What each candidate brings to the table matters. My record and experience are part of who I am, but more importantly, this election is about Provo’s future and what kind of leadership we want to move us forward.
As I’ve talked with so many of you, one thing is clear — we all love Provo and want to see it continue to thrive. We want a city government that listens, that is careful with our tax dollars, and that is responsive and works in partnership with residents and businesses to solve problems.
MY FIVE PRIORITIES FOR FIRST YEAR
I want to share five of the key priorities I’ll focus on in my first year as mayor — goals that will help Provo grow responsibly, strengthen our economy, and bring our community together.
1. Cut red tape for local businesses.
Starting and running a business in Provo should be simple and efficient. I’ll streamline the business licensing process and proactively work to attract retail and services to areas that are currently underserved. Supporting our local job creators is the best way to strengthen our sales tax base and keep revenue in Provo.
2. Launch a public transparency portal.
Residents deserve to see how decisions are made and how their tax dollars are spent. I’ll create an easy-to-use online portal so everyone can easily find voting records, projects, disclosures, budgets, and more. (Click HERE to see Orem’s)
3. Create a strategic plan with measurable goals.
A strategic plan provides clear goals, defined priorities, accountability measures, and metrics for success so that we can track progress, increase accountability, and continuously improve. This will ensure that the mayor’s office and all departments are efficient and responsive.
4. Bring our community together.
Provo thrives when we gather and connect. I want to see the return of events like the Rooftop Concert Series, open-air concerts at the Epic Sports Park, and neighborhood food truck nights that bring people together and celebrate our local culture.
5. Update our transportation and city master plans.
It’s time to take a fresh look at how we move and grow as a city. I’ll work to open up and update our master plans to reflect today’s needs — and to ensure sustainable, forward-thinking development that preserves what we love about Provo while planning wisely for future generations.
I have a lot of other plans and challenges I will be working on, like implementing student housing solutions and making our streets safer, but this email would be too long if I kept going. 😀 To find out more, please visit my website, marshajudkins.com.
FACT CHECKER
This campaign has been amazing in many ways! I have loved learning so much about Provo and meeting so many residents. I hope I have the opportunity to work with you as your mayor to bring fresh ideas and energy to City Hall. This campaign shouldn’t be about partisanship or personal attacks — it’s about ideas, leadership, and the future of our city.
Please reach out with any questions or comments you have. With so much misinformation flying around about my voting record and how difficult it can be to find information on the legislative website, it can be hard to find the real story. In light of the recent attack mailer sent out by the Mayor, I have created a page on my website that explains each of her claims and also links to every bill so you can see the truth for yourself. Here is the link.
IT’S TIME TO VOTE!
Municipal elections are where your voice and vote can be amplified. Many of these races are decided by only a handful of votes. If you haven’t already voted, here is how you can.
Mailed ballots have to be received, not postmarked, by November 4th. If you are able, dropboxes are a great way to vote quickly without having to worry if the Elections Office has received your ballot in time.
You can drop off your ballot at dropbox locations 24/7 through 8pm on November 4th. Provo locations are the Provo Library and the Utah County Administration Building Drive up and Walk up.
You can vote early in person every business day now through November 3rd between 8 am and 5 pm at the Utah County Elections Office.
On election day, November 4th, you can vote in person at the Provo Health and Justice Building between 7am and 8pm.
Dianne Loft says:
I am conflicted who to vote for mayor of Provo. I like your idea of portal which I see Orem has. I spend so much time having to find the place on Provo’s website to for information or comments. I am not sure getting a business license in Provo is difficult. I feel downtown Provo is geared to younger people. And lets face it people shop online … maybe that will change. Parking downtown Provo is problematic which only go for dining.. I feel Mayor Kaufusi has hd 8 years to faciliate better development of Provo Towne Mall, although I believe management has changed several times which may create problems in moving forwared there. I am disgusted Provo did not respond to one million dollar offer of a feral cat program (TNR) by Best Friends. The road for west/east access if awful as I live on the West Side. Maybe don’t give building permits for the west side and KEEP some open space and farmland. Unfortunately Provo and the Utah County I-15 corridor is look like California which is NOT a positive for me. I read your response to Mayor’s claims about your time in legislature and felt much seems reasonable; however, your response regarding trans in bathroom i.e. masculive-looking females being question (think I got that correct as I read it several days ago) was not acceptable defense for me. I appreciative your thoughtfulness and responses. My mind is still not made up on who to vote for mayor. When Provo voted the best run city by one organization, I have to ask why change?
Marsha Judkins says:
Dianne, thank you for taking the time to research and ask questions. You listed about half a dozen reasons why Provo needs change and fresh ideas. These are all things I want to address as mayor. I read through your post multiple times and feel like we are very aligned on the changes we would like to see in Provo. If you have questions you would like me address specifically, please give me a call: 801-669-6962. If I don’t answer, please leave a message and I will call you back. I would love to earn your vote.