The Layton City Council candidates are Jory Rand Argyle, Britshana Dahl Barfuss, incumbent council member Bettina Smith Edmondson, Mike Kolendrianos, Linda Lartigue, Jarrod Morrill, Cody Rae and Claude Young.

The Standard-Examiner asked each candidate a series of questions to help readers better understand their respective platforms and qualifications. Their answers are assembled below; responses were not received from Rae or Young.

What (if any) prior or ongoing political/organizational experience do you have?

Argyle: “I have experience in the professional world as a team member, manager, trainer and director for the world’s largest construction materials company. I have built, trained and developed new trainers on leadership development trainings for employees throughout the intercontinental U.S. This is my first venture in the political realm.”

Barfuss: “I successfully coordinated, planned and put together the Davis County Republican Party caucus in March 2024.”

Edmondson: “Layton City Councilwoman, elected 2021.”

Kolendrianos: “President of charitable organizations.”

Lartigue: “I have over a decade of experience in local government and nonprofit leadership. I’ve served in both the Layton and Ogden city governments, working on community engagement, public safety coordination, grant management and strategic planning. I also co-founded Trips for Troops, a nonprofit organization that connects military families with host communities. I served as executive director of Deaf Dreams, advocating for Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. My work has always focused on access and building stronger communities.”

Morrill: “N/A”

Why are you running for this position?

Argyle: “I’m running for Layton City Council because Layton City is bursting with untapped potential! We are at a difficult crossroads where growth is inevitable, housing is not affordable for the younger generations, green space must be preserved, and each of those factors combined with multiple others is scary to my fellow citizens of Layton, because change is difficult. Commitment to a solid master plan coupled with increasing education and awareness is critical to its success. Layton must build off of its historical identity, while also creating unique city centers, each with their own unique identity and experiences.”

Barfuss: “I am a 29-year-old Layton resident who is a strong advocate for localized zoning, private property ownership and government transparency.”

Edmondson: “I’m a lifelong resident of Layton, bringing local roots and my professional experience to the Layton City Council. I’m running to continue the good work I’ve done to represent the city of Layton and to amplify the voices of all its residents. My passion for my community is evident in my council roles and volunteer work, where I focus on youth and families, civic engagement and the arts. My current role as a data analyst is evident in the way I process and think through council decisions. I collaborate with residents, business owners and policymakers alike to bridge perspectives and build solutions that serve Layton’s diverse needs. I am a trusted leader, with experience in looking at all aspects of a situation and bringing parties together to come up with the best solution for all involved. I’m running to continue building a stronger, more connected Layton.”

Kolendrianos: “In 2005, after attending a City Planning meeting as we chatted on the City Hall steps, I was told by a developer/elected official that ‘if you don’t like how Layton is growing, you should move.’ I didn’t like his statement or tone, so I got involved instead. Over the years, I’ve been approached by members of our community, representatives and elected officials, all encouraging and supporting me to run for the council. I strive to educate myself on the matters at hand by seeking advice from industry experts, stakeholders and the individuals most affected, all with the goal of coming to a balanced and versatile solution. This support, my experience and my determination to improve and advocate for our community is why I ask for your vote.

Lartigue: “I’m running for Layton City Council because I believe every family deserves to feel seen, heard and supported. As a military spouse, trilingual resident and mother of a deaf daughter and autistic son, I’ve experienced firsthand how city policies affect everyday life. I’ve spent my career working to make local government more responsive and inclusive and now I want to bring that experience home to Layton. I’m running to represent the voices of families, working parents, military households and anyone who has ever felt left out of the conversation. I want to ensure Layton continues to grow with heart, while protecting the values that make our city such a special place to live. I’ll bring practical experience, thoughtful leadership and a deep commitment to serving our entire community.”

Morrill: “I’m running for Layton City Council to bring leadership built on trust and service. My focus is on earning your trust through integrity, serving with purpose and building a better future for all. I believe in people over politics, prioritizing the needs of our residents above political agendas. Together, we can create a Layton that thrives — where growth is balanced, opportunities are accessible and every voice is heard. I’m committed to working for you, always putting the people of Layton first!”

What do you think are the biggest challenges facing your municipality?

Argyle: “The biggest challenge that Layton City faces is its size, current population and inevitable continued growth. All of those things create complexities that require strategic planning and commitment. I’m committed to protecting and restoring Layton’s heritage, a large part of which is farm lands. I’m also committed to other green spaces, by increasing parks and their functionality, providing options for dog parks, connecting trails throughout the city and improving (including more facilities) Layton’s recreational programs for all. Lastly, I want to bring back the prosperity that Layton has lost to our neighboring cities.”

Barfuss: “Rising property taxes/rent, not allowing secondary water to conserve water and Layton withdrawing from the Wasatch Integrated Waste Management District.”

Edmondson: “I think the biggest challenge facing my city is managing the growth we are experiencing in a respectful and data-driven way that meets the needs of our current and future residents. I am a proven and trusted leader who makes informed decisions through careful analysis and research. I understand that every choice can have lasting effects across the entire city, not just in one neighborhood. It is with this care and precision that I evaluate development plans, as well as requests for zoning and ordinance changes. With my experience as a trusted leader, and with a steady hand to balance residents’ concerns and these unique needs of our city, I believe Layton is a place where all families can thrive for years to come.”

Kolendrianos: “Mental illness. During my employment with the Housing Authority of the County of Salt Lake, I was witness to many of the effects of mental illness firsthand. Whether it was homeless veterans suffering from PTSD, individuals with functional mental illness or the elderly and the decline with age, it was clear that mental illness weighed upon individuals, their family and community more than many of the other challenges we all face today.

“This was also part of a conversation I had with Chief Swanson and that conversation cemented my opinion that mental illness is the No. 1 issue facing Layton City, as I asked Chief Swanson the same question you asked me today. Without any hesitation, his answer was mental illness, and he elaborated with many similar details that I had experienced in my profession.”

Lartigue: “Layton’s biggest challenge is managing rapid growth while maintaining the quality of life for current residents. As more people move in, our roads, infrastructure, housing and public services are under increasing pressure. Growth brings opportunities, but if it’s not carefully planned, it can lead to traffic congestion, crowded schools and a loss of the small-town feel that makes Layton special. We also need to balance state housing mandates with the character and needs of our local community. Alongside growth, affordability, public safety and communication between the city government and residents are ongoing concerns. To meet these challenges, we need a balanced and thoughtful approach that listens to the people who already live here, improves infrastructure and ensures that new development includes proper planning and adequate resources. Growth should benefit everyone and must be guided by long-term thinking and community input.”

Morrill: “I consider these the biggest challenges facing Layton City — No. 1, the state’s demand for more high-density housing. No. 2, renegotiating the waste management agreement. No. 3, adding a dog park. No. 4, part-time vs. full-time mayor.”

If elected, what would be your priorities?

Argyle: “My priorities include, No. 1 — protecting, restoring and celebrating Layton’s heritage. Layton’s relationship with farming can not be abandoned. Layton has very little of its historical sites remaining; I’m committed to seeking these sites out to help owners identify methods to restore these sites and create meaningful experiences for others; ensuring sustainability.

“No. 2 — fostering integrity through transparency. Layton residents have access to information; unfortunately, the process is complex. I’m committed to identifying better methods and educating citizens on the value of involvement; increasing resident participation and healthy communication.

“No. 3 — strategically planning for prosperity. Planning for prosperity is directly related to our heritage and integrity. Layton needs to commit to a high-quality master plan and educate residents on its value. Without a strategic balanced approach for affordable housing, sub-communities and embracing younger generations, Layton will continue to lose retail and other incomes to our neighboring cities.”

Barfuss: “My priorities are government transparency, zoning that works with Layton’s unique geography, fiscal responsibility and private property ownership.”

Edmondson: “My top priority has always been connecting people and building bridges. Those connections are evident in my volunteering on nonprofit boards and coalitions, as well as my support of public safety, parks, arts and entertainment. Our community includes everyone and together we can do more than we can do alone. I will continue to ensure that our PD and first responders are well-funded, well-trained and well-supported. I will continue to champion our parks and recreation, as well as encourage entertainment and quality businesses in our city. These amenities are crucial to build family and community connection, and support the long-term health and well-being of our residents. I am committed to keeping city council meetings open and transparent, and will continue providing updates and commentary on city council meetings and decisions. I believe in Layton, and as the only incumbent in the race, I will provide the experience our city needs to succeed.”

Kolendrianos: “Ensuring citizens are heard and involved — as we develop the remaining open spaces, re-develop and improve our city, we need to be diligent to ensure these decisions align with Layton’s General Plan. The plan has had significant input from all citizens over the years. We should maintain this plan with only minor adjustments; otherwise, the public deserves additional comment periods to have their say!

“Water Conservation — it is the quickest way to ensure we have enough water for a growing city. Then we can take a look at longer-term solutions to ensure we can maintain the population into the future.

“Mental illness — as our city has grown, and in discussions with our Public Safety leaders, mental illness will weigh on our citizens and their families. I’d advocate for the support of our Public Safety and First Responders to effectively help and care for our community.”

Lartigue: “If elected, my top priorities will be smart, responsible growth, improved infrastructure, and community engagement. I’ll focus on fixing and maintaining roads, supporting public safety, and ensuring that our city services keep pace with growth. I’ll also advocate for accessible government, through neighborhood-based open houses that provide all residents with an opportunity to be heard. Supporting youth and families will be another key focus, especially those navigating disabilities and barriers to access. I believe in thoughtful economic development that helps local businesses and protects our open spaces. I’ll also work to make the city budgeting process more transparent, ensuring tax dollars are spent wisely. Most importantly, I will serve with honesty, fairness, and a commitment to representing every neighborhood and family in Layton, not just some. I want to help shape a future where everyone has a seat at the table.”

Morrill: “My priorities would be to focus on the needs and expectations of Layton residents, including the prior mentioned major challenges facing Layton City. My biggest focus would be to be a voice for Layton residents, especially when it comes to obstructions that may be impacting individuals’ rights & freedoms. If residents are asking why we are not hearing and acting quickly on their concerns, then we as leaders are not being effective city leaders.”

Where should people go to get more information about your campaign?

Argyle: “https://www.votejory4layton.com”

Barfuss: “Facebook: Britshana Barfuss for Layton City Council. Website: https://sites.google.com/view/britshana-layton-city-council/bio. Send questions to BritshanaLaytonCityCouncil@gmail.com”

Edmondson: “https://electbettina.com/”

Kolendrianos: “https://mikeforlayton.com/”

Lartigue: “https://electlinda.com/”

Morrill: “https://www.morrill4layton.com/”

For more information on Layton City’s primary election, go to https://www.laytoncity.org/LC/Government/Election.