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 Taylorsville, Meredith Harker and Martin Munoz are running for the District 4 council seat.

 

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

Meredith Harker: Yes, I think in Taylorsville we are using property tax revenue effectively. We are a “pay as you go city” and run a very tight ship when it comes to our budget. We look at resident and city priorities every year and then make a balanced budget according to those priorities. We believe in saving up for things we need/want rather than putting the tax payers in debt for future generations to pay for them. 

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

Meredith Harker: Our budget reflects the values of prudence and fiscal responsibility. We know that every dollar we collect needs to be accounted for and used to the benefit of our residents. We want to give our residents the “best bang for their buck” and look over the budget every year to assure that the money is being allocated appropriately to the needs and wants of our city.

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? 

Meredith Harker: In Taylorsville, I think we are very transparent. Residents have access to meetings, minutes, and to us personally. They can call, text, email, attend meetings, make comments, be on a volunteer committee, follow our social media channels, or reach out in any way they need to get information, ask questions, or let their voices be heard. 

Q: How do you plan to serve community needs? 

Meredith Harker: I plan to continue serving my community needs by listening to my constituents, and being an active member of the City Council in making decisions that will benefit our residents now and in the future. I want my children and grandchildren to continue to live in Taylorsville and I make decisions with future generations in mind. We give a survey to our residents every year asking them what improvements they would like to see in our community, and we take that survey very seriously. Since I have been on the Council for the last 8 years we have improved open space, sport amenities like pickleball, community events, road lighting, crosswalk safety, beautification and landscaping throughout the city, bringing in businesses, and many other needs that we have had in the 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?):

Meredith Harker: I have loved serving the residents of Taylorsville on the Taylorsville City Council for the past 8 years. It has been an honor to play a part in Taylorsville improving public safety, open space, community events, traffic and road enhancements, attracting new businesses, improved infrastructure, street lighting, crosswalk safety, city beautification, and many other developments while still maintaining the small town feel of Taylorsville.   | I have lived in Taylorsville my whole life and chose to raise my family here. My full time career is as a school teacher at Calvin Smith Elementary right here in Taylorsville. I feel like I understand the issues facing our families and community and am in a position to improve conditions where possible to maintain our high standard of living in Taylorsville. 

Q: How can residents stay informed about your campaign? 

Meredith Harker: meredithharker.com. | FB - @Meredith Harker-Taylorsville City

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

“I’m running for Taylorsville City Council District 4 because I believe in the power of local leadership to make real, lasting change. I will act boldly when needed, support what we know works, and encourage innovative ideas that strengthen our neighborhoods. Every child, family, and resident in Taylorsville deserves safe communities, strong schools, stable housing, and access to essential resources. Together, we can build a future where everyone thrives.

Representation: Every resident of Taylorsville deserves a voice at the table. I’m running to ensure that our city leadership reflects the diversity of our community—ethnically, economically, generationally, and culturally.

Honoring Our Roots, Embracing Our Future: Taylorsville was built on a strong pioneer and farming legacy. I will work to preserve that history while supporting thoughtful growth that reflects our evolving identity. A future-ready Taylorsville includes honoring the past while welcoming new voices, ideas, and cultures.

Responsible Development: Taylosville needs smart solutions that preserve the character of our neighborhoods while ensuring that young families, seniors, and working individuals can afford to live here. Thoughtful planning, community input, and transparency will guide my approach to development in Taylorsville.

Walkable, Kid-Friendly Communities: No parent should worry about their child walking to school or playing at the park. I will champion improved sidewalks, crosswalks, lighting, and traffic calming measures to make Taylorsville safer and more connected for pedestrians and families.

Transparent, Responsible Spending: Taylorsville residents deserve to know how their tax dollars are being used—and to trust that they're being used wisely. I will work to make our city budget more accessible, understandable, and transparent, and push for accountability in every dollar spent.”

“Today, I serve as the KIDS COUNT Director at Voices for Utah Children, where I advocate for the well-being of all Utah children. I collaborate with state agencies and community leaders to expand opportunities for families across the state—experience I’m eager to bring to Taylorsville.

I’m running because I believe in the power of local leadership to make real, lasting change. I will act boldly when needed, support what we know works, and encourage innovative ideas that strengthen our neighborhoods. Every child, family, and resident in Taylorsville deserves safe communities, strong schools, stable housing, and access to essential resources. Together, we can build a future where everyone thrives.”