Cahoon Mansion and was honored with the statewide Preservation Utah award, recognizing the integrity and care of its restoration. In September 2025, the Murray Theater, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, reopens for concerts, performances, and events. We've restored the historic Murray Armory, turning a landmark into a financial success story and this new event venue is generating significant revenue for the city while offering a great discount for residents.  | Each of these projects reflects years of planning, careful investment, and a commitment to proper preservation. By leveraging city resources and securing crucial grants, we’ve shown that preservation can honor our past and serve future generations.

Q: How do you plan to serve community needs? 

Bruce Turner: As mayor it is my opinion, I can serve the community best by being available and listening to their needs.  The mayor is in charge of the day-to-day operations of the city.  I will make sure city employees have the proper equipment and materials they need to serve our city to the best of there abilities.  I will hold department heads accountable for there budgeting process, there needs to be a medium between spending and having money in reserves for emergencies.  The Mayor is the first person the departments submit their budgets to, so the mayor must be that responsible and responsive steward of taxpayers money.

Brett Hales: My plan is simple: to continue to listen with kindness, invest in what truly matters, and build a stronger Murray. For 14 years on the city council and as your mayor, I've focused on getting the basics right. We’ve ensured our police and firefighters have the resources they need to keep our neighborhoods safe, and we’ve worked hard to be responsible with your tax dollars, which is why we have low property taxes and a strong budget.  | A great city is about much more than the numbers. It's about the people who live, work, and visit Murray every day. My promise is to be a leader who is always available to listen, wherever we cross paths. I believe we can have honest conversations and still be kind to one another.  | We've built a strong foundation together. With your confidence and support, I promise to continue working to deliver the progress Murray deserves.

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

Brett Hales: To build a stronger Murray by listening with kindness and investing in what really matters, taking care to keep our city affordable, safe, and prosperous for generations to come. 

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?):

Bruce Turner: I am running for mayor to stop the high - density housing that is being built in Murray.   As Mayor I will work to bring in housing that our younger families can afford so they are able to build there families here and stay in our great city.  I will not ask for any property tax increases or utility rate increases why I am Mayor.  Our city needs to learn how to work with the money they have coming in instead of raising taxes and rates.   | I had the privilege of serving the citizens of Murray for 45 years working in the power department.  I started out digging trenches under curb and cutter by hand and laying conduit in the Walden hills subdivision.  I worked my way up to apprentice line man, journeyman lineman and the last 12 years I was Operations manager overseeing the arborists and line crews.  I was in charge of their day-to-day work and budgeting for their equipment needs.  This gave me the opportunity to work with the Mayor's office, the city council and all departments almost daily.  I also served on the power board and shade tree commission.  I was also the chairman of the Intermountain Power Superintendents Association from 2013 to 2019, and the vice chair from 2019 to 2020.  Serving as chairman and vice chairman while serving as operations manager I was helping get crews to go to the Navaho reservation to install power for the Light Up Navaho Project in 2019.  Before my retirement in 2023.  

Brett Hales: I was on the City Council for 10 years and served as your Mayor for the past four. All that time, I've worked hard to be a trusted leader for our community, focused on keeping our neighborhoods safe and making sure our city's finances are in good hands.  | Before that, I spent over 40 years in business and finance. Thirty of those years were at Cyprus Credit Union, where I gained valuable experience in management and leadership.  | I use that experience every day to run our city carefully, which is how we've been able to keep your property taxes low while still having a strong budget.

Q: How can residents stay informed about your campaign? 

Bruce Turner: I am on FaceBook @ Bruce Turner for Murray City Mayor.    Website is [email protected]

Brett Hales: Website www.bretthalesformayor.com/  |   Facebook https://www.facebook.com/bretthalesformayor    |  Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bretthalesformayor/ 

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? 

Brett Hales: Local government plays an important role in protecting open space and natural areas, and in Murray, we’ve delivered results. As mayor, I authorized the purchase of new open space along the Jordan River Parkway, expanding access to one of our community’s most valued natural corridors. At the same time, we’ve focused on maintaining and improving Murray’s existing parks so they remain safe, clean, and welcoming for everyone.  | Protecting open space preserves Murray’s character, improves quality of life, and leaves something lasting for future generations. Growth will continue, but we will continue to balance it with stewardship. That’s why I’ve made protecting parks and natural areas a priority in my administration, and it’s why I’ll continue this work in the years ahead.

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?  

Brett Hales: Murray families deserve a community where our kids can afford to live and build their future. That’s why I support encouraging owner-occupied condos and townhomes, so more residents can buy homes, not just rent them.  | I believe in holding builders to a higher standard. As both a councilman and now mayor, I’ve supported charging developers impact fees that pay for streets, storm water, infrastructure, and parks. Growth needs to benefit the whole community, not just developers.  | When it comes to housing, my focus is balance. We need to protect neighborhoods and property values while creating housing options that our residents need. With responsible planning and accountability, Murray can grow in a way that keeps our community strong for the next generation.

 

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

Brett Hales: Under my administration, Murray City has worked to support education by partnering directly with our school districts. We’ve continued a strong partnership with Murray School District to keep property taxes low through shared use of city and school facilities, such as Ken Price Ballpark and the pools at the Park Center. These agreements save taxpayers money while ensuring students and families have access to high-quality spaces.  | We also work closely with both Murray School District and Granite School District to make sure schools are staffed with Murray Police resource officers. These officers play an important role in building relationships with students, help with safety planning, and become a trusted resource in times of need.   | Local government doesn’t set curriculum, but we work to strengthen education by being a reliable partner in sharing resources, supporting safe schools, and helping keep costs down for families. That’s the approach I’ve taken as mayor, and it’s the approach I’ll continue moving forward.

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.

Brett Hales: Homelessness is a complex issue, and my priority as mayor has been making sure Murray provides support while maintaining the safety of our community.  | Murray Police has two officers dedicated specifically to homeless issues. Their role is more than enforcement as they connect individuals with services, build relationships, and work closely with outreach partners to help people find the resources they need.   | With my support, Murray City has also helped fund the Center for Women and Children, operated by Volunteers of America. This shelter provides a safe, stable place for women to stay, along with access to resources that help them get back on their feet. It’s an important part of ensuring that those in crisis have both protection and a pathway to stability.

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.) 

Brett Hales: Supporting seniors and residents on fixed incomes is a high priority for me. The Murray Senior Recreation Center is one of our community’s best assets, offering daily activities that keep seniors active, engaged, and connected.  | The Center also serves a daily, low-cost, chef-made meal for residents 55+, helping stretch fixed incomes while providing good nutrition. For those who can’t leave home, it operates as a Meals on Wheels hub, delivering meals directly to homebound residents.