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, Cindy Wood and Amitonu Wesley Amosa District 4 council seat.

 

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

Cindy Wood: Yes, I believe the revenue generated from property tax for West Valley is being used effectively.  Property Tax is the most important revenue source for West Valley City and the city considers  its options before implementing an increase. Property Tax revenue is a primary funding source  for local governments. The funds collected pay for the day-to-day operations and capital  projects of the city. The City Council and Mayor have direct input on how the funds are used.

Amitonu Amosa: Referring to West Valley City’s last budget FY25-26, 32% of the General Fund represents the Property taxes within the total budget of 169.8M with the General Fund at $120.3M. I agree with 53% of General Fund expenses going towards Public Safety. The area of improvement that needs to be thoroughly audited is the budget of school districts and how patterns of continual increases need to be addressed openly and scrutinized for a clearer understanding prior to casting votes for property tax increase. 

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

Cindy Wood: The budget for West Valley should reflect the current and future goals of the city. My goal is to  effectively use our revenue to fund needed expenditures. In my personal budgeting, I ask is this  expense a ‘need’ or a ‘want’. I carry that same analysis in reviewing budget expenses for the city. As the City continues to grow and expenses increase, we need use our revenue effectively  in funding future growth and development while maintaining the city’s infrastructure.

Amitonu Amosa: Our local West Valley budget should reflect that residents’ needs as a priority while maintaining a balanced, transparent framework. The proper method in balancing these values is through public engagement and transparency. Balancing these values requires a strategic approach that weighs trade-offs, incorporates public input, and adapts to realities like economic fluctuations.

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? 

Cindy Wood: As a member of the City Council, I am representing the residents of District 4. Open  conversations between the City and its residents, is crucial to a successful city. At the present  time, residents have the opportunity to attend every city council study meeting and public  meeting. Each City Council meeting has a public comment period for residents to address the  Mayor and City Council directly. If, at any time, residents of West Valley City feel that  transparency standards aren’t being met, I would encourage them to use available resources to  hold the city accountable.

Amitonu Amosa: We need to set up an Independent Oversight Commission with Citizen Representation. Utah’s Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA) need to be enforced and lastly, we should provide Whistleblower Protections and an Anonymous Reporting Hotline.

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

Cindy Wood: ICE is a federal law enforcement agency, and ICE related activities should be handled on a federal level.

Amitonu Amosa: The current stance for West Valley City, per public statement from city council and with Chief Police Jacobs has affirmed that ICE is free to conduct their work within the city as federal law permits, but our municipal city resources and officers would not be co-opted for federal immigration enforcement purposes.

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

Cindy Wood: I want all residents to feel safe in our city. We have an excellent police department who also  want our residents to feel safe. As we develop and redevelop areas of the city, it is important to  have adequate street lighting, neighborhood watch programs and open communication between  residents, law enforcement and city officials. It’s important that we educate our residents on the  resources available to them. These resources should be provided in a manner to reach across  the different ethnic groups in the city. I would like to build a connection and a culture of care  where residents feel a shared responsibility with the well-being and safety within our city. One  example of involving residents with developing a community safe policy relates to the increased  usage of electric bicycles and electric scooters. I would like to involve residents in developing a community safety policy so that residents feel safe while using walking trails and sidewalks. 

Amitonu Amosa: Safety: Strengthening Public Safety Services. We are currently below the national average of 2.4 officers per 1,000 residents. By increasing the number of police staff, we can improve our response time for priority calls. We also need to prioritize traffic and pedestrian safety. In 2024, data shows 2,500 crashes in West Valley, largely driven by population density and major corridors like 5600 W and 3500 S. Lastly, our schools need to be properly secured and ready for any uncertainty that may harm our children.   | Education: The city can support education through community programs and infrastructure. West Valley’s diverse, working-class population benefits from vocational training and ESL programs, which boost economic mobility. Partner with the district on grant applications and use community development funds for youth programs tied to education outcomes. Granite School District receives 60% of property taxes, their annual budget needs to be audited for efficiency.  | Resources: Infrastructure Maintenance and Resilience. It’s important to have reliable roads, utilities, and public facilities for safety and economic stability. Prioritizing preventative maintenance can avoid costly repairs. Ongoing development of parks and recreation and community programs enhance the quality of life and needs to be made accessible for all residents, especially for youth and low-income families.

Q: How do you plan to serve community needs? 

Cindy Wood: I consider myself to be Authentic, Accountable and Approachable. As I serve the residents of  District 4, I want them to know that I’m not just a candidate – I’m your neighbor. I want to  contribute to creating a positive image, building community pride and promoting the good things  about our city. Being Accountable is about being reliable, trustworthy and following through. I  appreciate that the residents of District 4 are passionate and engaged. It has been rewarding to  hear good things from my neighbors and challenging to hear their concerns about our city.  Being Accountable means following through with answers to questions and concerns. Personal  relationships matter to me. I want you to see me as your advocate and voice on the City  Council. When I decided to run to represent District 4 for another four years, I wanted to reach  out to as many residents as possible. I enjoy the diversity in West Valley. As my children  attended Hunter High School, it was such a great experience to build relationships with families  as they participated in athletics and other extra-curricular activities. As the years have gone on,  it’s been rewarding to continue those relationships.

Amitonu Amosa: With full transparency, I believe everyone who is a resident in District 4 should be given representation, no matter your demographic or geographic location. We have plenty of neighborhoods and I believe efficiency to listen and receive the feedback of the constituents will require access through social media, personal contact, face to face meetings, virtual meetings, etc. I would like to establish a process to where more voices are being heard in District 4. Even now, I talk to constituents, and they share how emails are not being responded to by city councilmembers, or they are unaware of this or that issue. I plan to reach out to all neighborhoods near and far for their feedback.

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

Cindy Wood: As the City continues to grows, we have an opportunity to welcome diversity, embrace change  and promote the good things about our city. I’m excited to be a part of creating a positive image  and communicating the city’s potential to our residents. I am proud to live in West Valley and I  want all residents to be proud of where they live.

Amitonu Amosa: West Valley is Utah’s “minority majority” city and we need to provide representation to all.

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?):

Cindy Wood: Current City Council Member for District 4 (since January 2025)   | West Valley City Planning Commissioner 2017-2025   | University of Utah Graduate – B.S. Accounting   | Certified Public Accountant 

Long time West Valley Resident and Cyprus High Graduate Amitonu Amosa:  I currently work as a Contract Compliance Auditor for Salt Lake County. I ensure contractual adherence to contracts awarded to agencies/entities who were awarded with county, state, or federal government funding. Also, I’m in my fifth year as a congregational leader and have experienced firsthand working with families in need of receiving government and/or church resources to help maintain their living standards. Lastly, I’ve been blessed to work with our youth for many years and would love to have them be prioritized within our city council.

Q: How can residents stay informed about your campaign? 

Cindy Wood: Facebook: Cindy Wood for West Valley,  Instagram: #cindyforwvc,  Email: [email protected]

Amitonu Amosa: FB Page, Instagram Page, contact me directly Email: [email protected], 385-371-8225 cell/text