Sandy’s newly elected officials took office in January after their respective swearing-in ceremonies. 

Three councilmembers took their oaths at Sandy City Hall in the council chambers Jan. 5: Brooke Christensen in District 1, Kris Nicholl in District 3 and Brooke D’Sousa in an at-large seat. 

This marks the return of Christensen and Nicholl to the Sandy City Council having previously served, while D’Sousa was reelected to her second term. 

Councilmember Cyndi Sharkey, who officiated the councilmembers ceremony, noted the seasoned makeup of the council until the next election in two years. 

“This year will have a veteran council made up of experienced members who have already shown commitment to public service in Sandy,” she said. 

D’Sousa echoed that sentiment in her remarks saying she believes “these next two years will be really impactful.” 

In addition to the presentation of colors by the Sandy Fire Department and a national anthem performed by Kate Barnes, each councilmember spoke of their gratitude to those around them and their focus for the next four years. 

Christensen remembered feeling during her first term, which ended in 2021, a need to “create immediate change or somehow fix complex problems.” But after reflection, noted lasting progress comes from “consistently doing small and simple things well.”

She listed six simple principles she would commit to: listen to understand, be available and accessible, consider all perspectives, treat everyone with respect, work hard with her responsibilities and to be kind, even when conversations are difficult. 

Nicholl highlighted her family as her support system, thanking both them and the voters of District 3. Her kids grew up in Sandy and said she felt comforted they knew what a safe community it was. 

She said her focus would be on safe neighborhoods, continual listening, accessibility and to serve with humility and integrity. “I remain committed to careful stewardship and problem solving.” 

D’Sousa said she begins her second term “mindful of the responsibility it carries and grateful for the opportunity to continue serving our community.”

While expressing appreciation for city staff, she said her focus will be “making informed decisions, weighing impacts, exercising fiscal stewardship and governing with the long view in mind.” 

As the council began its swearing in ceremony at City Hall, the mayoral swearing-in ceremony was just concluding across town at Alta High School where Mayor Monica Zoltanski’s oath of office event featured South Valley Chamber President Jay Francis, Sharlene Wells and the Alta High School madrigals. 

Zoltanski spoke from the stage of the school’s performing arts center in front of a lighted signage of her Sandy motto “Sandy Rising,” describing it more as a philosophy than a slogan.

The mayor touched on her own gratitude, shared accomplishments from the past four years and what residents can expect in the next four years. 

She thanked city volunteers, city staff, educators, retirees, past elected officials and business leaders. She recognized the people who invest in Sandy, the neighbors who look out for each other, public servants who put the mission first and students ready to be the next generation.

“It is the honor of my life to serve this community and to serve you,” she said. 

The accomplishments she highlighted included added public safety personnel, modernizing city vehicles, a new fire station, public works garage, elevated resident engagement and millions in outside funding for the city’s bridges, intersections and roads. 

It will also be a new era of sports entertainment in Sandy, she said, as the Jazz practice facility comes to South Town and a new community recreation center is built. 

“Second term is not a reset, it is continuity and building on our momentum but with deeper experience and greater understanding,” Zoltanski said.

Over the coming four years, she said the city can expect a stronger local economy, the Cairns center, new amenities, a pedestrian bridge over I-15, open space protection and new housing choices. Residents can expect a budget that is efficient, streamlines processes to avoid rate increases, low taxes with high quality services.