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: 

___________________________________________________________________________________

In West Valley, Karen Lang and June Hesleph are running for Mayor.

 

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

Karen Lang: Yes, I believe West Valley City has been a responsible steward of property tax revenue. These dollars are allocated to essential services that directly impact our residents, including public safety, infrastructure, parks, and community programs. Property tax funding ensures our police and fire departments are properly equipped. Our My Hometown West Valley City program is a great example of the city working in partnership with businesses and volunteers to get more outside funding into our programs. The thousands of volunteer hours alone have add thousands of dollars of value to this program. 

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

Karen Lang: First and foremost is funding to insure the safety of our residents. Police and fire departments need to be funded to the level of making sure they have updated equipment needed and enough personnel to protect our residents. It is important for tax dollars and state funding to help keep our roads and sidewalks maintained for the safety our residents. In addition, property taxes help pay for maintenance of our public parks, recreational programs and community initiatives that strengthen our neighborhoods and improve our quality of life.
 

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? 

Karen Lang: I currently serve on the audit committee for West Valley City, where I’ve been impressed with the high level of transparency and accountability maintained by our finance department. They have gone the extra mile to adjust reports so they are easier for residents to read and understand, ensuring the public has clear access to how their tax dollars are being used.   | Accountability also comes through direct representation. Council members serve four-year terms, and at the end of each term, our residents have the opportunity to decide if their elected officials have met the standards of transparency and service expected of them. That vote is the most powerful tool for accountability.   | As mayor, I will continue to support strong financial oversight, accessible reporting, and clear communication with the public—because government should always operate in the open, answerable to the people it serves.

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

Karen Lang: I believe public safety and trust must always come first. West Valley City works hard to build strong relationships with all of our residents, regardless of where they come from. Local government is not an arm of federal immigration enforcement—we are here to provide essential services, keep neighborhoods safe, and ensure families feel comfortable calling police, reporting crimes, and accessing city resources.

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

Karen Lang: Community safety, education, and resources are at the heart of a strong city, and they remain some of my highest priorities. For safety, my focus is on ensuring our police, fire, and emergency responders have the training, tools, and support they need to keep every neighborhood secure while also building trust with the community through transparency and accountability.   | When it comes to education and resources, I am especially pleased with our partnership with the University of Utah and the new hospital coming to West Valley City. This project will not only add 2,000 jobs to our community, but it will also create opportunities for our students to pursue careers in the medical field and open doors for supporting businesses. It represents exactly the kind of investment that strengthens families and provides long-term stability for our city.

Q: How do you plan to serve community needs? 

Karen Lang: I have enjoyed serving the community and getting to know our residents better.  | My focus will be on strengthening our neighborhood's through  partnerships with the city, residents and businesses. We can do that by supporting public safety, expanding access to health care, or ensuring families have the resources they need.   | We are already seeing success with initiatives like the “My Hometown West Valley City” program, where neighbors and volunteers come together to uplift our neighborhoods. I plan to continue building on programs like this, while also creating new opportunities for education and good-paying jobs through the University of Utah Hospital coming to our city.   | Most importantly, I will keep government transparent, accessible, and responsive. By working side by side with residents, businesses, and community organizations, we can ensure West Valley City remains a place where every family feels welcome. 

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

Karen Lang: I am running for re-election because I love this city and enjoy meeting and working with the residents. We have the most polite and respectful residents in the valley. They are hard working, kind and friendly. We are fortunate to have many businesses that have serviced the residents of West Valley for over 30 years. I am excited about the new businesses coming to the city as well. 

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?):

Karen Lang: I have owned and operated Oakbridge Greenhouse with my husband for over 40 years. During that time, I have also been honored to serve our community in a variety of leadership roles. I spent 10 years on the West Valley City Planning Commission and another 10 years on the West Valley City Council. I have also served on the Jordan Valley West Hospital Governing Board and the Jordan River Commission.  |  Currently, I am serving my first four-year term as Mayor of West Valley City. In addition, I sit on the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District Board of Trustees, the Salt Lake County Health Department Board, the Wasatch Front Regional Council, and the Council of Mayors. Each of these roles has given me valuable experience and perspective, and I remain committed to using that experience to serve our residents and strengthen our community.

Q: How can residents stay informed about your campaign? 

Karen Lang: You can follow me on Facebook Karen Lang for West Valley City.

City Journals note: As of our press date, June Hesleph had not responded to our editorial staff’s inquiries. The following information can be found through her website ([email protected]): 

“The reason I am running for the Mayor of West Valley City is because, I feel strong and have concerns about the Homelessness, our Property Taxes, Affordable Housing and our Seniors as well as the perception of West Valley City. 

I know more can be done to help those trying to get into a home by looking at other cities and how they are dealing with the issue, using different innovative ways to help those in need. 

West Valley City is an Ethnically Diverse City, but it concerns me that others perceive it as having a less desirable reputation. 

I will continue to be a public servant to the citizens of West Valley City, I will listen to what people have to say and do my very best to make changes keeping in mind that we always will have statutes and laws that we have to adhere to, but that does not mean we citizens of West Valley City cannot make changes for the better of our community. 

I am a mother of two boys and raised in Utah, me and my family serve at our church, I am an usher there, my children and spouse are part of the choir, I have been employed by the state of Utah for 24 years serving the public and dealing with difficult situations that the public faces. 

I have enjoyed having the opportunity to assist Utah residents. 

I am not a career politician, I am a regular person that lives in West Valley City and wants to see it thrive.”