W. Jordan voters narrowly opt for Newton as their new mayor

0 Comments | Deseret News (Salt Lake City), Nov 9, 2005 | by Doug Smeath Deseret Morning News

West Jordan voters narrowly picked David Newton as their new mayor Tuesday in a race between two former City Council members who have often been on opposite sides of the city's political divides.

Newton picked up 3,751 votes to Brian Pitts' 3,487 as voters, who ousted incumbent Mayor Bryan Holladay in October's primary election, opted for a change in the city's direction.

The West Jordan election hinged on a handful of controversial issues, but it also carried with it the effects of loyalties and political affiliations. Newton's popularity has largely been among voters loyal to former Mayor Donna Evans, whom Holladay defeated in the 2001 election. When Holladay was beaten in the primary, he said he would support Pitts' candidacy.

Much of the reason the specter of Evans' administration played a role in this election was based on whether voters were happy with the city under Holladay's leadership or ready for a change. Issues that lingered in the election were largely issues brought up during the primary, such as Newton's criticism of a recent $344,000 relandscaping of City Hall and his perception that city government has not been transparent enough.

"We had dozens and dozens of people out there talking and knocking and helping, and that's what did it," Newton said of his victory. "Just like when we built the Wild West Playground with all those volunteers, that's what won this. I don't take that lightly. I'm going to work hard to make sure I represent them in a manner that would be what they expect."

Pitts congratulated Newton and said he will accept the will of the voters.

"We both ran hard campaigns, spirited campaigns, and I feel that I ran a very clean, upbeat campaign," he said. "There's not one thing in my campaign that I'm ashamed of. I always have felt it needed to be that way for my own conscience's sake. I feel satisfied with the results. The voters have cast their intent and I stand behind it. I will support Dave Newton."

Voters also re-elected one City Council member while ousting another. Incumbent Kathy Hilton was re-elected with 3,510 votes, but Councilman Stuart Richardson was not. Voters instead opted for Melissa Johnson, who grabbed 3,957 votes to his 3,077. Karen Shaeffer received 2,662.

E-mail: dsmeath@desnews.com