Sandy mayor announces he won’t run this fall, supports bid by Councilor Kathleen Walker

Published 2:30 pm Friday, August 9, 2024

After months of consideration, Sandy Mayor Stan Pulliam has announced that he will not seek another term on council this November. Instead, he has thrown his support behind Councilor Kathleen Walker, who has filed to run for mayor.

Pulliam and Walker butted heads a bit as peers in their early days together on council in 2021, but over time and working together on several important city projects, the two have fostered notable mutual respect.

“As I announce my decision not to seek another term, I do so knowing that our future is in capable hands,” Pulliam wrote in a guest editorial for The Post. “I am proud to endorse Kathleen Walker as the next mayor of Sandy.”

“Kathleen has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a steadfast commitment to our community over the years,” he added. “Her ability to bring people together, regardless of background and political affiliation, is exactly what we need in this moment of uncertainty.

“In politics, as in life, I’ve learned that genuine relationships and shared goals can transcend political lines. I’ve been fortunate to build bridges with individuals like Christine Drazan and Kathleen Walker, who were once opponents but who I now proudly call friends and collaborators. It’s a testament to the power of putting community above politics. Christine will be a wonderful state representative for Sandy and Kathleen will be a great mayor,” Pulliam said.

Walker was elected to council seat No. 4 in 2020, ousting then councilor Jan Lee.

“I am very grateful for Mayor Pulliam’s endorsement,” Walker said. “We had a rocky start, but we both enjoy a challenge. We were initially surprised by how similar our outlooks and goals were on many issues. And when those did not align, we were able to listen respectfully, be open to ideas, and find common ground where we could agree and make progress that helped Sandy. Working towards a consensus with council where possible helps us solve the complex issues that Sandy faces. I want to hear more about your concerns, share ideas and get feedback on how I can help address those, to protect our hometown community.”

Walker is a consultant in trail design, planning and grant writing and retired from the U.S. Forest Service. She has a bachelor’s degree in forest management.

Other than council, she has served on the Sandy Design Committee, the Sandy Budget Committee and the Sandy Parks and Trails Board. In the past, she has acted as a volunteer project manager, partnering to do work like the creation of the Tickle Creek Trail, build trails in Sandy River Park and help acquire the recent grant-funded upgrades to Jonsrud Viewpoint.

As a council member, she has served as a liaison to the Library Advisory Board, and also been involved with the Economic Development Advisory Board and the advisory committees focused on the wastewater/drinking water treatment project and the Sandy Community Campus development.

Pulliam explained that his decision to end his time on council was related to focusing more on his family.

“As I reflect on my time as mayor and contemplate the future, I find myself filled with a mix of emotions—excitement for the new adventures ahead with MacKensey and our daughters, along with gratitude for the opportunity to serve this remarkable community,” he said. “It’s been a privilege to work alongside you all, tackling challenges head-on and striving to make Sandy an even better place to live and raise families. With one daughter a freshman at Sandy High School in the fall and another entering middle school, MacKensey and I are just too darn excited to experience this next season of our lives with our daughters. I plan to be there for every single moment I can.”

Pulliam noted that he feels he was able to accomplish quite a bit in his tenure, including “infrastructure improvements like new roads and parks to supporting our police in times when leaders in other communities did not, to planning for our future growth to supporting our local businesses through challenging times.”

“Our city stands stronger today thanks to our collective efforts and the dedication of our city employees and community leaders,” he added. “Yet, our work is far from over. Sandy still faces significant challenges, particularly in areas like wastewater management and navigating state-level policies that impact our local governance. These issues require continued attention and collaboration from our leaders and community members alike.

These are challenges that I’m excited to see our next mayor and city council take on with my full appreciation and support as I will not be seeking another term as mayor.”

“I would not have run if Stan had run again,” Walker said. “I think he’s done a good job. We don’t always agree but we always try to work together to find common ground.”

Walker’s current seat, which is up for contest this fall, has one person filed to run as of Aug. 9: Aryn Ferguson, endorsed by the People for Sandy PAC.

If elected as mayor, Walker hopes to use her grant procurement skills and position to help solicit funds for the city’s largest ongoing projects, like the wastewater treatment plant project.

“I feel like I’m in a good position to help us get state and federal funds,” she explained.

She added that she plans to continue to advocate for development in Sandy being required to pay for itself, as well as “responsible growth and resident-friendly policies.”

“We can’t be subsidizing these developers … it puts the fees on the backs of our residents,” Walker said.

She expressed concerns that her would-be opponent if she had opted to run to retain position no. 4 is a “developer.”

“I have some concerns that we get someone who is resident-focused,” Walker said. “I am concerned about having a developer on council. It’s nothing personal.”

That said, as the topic of representation for rural Sandy residents has come up frequently, often in conversations related to the People for Sandy PAC, Walker said she recognizes the big role those neighbors play in town, especially as very valuable volunteers.

“I have the utmost respect for them and they make up a great deal of our volunteer base, serving the community,” she explained. “Everybody’s got a voice and I’m listening to everybody.”

Walker is excited in the near future to see the Cedar Park completed and offering more resources to the Northeastern area of town.

“There was no developed park in that area before,” she explained. “I’m really encouraged by the opportunities there (with the pump track and skate park). I think the playground will also have some inclusive features. It’s going to be a fun park for all ages.”

If not elected as mayor, Walker said she’ll still look for opportunities to be involved.

“I love Sandy and want to protect our small town feeling and sense of community,” she said. “The concerns I hear from residents (and share), include slowing growth, ensuring developers pay for their infrastructure, and countering the State Legislature’s push for higher density in Sandy. We need increased Sandy Police patrols for speeders and red-light runners and to reduce property theft and homeless camping problems. We must get more state and federal infrastructure grant funding for our costly sewer and water projects, so we can reduce our utility bills. We need to continue providing community services, parks and trails for all — from kids to seniors. If I am elected mayor, along with re-electing Councilors Hokanson and Sheldon, who share these goals, our council can make considerable progress on improving Sandy’s future livability.”