Salt Lake County's Bloated Budget

Just one of Mayor Wilson's Deputy Mayors, Darrin Casper, has an annual pay package of $276,115.11 - 21% more than Governor Herbert.

Mayor Wilson's spending is out-of-control.

A few months ago, a reporter with the Salt Lake Tribune interviewed me regarding my race to represent the people of Salt Lake County, District 6.

In my interview, I highlighted the concerning fact that Mayor Jenny Wilson now has 6 – 8 Deputy Mayors, with one Deputy Mayor alone receiving an annual pay package of $276,115.11. Shortly after the interview, the reporter sent an email to me, stating she contacted Mayor Wilson’s office and was told by the Mayor's office she has only 3 Deputy Mayors.

I responded to the reporter with the following:

"Leia,

I have listed below the Deputy Mayors, Associate Deputy Mayors, and the Chief of Staff for Mayor Jenny Wilson.

My talking points have consistently stated 6 - 8 Deputy Mayors, which I include the Associate Deputy Mayors. Please note, particularly the pay packages for Darrin Casper and Erin Litvack. Also, you have an Associate Deputy Mayor (Barnett) making more than a Deputy Mayor. I believe we are splitting hairs on calling Deputy vs Associate Deputy Mayors. https://slco.org/mayor/meet-the-team

Also, I believe if you check the date of the tax increase, Ms. Jill Miller was hired right after the tax increase, right after Jenny Wilson said Salt Lake County residents on fixed incomes, putting kids through college, etc, need to tighten their belts.

My position is: Salt Lake County's Mayor's office has too many over-paid staff, particularly the Deputy and Associate Deputy Mayors. When Deputy Mayors are making nearly a quarter-million dollars and almost $300,000.00 per year pay package, they have exceeded being public servants. We have entered the area of public employees making more than the Governor, becoming millionaires on the backs of the taxpayers. When the median (household) income for Salt Lake County residents is $73,801.00, excessive numbers of Deputy and Associate Deputy Mayors in these pay brackets are offensive, bloated, and out of control. https://transparent.utah.gov/

2019 Darrin Casper. $276,115.11
         Erin Litvak $228,321.62.
                   Also has Executive Assistant
         Catherine Kanter $159.284.10.
                   Catherine's Executive Assistant Sherri Trujillo NO DATA
         Associate Deputy Mayor. Kimi Barnett $172,528.65
         Associate Deputy Mayor. Mike Reburg NO DATA
         Chief of Staff Kerri Nakamura NO DATA
         Associate Deputy Mayor. Jill Miller NO DATA
                   Hired right after the 2019 tax increase"
* red are changes made for clarification

I would love to hear from you regarding this important issue!

Sincerely,

Dea Theodore
Your neighbor and Salt Lake County Council District 6 Candidate