Sim Gill, the Democratic candidate for Salt Lake County attorney, is running for reelection in the Nov. 3 general election. He faces Republican Kent Davis.

Gill said in our candidate questionnaire that he is running "to continue the important work we've accomplished in my tenure as District Attorney: building the programs that reform our criminal justice system without compromising public safety." He said, "There's still work to do to support people with severe mental illness and those experiencing homelessness, and strengthen support for victims."

Candidate information

Party: "Democrat"

Family: "I live in Salt Lake with my wife and raised my two children here"

Education: "I graduated from Kearns High School, attended the University of Utah to complete a Bachelor's in History and Philosophy, and then pursued a J.D. from Lewis & Clark Law School (then Northwestern School of Law of Lewis & Clark College), with a Certificate of Specialization in Environmental and Natural Resources Law."

Experience and public service

Gill said he has "served as the Salt Lake County District Attorney since being elected in 2010." He was admitted to the Utah Bar in 1993, according to Wikipedia.

Asked about his work history, Gill said in our questionnaire: "I have spent more than 30 years in public service as a public prosecutor. Before being elected District Attorney, I served as Salt Lake City's Chief Prosecutor, and earlier in my career I prosecuted a wide range of criminal cases."

On the issues

What sets him apart from other candidates: Gill said "the biggest difference is experience leading a prosecutor's office." He cited building "Utah's first Mental Health Court and Veterans Court, a Pre-Filing Diversion Program, a dedicated victim services division, and a public dashboard showing every case we file or decline." He also said he has sent "22 policy proposals to the Legislature, including revisions for how police use-of-force cases are handled."

"You may not always agree with me, but I follow the law, even when it's unpopular, and I will always tell you where I stand," Gill said.

Accomplishments: Gill cited creating "the Salt Lake Area Family Justice Center, and Camp Hope, a program for children recovering from abuse and trauma." He said the office's Pre-Filing Diversion Program "has a success rate above 92 percent" and that the Survivor and Victim Support Services Division "puts social workers alongside prosecutors to support victims through the entire judicial process."

Data centers and development: Asked how he would advise county commissioners on data center and development deals, Gill said: "My job as the county's lawyer is to protect Salt Lake County residents and taxpayers, not to rubber-stamp deals." He said, "Water is our most precious resource, and I specialized in environmental and natural resources law. I advise county leaders that data centers and large developments must meet clear standards that protect our water, energy, and air, with rigorous review of water use, power demand, noise, and environmental impact before approval."

Gill said his office "is already part of the county's working group on the data center moratorium, helping craft rules that protect residents and withstand legal challenges." He added: "On any deal, I'll make sure taxpayers are protected with enforceable commitments, repercussions if promises aren't kept, and terms the public can see."

Endorsements

According to BallotReady, Gill has been endorsed by:

  • Women's Democratic Club of Utah
  • Teamsters Local 222 (Salt Lake City)

Candidate responses come from the Sandy Herald's candidate questionnaire. Answers are presented in the candidate's own words and have not been edited. Additional background is sourced from public records.