COMMUNITY ENDORSEMENTS
Sandy City Councilwoman At-Large
Linda Martinez Saville
and Sandy Resident
"I am endorsing Brooke D’Sousa for Sandy’s District 4. Brooke has taken the time over the last couple of years to get to know how the city operates, and understands the issues facing Sandy. Brooke will be a true asset to Sandy. She is a person of integrity who will lead with honesty and respect. Join me in supporting Brooke D’Sousa for Sandy City Council. "
Sandy City Councilman At-Large
and Sandy Resident
Steve Fairbanks,
"Brooke D’Sousa is the kind of person we need on the Sandy City Council. She’s someone who is not beholden to anyone, is not angry over any issue, and wants to serve for the sake of service. She has a humility that is refreshing. I absolutely support her for Sandy City Council District 4 and ask you to give her your vote!"
Sandy City Councilwoman District 3
Kris Nicholl,
and Sandy Resident
"I'm endorsing Brooke D'Sousa for Sandy City Council District 4 because she exemplifies honesty, fairness and thoughtfulness. Brook will use those qualities to create better balance in Sandy. Brooke seeks out new ideas and different perspectives, weighs the alternatives, considers possible outcomes and develops reasonable positions. She’s approachable and engaged, and genuinely committed to governing well. Please join me in supporting Brooke D'Sousa by voting for her when your ballots arrive."
Chris McCandless,
Sandy City Councilman District 4,
and Sandy Resident
"As you might recall, I m not running for a sixth time for the Sandy City Council seat in District Four. For the most part, I have tried to stay out of the political races this year as I didn’t want my opinion to get politicized (which it did anyway).
I have had residents ask me, who should I vote for? In answering the question, I have had to define for myself what makes a good City Councilmember and I want to share my thoughts as is listed below:
IMPARTIALITY. An elected City Councilmember must maintain a certain level of impartiality. For every decision you make there are citizens who will be happy and those who will feel anger.
INTEGRITY. A Councilmember must have the capacity to make every decision based upon being impartial and honest. Sometimes the decision can be directly opposed to what, in some instances offends very close friends and even family. Those decision are not made lightly and will have long lasting negative impacts on relationships. A Councilmember must be willing to sacrifice what they love the most to protect the interests of the many.
COMMITMENT. Being a Councilmember takes an inordinate time commitment and most folks have limited time and the candidate must be able to provide enough time to do the job. It will take more time that most candidates realize. For me, it’s been consistently 20-40 hours per week.
PASSION AND COMPASSION. Being a Councilmember you make difficult decisions and need to have passion for the purpose/decision at hand and of course be committed to its success (or defeat). Then, you need to have compassion for the opposition. For the system to work a Councilmember needs to be able to disagree and then reach out in friendship after the difficult decisions have been made to the opposition.
BALANCE. The Council and the Mayor form two separate parts of the government creating a check and balance system. Both branches of the government need to work together for the common good. But, a good Councilmember needs the courage to disagree with the Mayor. Without this check and balance, our city governance has a higher propensity to fail.
The second part of the balance equation is the experience you bring to the council. For me, I brought a knowledge of real estate development and marketing to the council. This has helped the council become more informed on certain real estate-based decisions. About 75% of all council decisions are based in part on real estate development and zoning. This experience has helped me vote on important elements that make Sandy great!
THE VOCAL AND SILENT MAJORITY. Public clamor is one of the most difficult issues facing councilmembers today. For example, one of our local groups, whom are extremely vocal rely on intimidation and clamor to make up for the fact that their special interest only represents about 4.5% of the residential land mass use in Sandy’s neighborhoods; they are the very vocal minority. The other 95.5% of residents in Sandy, in some instances remain silent and expect the council to make a decision weighted upon what’s good for the majority, not the minority.
A Councilmember MUST be include all the information conveyed through all the people and organizations and then internally catalogue the data (including the vocal minorities public clamor).
A councilmember then must be able to set aside his/her own personal desires and vote on what the majority of ALL the residents of the City want, not just a select vocal minority.
TEAM PLAYER. Councilmembers must understand that he or she is only one vote and that nothing gets done without the help and votes of the other six City Councilmembers.
In conclusion and back to the original question as to whom I would vote for? First let me state that I like all of today's candidates. They all have their strengths and weaknesses.
But, using the above criteria of what makes a good Councilmember, I am supporting Sandy City Council Candidates Cyndi Sharkey and Marci Houseman for the At-Large council seats and Brooke D'Sousa to take my place in District Four.
Most importantly – please vote!"
Joel Frost,
Former At-Large Candidate and Sandy
Resident
"Of all candidates running for Sandy City Council, Brooke D'Sousa has taken the most time to get to know me and my family. She has given us the time to discuss all our concerns and questions about Sandy with her.
Through this process we've been able to get to know her, and learn her life story. Her life is an example of strength, courage and perseverance through challenge, and creating positive change in the world around her. She truly is as kind as she seems when you first meet her, and kindness will be a true asset to her in her time on City Council.
There are many good candidates for city council, and my endorsement is not against anyone. More to the point, this endorsement is for Brooke and what she stands for. Her stance on responsible growth and fiscal responsibility in our city align most closely with my own. She will be a great asset to our city. She is not a candidate who is looking to fill any political seat. She specifically wants to serve Sandy, and her experience will stay here to benefit our city, rather than using City Council as a stepping stone for something "bigger".
I encourage everyone in District 4 to study the candidates and give consideration to Brooke D'Sousa as a candidate for city council. "
Former District 4 Candidate and Sandy
TJ McLelland,
Resident
"Hello fellow Sandy Residents. I am formally endorsing Brooke D'Sousa.
Brooke's campaign more closely aligns with my own while I was running. Here are a couple of quick topics that we clearly saw eye to eye on.
We both would have voted "no" to the tax increase. What was interesting to watch that night of truth in taxation were all the emotions flying in the room. Placing a badge on the tax increase was a great ploy to make anyone voting it down to be painted as a bad person, or anti first responders. That clearly wasn't the case, Brooke in particular wants to give our first responders what they need to get their jobs done, stay safe, and keep us safe. Funding it differently would have been the case. If you want to review the video, you can clearly see 3 unemotional individuals that night, 2 past mayors and 1 past councilman...clearly advocating that they could make a committee to check out the tax increase. I know it was a drawn out process, but it could have been beneficial to have past experience look at this tough issue. I support Brooke in her fight to say no to tax increases.
Another thing that I think goes over looked all too often is how much time Brooke has put into preparing herself for this position. Attending Citizens academy, fire academy, and countless other city functions, she has paved the way to understand so many city facets, like who is involved, the problems involved, the people to ask the questions to, tons of other things.
Brooke has been running the facebook page that has given us so much information...don't you think she will be a great asset to give us more information as a city councilwoman....?
At the start of my race, I told Brooke that she is probably a better candidate than me, she just has so much knowledge about the inner workings of the city. You can ask her, if that conversation took place.
Something that is crazy, and you can ask other candidates that are running....when there were meetings with City employees or officials, for all of us to attend... Brooke was there, prepared, and with a bazillion questions. She seriously left me and others, sitting there wondering, wow...did I ask any good questions?
Anyway, last thoughts, Brooke can get people to work together and compromise for the greater good, and that is valuable at any level of Government."
Former District 4 Candidate and Sandy
TJ McLelland,
Resident
"Hello fellow Sandy Residents. I am formally endorsing Brooke D'Sousa.
Brooke's campaign more closely aligns with my own while I was running. Here are a couple of quick topics that we clearly saw eye to eye on.
We both would have voted "no" to the tax increase. What was interesting to watch that night of truth in taxation were all the emotions flying in the room. Placing a badge on the tax increase was a great ploy to make anyone voting it down to be painted as a bad person, or anti first responders. That clearly wasn't the case, Brooke in particular wants to give our first responders what they need to get their jobs done, stay safe, and keep us safe. Funding it differently would have been the case. If you want to review the video, you can clearly see 3 unemotional individuals that night, 2 past mayors and 1 past councilman...clearly advocating that they could make a committee to check out the tax increase. I know it was a drawn out process, but it could have been beneficial to have past experience look at this tough issue. I support Brooke in her fight to say no to tax increases.
Another thing that I think goes over looked all too often is how much time Brooke has put into preparing herself for this position. Attending Citizens academy, fire academy, and countless other city functions, she has paved the way to understand so many city facets, like who is involved, the problems involved, the people to ask the questions to, tons of other things.
Brooke has been running the facebook page that has given us so much information...don't you think she will be a great asset to give us more information as a city councilwoman....?
At the start of my race, I told Brooke that she is probably a better candidate than me, she just has so much knowledge about the inner workings of the city. You can ask her, if that conversation took place.
Something that is crazy, and you can ask other candidates that are running....when there were meetings with City employees or officials, for all of us to attend... Brooke was there, prepared, and with a bazillion questions. She seriously left me and others, sitting there wondering, wow...did I ask any good questions?
Anyway, last thoughts, Brooke can get people to work together and compromise for the greater good, and that is valuable at any level of Government."
Senior City Attorney
former Sandy City Deputy Mayor and
Patrick Casaday,
Sandy District 4 Resident,
"I support Brooke D’Sousa for Sandy City Council District 4. She understands the workings of local government, and she works well with other people. Brooke is committed to maintaining our core municipal services while opposing property tax increases when other funding sources may be available. Together with Marci Houseman and Cyndi Sharkey (at-large candidates who I also support), our City will be in good hands with Brooke."
Lone Peak Elementary SCC Member
Michelle Pearce,
"I endorse Brooke D’Sousa for Sandy City Council District 4. I met Brooke last year when we worked together on the School Community Council (SCC) for Lone Peak Elementary in the Canyons School District. As Council Chair, Brooke’s dedication was invaluable to conducting the SCC and following procedures consistent with Utah law and board rule. Brooke contributed to the development, review and ongoing support of school improvement plans and the funding from the School LAND Trust Program. Brooke has always displayed a high degree of integrity, responsibility and ambition. She is certainly a leader rather than a follower. Brooke is a dependable team player and her good judgment ensures a logical and practical approach to her endeavors. If you want to see honest people in government, join me in supporting Brooke D’Sousa for Sandy City Council."
Linda Webb, Sandy Resident
"My name is Linda Webb and I have been a resident of Sandy City for 30 years. I am endorsing Brooke D’Sousa for Sandy City Council District 4. In getting to know Brooke these past few years I have found her to be fun, generous, educated, caring and very involved in Sandy City.
Sandy is her home and she loves Sandy City and wants only the best for all of the residents. She attends all the meetings for Sandy City and shares the information she gets with all of us on her website. Brooke would be an great asset to the Sandy City Council. Her leadership and communication skills are some of her best assets."
Victoria Nelson, Sandy Resident
"My decision to endorse Brooke D’Sousa had many reasons as to why but there are three key reasons that should be highlighted. Communication. Education. Drive.
Within Communication - I have rarely known Brooke in the past few years of building a business and personal relationship to not have some of the most admirable communication. Which I feel strongly as if can be an essential part to her being a great addition to the District candidacy and chair. Not only is she clear and direct in what she is communicating but she is always willing to listen. When I say listen, I mean LISTEN. Which plays into her Education aspect so well.
Within Education - Brooke is a constant scholar and never shy’s away from empowering and bestowing her knowledge upon friends, family, clients or colleagues. I would feel beyond confident that any issue or matter she is going to support or deny within her District she will make such a decision after learning as much as she can about what she can with the matter. In turn, also educating those who surround her with that knowledge.
Within Drive - As a mother, wife, student, professional, whatever it may be Brooke has always shown nothing less than drive and determination to accomplish what she sets out to do. The District deserves someone who is going to be driven and go the extra mile within their role."
Vicki VanDenBerghe,
Sandy Resident
"I want to endorse Brooke D’Sousa for Sandy City Council. Brooke has a diverse background, participating in focus groups in Sandy, serving in her children’s schools, and volunteering in the community. Brooke also works in residential real estate, giving her a perspective on real estate and land issues that are often brought up in city council meetings. She continues to push herself to new achievements, and is working toward a degree at the University of Utah.
Brooke is an advocate. She works tirelessly to stand up to those who may not have their voices heard. I personally know Brooke and her family. For the past five years, I have had the opportunity to hear her voice her concerns on behalf of her daughter, who has autism. Not only does she voice those concerns, she helps identify solutions and positive outcomes to her daughter’s team that are for the benefit of everyone. She takes everyone's opinions and suggestions into account as well. She is devoted to helping her daughter have the best life possible.
As a member of Sandy City Council, Brooke will work toward making sure Sandy residents have a voice in their city. She will work toward transparency for the citizens of Sandy. She has the passion and drive for the responsibilities of a council member. "
