Salt Lake City Council Candidate Dan Dugan, District 6

Having a talent for landing a moving jet aircraft on a roiling and moving aircraft carrier is not a task many find themselves being asked to do in the course of a day’s work, but it’s exactly what Salt Lake City Candidate for District 6, Dan Dugan, found himself doing for 20 years in the United States Navy.

This first time candidate for any office finds his name on the ballot because of his opposition to an inland port in the northwest quadrant of the city, clean air and energy, and a fix for traffic along Foothill Drive. Candidates.vote’s Michael Brownstein was able to spend some time with Dugan and visit about what inspires him as both a person and candidate. And win or lose today, November 5, 2019, Dugan has put himself forward as a candidate and taken hold of the value of his name in DanDugan.vote.

Candidates.vote — What ended up inspiring you to get your start in politics?

City Council Candidate Dan Dugan — Politics have always been a topic of conversation with my family. I have been engaged in politics to a degree and never thought of entering a race for a political office. What drove me to enter the race for the City Council was how our elected officials handled the inland port. I believe they did not and have not listened to their constituents or the city as a whole in the city’s overwhelming opposition to the port development. I am a clean air and energy champion and believe the inland port development is bad for our health and the planet’s health.

Candidates.vote — How do you balance your political and personal life?

City Council Candidate Dan Dugan — The campaign for office overtakes your personal life and this is inevitable. To keep some sort of balance, I put the phone down, turn off the computer and go for a trail run or mountain bike ride, go to a concert, or have dinner with friends trying not to talk campaign.

Candidates.vote — What book are you currently working on reading, and what’s the best part of it?

City Council Candidate Dan Dugan — I am currently working on getting through ‘Hamilton’ by Ron Chernov. The best part of reading anything other than current politics is that your brain can reset and grow in multiple directions.

Candidates.vote — What would you consider your greatest failure, and on the flipside, your greatest success?

City Council Candidate Dan Dugan — My greatest professional failure was also the best thing that happened to me. At one point in my career, I did not get a job I wanted and it led me to move to Salt Lake, gave me the opportunity to be a bigger part of raising my daughters, allowed me to coach lacrosse and be a part of this great community.

I have to say, my greatest accomplishments are serving in the Navy for 20 years and landing an airplane on the deck of an aircraft carrier day and night. Of course, seeing my two daughters grow up to be strong, independent women gives me the greatest joy.

Candidates.vote — What was the most valuable lesson your parents taught you?

City Council Candidate Dan Dugan — I think the most valuable lessons my parents taught me were through their example — be considerate of others, respect others, be honest, and true to your word.

Candidates.vote — What college did you attend, and what made you go there?

City Council Candidate Dan Dugan — I graduated from UC Santa Barbara with a BS degree in Mech Engineering. I went to HS in Sacramento, CA, and decided on attending UCSB because, first, they accepted me, and second, I thought it would be a great place to go to school that was not too close to home.

Candidates.vote — What’s your all-time favorite movie?

City Council Candidate Dan Dugan — I don’t have an all-time favorite movie. I like a wide variety of movies but I don’t spend a lot of time watching them.

Candidates.vote — What comfort food do you go for and why?

City Council Candidate Dan Dugan — I do like a good cookie (okay more than one), and good ice cream. Why — my DNA demands good cookies and ice cream at certain times.

Candidates.vote — What’s your favorite place to visit in Utah?

City Council Candidate Dan Dugan — Zion and Arches National Parks. And our backyard Wasatch Range and canyons can’t be beat for easy access.

Candidates.vote — Hot dogs or hamburgers?

City Council Candidate Dan Dugan — Hamburgers but I do love hotdogs at Utes and Jazz games.

Candidates.vote — What newspapers/magazines/periodicals do you read, and do you read them in paper or digitally?

City Council Candidate Dan Dugan — NY Times– Sunday in paper, daily digitally. SL Trib daily digitally. The Atlantic, US Lacrosse, MOAA (Military Officers of America Association) monthly magazines. I also listen to NPR and read Politico, The Hill, and an assortment of other political websites.

Candidates.vote —What was your first ‘real job’? What did you learn from it?

City Council Candidate Dan Dugan — My first real job was as a US Naval Officer and I spent the next 20 years in the Navy. I learned — discipline, perseverance, hard work, team work, leadership, and learned all about the world.

Candidates.vote — Do you have any pets, and if so, what are they?

City Council Candidate Dan Dugan — My wife is allergic to animals, so having pets is difficult but we did have a sweet chocolate lab for 12 years. Sadie died shortly after my youngest daughter left for college. We currently do not have any pets.

Candidates.vote: What music do you enjoy listening to?

City Council Candidate Dan Dugan — I like classic rock n roll, and music that has come out over the last 10 years not to include hard rap.

Candidates.vote — What’s your preferred way to spend free time and why?

City Council Candidate Dan Dugan — I like spending time outdoors — hiking, running, biking, skiing; and relaxing with a good book. I also like to travel and explore other places and cultures.

Candidates.vote — Who is your greatest idol/person you look up to and why?

City Council Candidate Dan Dugan — My greatest idol would be my Dad. He was the epitome of a gentleman and a scholar. He was a hero to many. He was accomplished and humble.

Candidates.vote — What is something you respect about your political opponents?

City Council Candidate Dan Dugan — I have to respect that he stepped into City Council to make the city a better place to live. It is not an easy job.

Candidates.vote — And finally, if you could send a short message to anyone reading this, what would it be?

City Council Candidate Dan Dugan — Be true to your word and learn to listen first then speak. And rejuvenate your body and mind by spending time outdoors with your family and friends.