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 West Valley, Heidi Roggenbuck, Lars Nordfelt and Ryan Mahoney are all running for the open At-Large seat. 

 

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

Heidi Roggenbuck: 

Lars Nordfelt: Property tax is an important revenue source that I consider carefully and it is important to me that it is spent wisely. I believe this money is spent wisely for necessary services that our city provides, especially for police and fire departments. I chair the city audit committee and we do everything in our power to protect our city funds from corruption.

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

Heidi Roggenbuck: 

Lars Nordfelt: We should collect only enough funds to provide necessary services so residents, businesses, and visitors in West Valley City can thrive now and for many years in the future.

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? 

Heidi Roggenbuck: 

Lars Nordfelt: Transparency is very important to me. The council works for the residents and they should know about the work we do. Our meetings are open and accessible online. Please reach out to me if you believe we are not transparent enough.

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

Heidi Roggenbuck: Many issues were raised by constituents as to whether WVCPD should cooperate with ICE raids, which I do not support. 

Lars Nordfelt: It is the role of the federal government to enforce immigration laws and they do so in our city. Our city police department works to serve and protect our residents.

Q: What are your highest priorities in regards to community safety, education, and resources? 

Heidi Roggenbuck: I'm focused on improving public safety, particularly regarding property crimes, street racing, and our growing gang problem. Considering the police department takes up the largest portion of the city's budget, I would like to see a great deal more accountability and transparency from WVCPD. I support increasing youth prevention programs, teen intervention programs, and community policing to create a connection between the police officers serving a specific community and the residents in those areas. 

Lars Nordfelt: Safety, especially for our most vulnerable, is my top priority. As a 30-year teacher, education is super important to me, but the school district and charter schools have responsibility for that with no oversight from the city council. Maintaining quality parks and open space is a high priority for me.

Q: How do you plan to serve community needs? 

Heidi Roggenbuck: 

Lars Nordfelt: I plan to continue in the direction we have been going, making our city a place where residents, businesses, and visitors can thrive now and for decades to come.

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

Heidi Roggenbuck: I'm running for City Council because I care about getting things done and I believe we need some energy and a fresh perspective on the City Council. 

Lars Nordfelt: I love my hometown and I want to serve on the City Council so people for generations can say the same thing about West Valley City.

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?):

Heidi Roggenbuck: I have already served the public through my positions with the State and Salt Lake County, which consisted of eight years in child welfare and 15 years in criminal justice. I resigned last year to start my own business, Utah Probation Services, where I continue to help individuals get back on track, in turn creating safer neighborhoods. I've served on my HOA Board for over four years, both as President and currently as Treasurer. During that time, I managed several large projects for the community and focused on making it financially stable. I'm currently a member of West Valley City's Clean & Beautiful Committee. I've greatly enjoyed being an active volunteer most of my life and loved my role as a foster parent. My career path and volunteerism show my commitment to people and communities, and my willingness to do the hard work. 

Lars Nordfelt: I enjoy living in West Valley City and I want to continue to do my part to serve and improve my home town. I began my service on the city council in January 2014.  | I attended Farnsworth Elementary, Kennedy Junior, and graduated from Granger High. I earned a bachelor’s degree from Weber State University and a master’s degree in Mathematics from BYU. I have taught for 29 years and served as president of the Utah Council of Teachers of Mathematics. My experience with math taught me to be a problem solver. As a member of the city council I identify problems, gather information, then work with staff and my fellow councilmembers to logically arrive at  solutions.  | My top priorities are sustainability (budget/environment), police/fire departments, parks, open space, diverse/affordable housing, thriving businesses, liberty and justice.  | I’m proud to be a resident of West Valley City and I focus on our future. My magnificent wife, Jana Roundy Nordfelt, is also from West Valley. We have five amazing children and one grandson.  | My favorite pastimes include family vacations to Bear Lake and Jackson Hole, going on dates with my wonderful wife, river rafting, disc golf, and fishing with my children.

Q: How can residents stay informed about your campaign? 

Heidi Roggenbuck: heidiforwestvalleycity.com or [email protected]

Lars Nordfelt: 801-824-1489 or [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: 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)?

Heidi Roggenbuck: I've heard from several constituents about their concerns, and the biggest one is infrastructure. I strongly believe that we should have sidewalks, curbs, and gutters throughout the city, as well as adequately paved streets and parking, along with appropriate enforcement. 

Lars Nordfelt:

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.

Heidi Roggenbuck: As the state's unsheltered population continues to grow at an alarming pace, I believe the city should get ahead of our local problem with more funding and programs. A city this size should have more than a temporary shelter on Redwood Road, and I would like to see the city partnering again with Switchpoint to serve these critical needs. 

Lars Nordfelt:

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.) 

Heidi Roggenbuck: I strongly endorse increasing the property tax credits of the "Circuit Breaker" Tax Abatement for seniors, in the hopes of keeping them in their homes since they are one of the largest growing populations of homeless people. I am open to considering any programs to assist our seniors, including a Youth to Senior in-home support program, food pantry delivery service, and another senior center.

Lars Nordfelt:

City Journals Note - As of our press date, Ryan Mahoney had not responded to our editorial staff’s inquiries. The following informant can be found on his website (RyanMahoney4Utah.GoDaddySites.com): 

“I am currently pursuing pre-law studies while working toward a lighter-than-air pilot’s license and certifications in aviation inspection and repair. I remain active in my community and hope to earn the privilege of serving on the West Valley City Council.”

“Following my studies, I spent several years working as a mechanic and automotive technician, eventually transitioning into management roles within the Company. Throughout my career, I’ve overcome personal health challenges, staying committed to growth and living life to its fullest.

Education and public service were strong values in my family. Both of my parents dedicated many years to the Granite School District—my father, Patrick Mahoney, worked as a custodian at several schools before retiring from Fox Hills Elementary, and my mother, Georgia Vallejos, served years as principal’s secretary at Cyprus High School, retiring from the same district.”

““I’m a lifelong Utahn and proud resident of West Valley City. I’m running for City Council because I believe in protecting what makes our city strong, “safe neighborhoods, thriving families, and smart growth that honors our values.” As an Automotive Fleet repair Manager, elected county delegate and precinct chairman, I’ve had the opportunity to meet and build relationships with elected leaders and local business owners at multiple levels. These connections have positioned me to serve effectively and advocate for our community. I successfully led a petition on behalf of local businesses opposing a high-density development that was negatively impacting the area—an effort that reached Mayor Erin Mendenhall’s office and helped bring much-needed relief. I am currently raising a Formal Request for a Safety and Visibility Audit with the Salt Lake City Transportation Dept. to help improve safety along the 300 West bike lane corridor.”