Hey Draper! I'm Braxten Rutherford...

Great question. I believe that a mayor should earn their taxpayer salary with full-time, dedicated hard work. I will be a mayor who prioritizes Draper residents over outside business interests. I will be a mayor who takes individual concerns seriously, and address them personally. I will be an advocate for the people of Draper, not just the place.

As someone who recently made the decision to move back home with family due to industry changes and rising costs, I understand the importance of affordability. I will work to ensure that Draper remains affordable, and that no Draper resident is ever 'priced out.'

I will always prioritize existing home-owner property value over new development, and ensure that any new business or retail construction (especially in terms of traffic consideration) is thoughtfully, and transparently executed.

I will always value your tax dollars. You pay good money for city services. These services should be regularly, and transparently audited to ensure that they are robust and effective. I will have an absolute zero tolerance policy for waste, fraud, and abuse.

I will work tirelessly with local leaders, businesses, and community organizers provide new and expanded city services without increasing or reallocating tax dollars. Your local government can, and should always do more for you.

I will stand in opposition to any amount of county, state, or federal overreach. Your rights are my rights, and cannot be bought or bullied away.

Municipal campaigns in Utah are refreshingly non-partisan, but for transparency, I am a registered Democrat. I have, however, voted for candidates of both parties, and share the value of fiscal responsibility with my conservative friends and neighbors.

I am an elementary teacher in the after-school program at the wonderful Waterford School in Sandy, and also a professional writer. I am currently working on a children's fiction series, and my second feature-length screenplay.