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 Herriman, Matt Basham and Heather Garcia are running for District 3. 

 

 

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

Matt Basham: I feel that the City Council are good stewards of our property tax dollars and I will champion ensuring that tax dollars are used effectively. Herriman City collects property tax through three taxing entities: Herriman City, Herriman City Safety Enforcement Area (HCSEA), and Herriman City Fire Service Area (HCFSA).   |   In 2024, the average home value in Herriman was $613,000. On this average home, a total amount of $3,741 in property taxes were paid.  Of this total, Herriman City collected $63 for the general fund (2%), HCFSA collected $428 for fire and emergency medical services (11%), and HCSEA collected $480 for police services (13%). The remaining 74% of the collected taxes is split between the school district, Salt Lake County and water services.   |  Examples of effective uses of our property tax dollars are 1) HCSEA is structured so that additional tax dollars that are collected due to growth pay for the additional officers needed. 2) HCFSA has conservatively managed tax dollars enabling construction of a new fire station using cash instead of having to issue a bond. 3) Herriman City’s property tax collected represents about 1.7% of the revenue generated by the City. This tax has never increased in Herriman's 25-year history.

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

Matt Basham: The values our City budget should reflect are first and foremost, complete transparency and accountability in how and what Herriman spends its money on. The Council needs to be fiscally responsible, avoiding unnecessary debt, concentrating on long-term sustainability over short-term fixes while getting maximum value for taxpayer dollars. |  One of the most important decisions the City Council makes is how to spend the City’s revenue on the needs and wants of its residents. I support the strategic priorities guiding our 2025 and 2026 budgets. The guiding principles for the budget are: Develop and maintain a strong foundation of essential services; create and sustain a high quality of life for residents; and foster a sense of community through public engagement and interaction.  | First, the City needs to maintain and improve the services that support residents.  These items include public safety, utility service, and the transportation system. Next, amenities that improve quality of life such as parks, trails and recreational areas need to be provided. Then come activities that promote the Heartbeat of Herriman, our sense of community.  | My commitment to you is to represent and be accountable to you for the priorities on how your dollars are spent.

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? 

Matt Basham: Anyone elected to public office must operate in complete transparency. There are very few exceptions. For Herriman City Council, this means closed sessions to discuss the character, professional competence, or physical or mental health of an individual, pending or reasonable imminent litigation, and the purchase, exchange, or lease of real property, as provided by Utah Code Annotated §52-4-205.  | I support Utah’s Government Records Access and Management Act that provides access to records at the state and local level; the Open and Public Meeting Act that requires all meetings to be open to the public, unless exempted under executive sessions; and the Transparent Utah Reporting Requirements for local governments to submit transparency reports that are evaluated by the State Auditor for assessment of financial operation, statutory compliance, and performance management.  | Violations of the Open and Public Meeting Act are classified as a Class B misdemeanor with penalties of up to 6 months in jail and/or fines up to $1,000. Violators are also subject to civil litigation and penalties. These penalties are appropriate.  | I commit to you that I will always be completely transparent and accountable to you in my actions as your City Councilmember.  

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

Matt Basham: Currently, the Herriman City Council has a strict policy on not taking positions on matters that do not fall under the Council’s purview. This would include federal immigration policy and its enforcement.  | I support this policy because these matters potentially reallocate limited resources. Recently, ICE received a large infusion of funding to conduct its operations.   | Herriman Police officers are not immigration officers, and do not have the authority to arrest a person for their immigration status alone. I support the Herriman City Police Department in enforcing the laws of the State of Utah and Herriman City code no matter the person to maintain our historic low crime rates. 

Q: How will you address public transportation?

Matt Basham: Public transportation decisions are made by the Utah Transit Authority (UTA). A new bus route started in April called the South Valley Regional that operates between the TRAX Daybreak Parkway and Draper Town Center Stations. The new route has stops at Herriman City Hall, Salt Lake Community College Herriman Campus, and 13400 S / Sentinel Ridge Blvd. This new bus route is exceeding ridership projections.  | Herriman City is currently preserving two corridors for the extension of the TRAX Red Line to the University of Utah.  The Mid-Jordan Extension corridor roughly follows Herriman Main Street south, turning east along 13200 South. The Transit Extension to University Corridor starts at 13200 South, just east of Mountain View Village, goes south to 13400 South where it jogs west to Sentinel Ridge Blvd and continues south to Real Vista Dr.  | The TRAX line extension depends on UTA’s funding and is part of their long-range 2050 transit plan, which outlines the transit needs for the Wasatch Front for the next 25 years.   | As a councilmember, I will advocate for increased public transit availability for Herriman City residents. This includes working with UTA on route planning and ensuring Herriman's needs are prioritized in regional decisions.      

Q: How do you plan to keep Herriman safe, beautiful, and affordable?

Matt Basham: We keep Herriman safe by prioritizing the needs of our police and fire departments with proper oversight, ensuring effective use of our tax dollars. Police Chief Carr has done a fantastic job in building our police department and creating a work environment where officers want to come work and stay with our department. This helps offset budgetary pressure of increased market cost within the public safety labor market.  | Herriman City has a great relationship with the Unified Fire Authority who provides personnel and equipment for our fire and rescue services.  Herriman City Councilmember Jared Henderson, who is a member of the UFA’s Board of Directors, has led the way in developing a UFA budget that is fiscally responsible, without sacrificing safety.  | We keep Herriman beautiful by maintaining and improving parks, trails and public spaces while creating a sense of pride that fosters community ownership and stewardship. Most importantly, it's the people who bring beauty to our community through the way we look out for and care for each other. That's the Heartbeat of Herriman!  | We keep Herriman affordable by attracting major retailers and commercial development to expand our sales tax base and reduce the burden on residents through lower property taxes.   

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

Matt Basham: Herriman has met its high-density housing needs though existing developments and approved projects. Moving forward, I will prioritize preserving single-family neighborhoods in our remaining residential areas.

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?):

Matt Basham: As an eight-year Herriman resident and southwest valley native of over forty years, I believe in our community’s tremendous potential. My deep experience uniquely prepares me to serve effectively.    After graduating from Bingham High School, I earned degrees in Business and IT from Southern Utah University. I built my career in insurance claims adjusting, developing complex problem-solving abilities. As a Division I men’s basketball referee, I've honed elite communication skills and thrive under pressure. Currently, I own or co-own four small businesses, providing entrepreneurial insight into local business challenges.

Q: How can residents stay informed about your campaign? 

Matt Basham: By visiting my website: mattforherriman.com. Following me on Facebook or Instagram at Matt for Herriman. Reaching out to me directly at [email protected] or calling me at 801-573-3633.

City Journals Note - As of our press date, Heather Garcia had not responded to our editorial staff’s inquiries. The following informant can be found on her social media pages:  (https://www.instagram.com/heather4herriman/): 

“I’m Heather Garcia and I’m absolutely thrilled to announce my candidacy for Herriman City Council, representing District 3! 

Herriman is more than just a city to me—it’s home. With a background in public policy and an MBA, along with six years of dedicated service on the Herriman City Planning Commission, I’m ready to bring fresh energy, smart solutions, and a whole lot of heart to our City Council.

I’m passionate about keeping Herriman safe, building strong, connected neighborhoods, and protecting the high quality of life that makes our city so special. I believe in open communication, fiscal responsibility, and making sure every resident’s voice is heard and valued.”

“Let’s build Herriman’s future together!”