Saxton will get chance to defend council seat
Saxton was the top vote-getter in Tuesday's primary election in District 4, collecting 38.9 percent of the vote. The two-time incumbent will face off with Luke Garrott, a professor of political science at the University of Utah, in the general election Nov. 6. Garrott received 34.2 percent of the vote.
"It's always nice to make it though the primary," Saxton said. "This is politics, so you never know."
In District 6, political newcomers Roger McConkie and JT Martin will vie for the seat being vacated at the end of the year by Councilman Dave Buhler. McConkie earned 39.9 percent of the vote, and Martin collected 31.2 percent. Ellen Reddick fell just short of advancing with 27.7 percent.
Saxton, a Democrat, initially was part of the crowded field to replace Rocky Anderson as mayor, but she withdrew from the race in June.
Saxton ran a mostly quiet primary campaign, relying mainly on reputation and experience, and raising less than $4,000 as of Aug. 30, according to finance reports.
Garrott collected more than three times that amount — nearly $12,300 — for his campaign, calling for new, cooperative leadership that is willing to listen to the voice of the people.
McConkie, an attorney and shareholder with the law firm of Prince, Yeates & Geldzahler, received nearly $18,300 in contributions to his first political campaign, which centered around restoring civility to Salt Lake City government.
"I think our message resonated with people who like me are tired of the same old politics, where (politicians divided by party) are just unwilling to listen to each other's opinions and we just have gridlock," said McConkie, a moderate Democrat.
Martin said he decided to run for office to give small-business owners a voice on the City Council. He and wife Kimberly have owned and operated Emigration Market on the corner of 1300 South and 1700 East since 1999.
Martin ran the most high-profile campaign of any of the City Council candidates, raising more than $27,500, according to finance reports.
"This campaign for me has been about the importance of small business, walkable communities and neighborhoods," he said. "I'm excited to get back out there and campaign (for the general election)."
Councilman Van Turner is seeking re-election in District 2, but with only one challenger, J. Michael Clara, no primary was needed.
E-mail: jpage@desnews.com
Recent comments
I believe your reporting is inaccurate. Roger McConkie came in first…
Gordon Martin | Sept. 12, 2007 at 10:00 a.m.
Sloppy reporting. McConkie placed first with 39.8% and Martin second…
Russ Mitchell | Sept. 12, 2007 at 9:21 a.m.
