Sheldon B. Stewart - Salt Lake County Council District 5

01/02/2026

After deep reflection and consultation with my family, I have decided to withdraw my candidacy for reelection to the Salt Lake County Council, District 5.

​This was not an easy decision but knowing strong conservatives have already expressed interest I am comfortable with the decision as well. Serving the residents of the Southwest Valley has been a profound honor, and I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together. When I took office, I promised to bring a conservative, experienced voice to the Council and to work toward reducing the size and scope of county government.

​Looking back, we have made significant strides toward that goal. Together, we have:

​Challenged unchecked government growth and advocated for a leaner budget.

​Prioritized essential services while identifying areas to streamline bureaucracy.

​Ensured that the voices of District 5 residents were heard loud and clear.

​While I will not be on the ballot this coming election, my commitment to these principles remains unchanged. I look forward to finishing my current term strong and continuing to fight for a smaller, more efficient government until my final day in office.

​Thank you for your trust, your support, and the privilege of serving you.
​Sincerely,
Sheldon Stewart

10/21/2025

Today I learned of a 20% tax increase for the county just as everyone else did. I am concerned that this increase is to make permanent time limited positions that were the result of COVID money and didnt exist before. I am not arguing that some increase may be needed but 20% is a large pill when some of those positions are not necessary. We have many residents that are already struggling with tax increases tied to services that are necessary like fire, police, and water. I support a reasonable approach to funding and want to better understand what this funds but cannot support an increase of this size.

05/21/2025

My great friend Mackey Smith is running for office check it out..

12/06/2024

Last year when I learned the County had accepted George Soros funds, I questioned the process for considering grants and put together these "10 Guiding Questions When Considering Grants." Today it was presented in a longer form at the American Cities and Counties Exchange, an association of conservative city and county elected officials, where my colleagues from around the country voted to adopt it as a model Guidance tool that they could use and share.

Later today, at a meeting of state legislators from around the country, it was also decided to adopt this Guidance tool for state legislators as well.

There were lots of positive comments about how this simple tool can be very helpful to make decisions regarding what could be large sums of money that comes into governments with lots of strings attached.

Thanks, Senator Kirk Cullimore for the assist!

See more details in the comments.

11/05/2024

We continue to review departmental budget proposals ahead of formally adopting it in December. I will be voting in support of a number of cuts today.

https://slco.legistar.com/MeetingDetail.aspx?ID=1230156&GUID=C6B1DBDE-5E14-49DA-80A4-796B8903F4FB&Options=info|&Search=

11/05/2024

10/22/2024

Here is my statement in response to Mayor Wilson's proposed budget. It doesn't scratch the surface of the many things that can be cut, but fire and emergency services should be the last to cut.