S.L. councilman enters race for state Senate

0 Comments | Deseret News (Salt Lake City), Mar 11, 2008 | by Jared Page Deseret Morning News

Carlton Christensen is ready to take his Salt Lake City government experience to the state level.

Christensen, an 11-year member of the Salt Lake City Council, filed Monday as a Republican candidate for Senate District 1, joining incumbent Fred J. Fife, D-Salt Lake, and Democrat Luz Robles in the race to represent Salt Lake City's west side and part of West Valley City.

"I love Salt Lake City, I love the City Council and I love representing my area," Christensen said. "I feel like (running for state Senate) is a way to take a lot of the things I've learned and some of the contacts I've made and try to be more effective at the state level, both for the city and for the district I would represent."

Christensen, a lifelong Salt Lake resident who grew up in Rose Park, was elected in November 2005 for a third term on the City Council representing District 1. He currently serves as vice chairman of the council, a post he previously held in 1998 and 2002. Christensen was City Council chairman in 2000 and 2003.

"Personally, I'm at a point in my life when I'm ready for a change," he said. "I want to do something a little bit different, but hopefully still have an opportunity to represent those people I've lived and grown up with."

Christensen also has experience at the state level, serving from 1999 to 2007 as a governor-appointed member of the Utah Quality Growth Commission. In 2003, he also was appointed to the state's Solid and Hazardous Waste Control Board. Christensen is serving his second term as chairman of that board.

"I've also interfaced with the Legislature for a number of years," he said.

Christensen's City Council term runs through the end of 2009, meaning he would have to resign about a year early if elected.

"I feel like I'm ready to spend more time on broader state issues," he said.

Christensen, 42, works as a community development representative for Zions Bank. He and his wife, Cathleen, are the parents of two daughters, Jessica and Sarah.

West Valley City Mayor Dennis Nordfelt is among those supporting Christensen's campaign.

E-mail: jpage@desnews.com