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 Sandy, Brooke D'Sousa and Evan Tobin are running for the At-Large seat. 

 

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

Brooke D’Sousa: Generally, yes, though there is always room for improvement. Budgets should prioritize core services such as public safety, infrastructure, and the employees who keep the city running. Over the last three and a half years, I’ve worked to reduce unnecessary expenses. With one effort alone, I saved Sandy taxpayers over $300,000 annually in credit card processing fees. This shows how careful oversight can make a real difference. As living costs rise, it is more important than ever for city leadership to cut spending where possible and avoid adding to the financial pressure residents are already experiencing

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

Brooke D’Sousa: Our budget should emphasize maintaining core services, ensuring long-term stability, and exercising fiscal discipline. I will continue focusing on careful spending, directing investments where they matter most, and protecting taxpayers from unnecessary costs.

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? 

Brooke D’Sousa: Transparency in government is essential. I pushed for and created a centralized council email ([email protected]) so residents have a simple, direct line to all their representatives. I support legislation that increases transparency and enacts accountability measures when standards aren’t met.

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

Brooke D’Sousa: Local government’s primary responsibility is community safety. Our police resources should be focused on protecting residents and businesses, and addressing local crime. 

Q: How will your stances on specific issues impact Sandy and the community? 

Brooke D’Sousa: I will always work to enhance the quality of life for residents and support a strong local economy. Whether it’s protecting open space, managing growth responsibly, or safeguarding taxpayer dollars, every decision I make is guided by what benefits Sandy families today and in the future.

Q: What is your stance on the proposed canyon gondola? 

Brooke D’Sousa: Sandy experiences real winter traffic and safety problems that demand real solutions. I support solutions that will reduce canyon congestion while respecting our canyon and the voices of Sandy residents. I support the approved phased approach with enhanced busing and believe it should be fully implemented and evaluated before considering any future phasing. I will always advocate for the best solutions for our community, and I will defend Sandy residents from projects that impose unnecessary costs without proven benefit.

Evan Tobin: Just say NO to the Gondola up Little Cottonwood Canyon!

Q: How will you prioritize and protect proper historic restoration of existing structures?

Brooke D’Sousa: History shapes community identity. I believe in balancing progress with preservation. I’ll continue to support efforts that protect Sandy’s unique character while honoring our shared community values.

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

Brooke D’Sousa: Experience matters – I want to keep Sandy moving forward with strong leadership and responsible decisions.

Evan Tobin: My Council Priorities include: Solving the disaster of dangerous traffic created by winter weekends and powder days.  The current UDOT/EIS solutions should not be pursued until frequent, reliable bussing alternatives have been attempted.  The current extremely limited UTA bus schedule only exacerbates the problems.

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?):

Brooke D’Sousa:Brooke D’Sousa is a long-time Sandy resident and small business owner seeking re-election to the Sandy City Council.  | Elected in 2021, Brooke has focused on public safety, fiscal responsibility, and community engagement. She created the [email protected] email to improve residents’ access to their council representatives, launched Sandy’s Youth City Council, and initiated the First Responder and Autism Community Night to foster community connections. She also worked with staff to reform credit card processing, saving taxpayers over $300,000 annually.  | Brooke has served as liaison to city and regional committees on arts, youth, senior services, public utilities, and legislative policy. Public safety remains a top priority. Brooke supported the rebuild of Fire Station 31 to ensure emergency response keeps pace with growth. She is equally committed to maintaining open space and protecting Sandy’s natural beauty.  | With a business degree from the University of Utah and two decades in financial services, Brooke brings practical expertise to city government. In her next term, she will continue focusing on economic development, affordability, and maintaining quality services while keeping taxes and fees low.  | Brooke and her husband are raising their three children in Sandy and are deeply invested in the city’s future.

Brooke D’Sousa: www.brookeforsandy.com

Evan Tobin: 801-918-3332

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: What role do you believe local government should play in protecting open space and natural areas within your community?  Residents specifically asked: What actions will you take to help conserve the Great Salt Lake? 

Brooke D’Sousa: Sandy’s identity is rooted in its parks, trails, and access to the outdoors. Local government should play a key role in protecting these spaces while also creating new opportunities for recreation as our valley grows. Preserving open space isn’t just about land, it’s about community well-being, health, and quality of life. My focus is on ensuring our residents today and future generations can enjoy the foothills, trails, and gathering places that make Sandy such a special place to live.

 

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)?

Brooke D’Sousa: Growth must be managed carefully. I support holding builders to higher standards, including making needed improvements to the streets and sidewalks their projects affect. New housing should fit within existing neighborhood standards in a way that strengthens property values and maintains the character of our community.

Evan Tobin: Sensible city planning that reflects the will and interests of the residents, not the developers!  Constant zoning changes affect the quality of life in Sandy.  When a neighborhood is zoned “low density residential”, residents should be able to trust that their neighborhood should not change dramatically.   I believe any high-density housing and/or urbanization should only occur in “Downtown Sandy” very close to the I-15 corridor or Public Transportation.  

Q: What education policies do you support? Residents asked about school closures, capping class sizes, banning books, and restricting teachers to do their jobs.

Brooke D’Sousa: While schools are overseen by elected school board members in the school districts, city leaders can advocate for families. I support policies that keep schools open and class sizes reasonable, and I believe teachers should be supported in their work. Our kids deserve safe and stable learning environments.

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.

Brooke D’Sousa: Programs should be safe, accessible, and focused on helping people get back on their feet. I believe in working with state and regional partners to ensure funding goes to solutions that provide real support and measurable outcomes, while also prioritizing the safety and cost burden of the communities hosting the various shelters.

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.) 

Brooke D’Sousa:Sandy should be a place where residents who have built their lives here can choose to stay as they age. Rising costs and limited senior housing options make it difficult for those on fixed incomes, so I support policies that keep living here affordable and accessible. I’ll continue focusing on responsible fiscal management to help prevent increases in taxes and fees that place extra strain on residents.