Poli Libs (and Conservatives, too) 

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Maddening, I'd presume. Even when he quits, Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, steals the political limelight. The congressman's decision to step down sparked a special election race that has overshadowed the copious municipal races advancing this year throughout the state.

So forget for a moment whether you're in the Allen, Ainge, Curtis or Herrod camp. Because more relevant to Salt Lake City residents (remember, Chaffetz didn't represent anyone living in the city proper) are the four city council races.

In total, 19 candidates are jockeying for votes leading up to the primary on Aug. 15. The top two vote-getters in each district will advance to the November ballot, and the winners in those contests, if you haven't figured it out, will serve on the council.

The pool is thick ...

David Atkin, Arnold Jones, James Rogers (incumbent)

District 3:

Phil Carroll, Laura Cushman, Brian Fukushima, Jeffrey Garbett, Chris Wharton

District 5:

George Chapman, Carol Goode-Rogozinski, Vance Hansen, Erin Mendenhall (incumbent), Benjamin Noah Rosenberg

District 7:

Samantha Finch, Amy Fowler, Ben Haynes, Benjamin Sessions, Jason Sills, Abe Smith

District 3
Phil Carroll

Dear Citizens of Salt Lake City,
My name is Phil Carroll, and I've been an SLC resident since starting graduate school in 1974. I am all about Salt Lake—just ask the regulars at Cucina, who see my smiling face every time I order their fantastic brownies with Dean's special of the day. It's not only the cafés and small businesses that make this city the best place to live, but also the fact that there's plenty to do, such as Saturday farmers markets at Pioneer Park and hiking up City Creek through Memory Grove.

But I am also aware that our community has some challenges. There are plenty of pressing issues facing Salt Lake, including preserving quality of life and a safe and healthy environment. But the most important to me is finding the right balance for affordable housing.

I am the most experienced candidate to represent the 3rd District, and I would do so energetically and with an open mind. Vote for me because my 35 years of serving this district make me the best candidate to champion your interests!

See you at the polls—er, mailboxes!
Phil Carroll

District 3
Chris Wharton

Dear Citizens of Salt Lake City,
My name is Chris Wharton and I'm a sixth-generation SLC resident. I am passionate about Salt Lake—just ask the regulars at Cucina, Avenues Bistro or Em's, who see my smiling face every time I order their chicken curry salad, huevos rancheros or red wine-braised short ribs. They aren't the only hidden jewels that make this city stand out—there's also plenty to do, such as hiking and biking our unbeatable trails in City Creek Canyon or along the Bonneville Shoreline.

But I am also experienced and ready to work on Day 1. There are plenty of pressing issues facing Salt Lake, including affordable housing, homelessness and outdoor recreation for people and pets. But the most important to me is sustainability and responsible growth.

I am the most tested and proven candidate to represent the 3rd District, and I would do so with energy and dedication. Vote for me because I have the support of Rep. Rebecca Chavez-Houck, Sen. Jim Dabakis and County Council Member Arlyn Bradshaw, who know that I have what it takes to be an effective advocate beginning on Day 1.

Cheers,
Chris Wharton

District 3
Laura Cushman

Dear Citizens of Salt Lake City,
My name is Laura Cushman and I've been an SLC resident since 2014. I cherish Salt Lake—just ask the regulars at Hatch Family Chocolates who see my giddy face every time I order their to-die-for salted caramel ice cream bar. It's not only the people who make this city inviting, but also the fact that there's plenty to do, such as endless outdoor recreation and diverse arts programming.

But I am also motivated. There are plenty of pressing issues facing Salt Lake, including homelessness and necessary infrastructure improvements. But the most important to me is air quality.

I am the most well-rounded candidate to represent the 3rd District, and I would do so tirelessly. Vote for me because I am passionate about Salt Lake City and am committed to making it a green city where everyone has a voice and can thrive.

Working with you,
Laura Cushman

District 3
Brian W. Fukushima

Dear Citizens of Salt Lake City,
My name is Brian Fukushima, and I've been a SLC resident since 1976. I love the increasing diversity of food in Salt Lake—just ask the regulars at Tosh's Ramen, who see my hangry face every time I order their tonkotsu ramen and Tokyo wings. It's not only the people that make this city awesome, but also the fact that there's plenty to do, such as running, hiking, biking and skiing in our mountains.

But I am also concerned. There are plenty of pressing issues facing Salt Lake, including homelessness, affordable housing, responsible economic development and public lands and trail access. But the most important to me is the happiness and prosperity of our residents.

I am an exceptionally qualified candidate to represent Salt Lake City's 3rd District, and I would do so faithfully. Vote for me because I am deeply committed to the success of our city. As an orthopedic surgeon and small business owner, I have always balanced the needs of others with responsible economic leadership while maintaining compassion, empathy and responsibility.

Cheers,
Brian W. Fukushima

District 5
George Chapman

Dear Citizens of Salt Lake City,
My name is George Chapman, and I've been an SLC resident since 2006. Just ask the Salt Lake City Council and the SLC community councils who see me at almost all of their meetings. It's not only the strikingly beautiful mountains that make this city better than anyplace else (I've been around the world), but also the fact that there is plenty to do, such as work with many other similar-minded people to make Salt Lake City a better place for its residents.

I have earned a reputation as a local community activist and blogger at georgechapman.net. There are plenty of pressing issues facing Salt Lake, including not having enough funding to maintain/water our urban trees, maintaining our streets and providing appropriate neighborhood bus service. But the most important issue to me is the lack of solutions to address the homeless/affordability crisis in our city and the related criminal activity that victimizes the homeless and businesses and residents in SLC.

I am the best candidate to represent the 5th Council District, and I would stop the secret decisions made without public input. Vote for me because the SLC Council should not be meeting in secret and making decisions behind closed doors.

Thank you for reading and considering my candidacy,
George Chapman

District 5
Carol Goode-Rogozinski

Dear Citizens of Salt Lake City,
My name is Carol Goode-Rogozinski, and I've been an SLC resident for most of my life. I really enjoy Salt Lake—just ask the regulars at The Bayou, who see my happy-go-lucky face every time I order their Red Stripe beer po'boy catfish sandwich paired with ice cold water. It's not only the beautiful places and spaces that make this city unique, but also the fact that there's plenty to do, such as getting out to farmers markets and Red Butte Gardens with my family.

But I am also perplexed. There are plenty of pressing issues facing Salt Lake, including homelessness and gentrification. But the most important to me is creating an affordable city where everyone is welcome.

I am the Salt Lake City candidate to represent the 5th District, and I would do so openly and with fairness. Vote for me because I am committed to addressing the needs and providing solutions to the residents of SLC. With over 17 years of work experience in state government, I understand big budgets and I will work with the council and mayor to bring about effective change to our city.

Thank you ever so kindly,
Carol Goode-Rogozinski

District 7
Amy Fowler

Dear Citizens of Salt Lake City,
My name is Amy Fowler, and I've been an SLC resident since 2008. I cherish Salt Lake—just ask the regulars at Trolley Wing Co., who see my adorable face every time I order their vegan wings. It's not only the amazing small businesses that make this city remarkable, but also the fact that there's plenty to do, such as biking and rock climbing.

But I am also passionate. There are plenty of pressing issues facing Salt Lake, including clean air, education, homelessness. But the most important to me is access to necessary resources.

I am the optimal candidate to represent the 7th District, and I would do so fervently. Vote for me because I am dedicated to ensuring open and direct communication with members of my community, and in being their voice.

—Amy

District 7
Ben Haynes

Dear Citizens of Salt Lake City,
My name is Ben Haynes, and I've been an SLC resident since the Affordable Care Act was signed into law. I appreciate Salt Lake—just ask the regulars at Eggs in the City, who see my beautiful face every time I order their scrumptious biscuits and gravy. It's not only the people that make this city interesting, but also the fact that there's plenty to do, such as get stuck in traffic.

But I am also bald. There are plenty of pressing issues facing Salt Lake, including clean air and affordable housing. But the most important to me is community engagement.

I am the hip candidate to represent the 7th District, and I would do so gratefully. Vote for me because everyone deserves a seat at the table.

Kind regards,
Ben

District 7
Benjamin Sessions

Dear Citizens of Salt Lake City,
My name is Benjamin Sessions. I love Salt Lake—just ask the regulars at Red Moose Café, who see my smiling face every time I order their iced chamomile tea in the summer. It's not only the people that make this city fantastic, but also the fact that there's plenty to do, such as taking my son to Sugar House Park or walking around the Sugar House business district.

But I am also focused. There are plenty of pressing issues facing Salt Lake, including potholes and growth. But the most important issue to me is making sure that people feel safe in their homes and businesses.

I am determined to represent the City Council District 7, and I would do so thoughtfully. Vote for me because I believe Sugar House is an amazing place and we can work together to keep it vibrant and exciting.

Cheers!
Benjamin Sessions

District 7
Samantha Finch

Dear Citizens of Salt Lake City,
My name is Samantha Finch, and I've been an SLC resident since 2010, when I returned to the city for the employment and recreational opportunities Utah so uniquely offers. I savor Salt Lake—just ask the regulars at Redmond Heritage Farms in Sugar House, who see my smiling face every time I order their Cacao Power smoothie. It's not only the local food that make this city feel vibrant, but also the fact that there's plenty to do, such as lots of great mountain biking in the summer, and so many resorts for skiing in winter.

But I am also very concerned about our future here. There are plenty of pressing issues facing Salt Lake, including population growth, bad road conditions, traffic and the paucity of affordable housing. But the most important to me is the air pollution. I don't know how long I can continue to call the city home with such lethal levels of air pollution.

I am the moderate, left-leaning, candidate to represent the Salt Lake City Council 7th District, and I would advocate for a cleaner and more assertive Wasatch Front at the state level. Vote for me because, as your representative, I will push for open spaces, clean air, public infrastructure upgrades and a responsible government.

I wish all of you a safe and red-air-alert-free summer,
Samantha Finch

District 7
Abe Smith

Dear Citizens of Salt Lake City,
My name is Abe Smith, and I've been an SLC resident since 2015. I love Salt Lake—just ask the regulars at Sprague Library, who see my excited face every time I order their latest best-seller. It's not only the places that make this city amazing, but also the fact that there's plenty to do, such as go to Fairmont and Sugar House parks with my kids.

But I am also concerned. There are plenty of pressing issues facing Salt Lake, including homelessness and drug addiction. But the most important to me is the safety and infrastructure needs of our neighborhoods.

I am the right candidate to represent the 7th District, and I would do so tirelessly. Vote for me because we need leaders on the City Council who listen to others more than push their own views, who understand others' points of view, and who can unify our neighbors to solve problems rather than simply talking about them.

From one neighbor to another,
Abe Smith

The following candidates were too busy or lazy, dignified or incompetent, uninterested or petrified—or maybe simply forgot to check their email three weeks ago—to complete the Mad Lib challenge: David Atkin, James Rogers, Arnold Jones, Vance Hansen, Erin Mendenhall, Benjamin Noah Rosenberg, Jeffrey Garbett and Jason Sills. Go out and vote!