From Deseret News archives:
'Mayor Workman, begone'
Demo councilmen say scandals are a big distraction
"Mayor Workman, begone," County Councilman Joe Hatch said, invoking Winston Churchill's advice to his World War II political rival, Neville Chamberlain.
On the same day Workman appeared in court on felony misuse of public funds charges and in the wake of reports that she paid her daughter's friend with government funds for computer work never completed in 2003, the county's only three Democratic councilmen Hatch, Horiuchi and Jim Bradley decided it was time to publicly plead with Workman to step down, focus on her legal troubles and let everyone else move on.
The scandals, they said at a hastily called press conference Monday at the Democratic state headquarters, are getting in the way of the county conducting its real business as well as interfering with the mayoral race.
"We have to get rid of the distraction, and the distraction is Mayor Workman," Bradley said. He believes she is damaging the county's future because of her "ego and desire to vindicate herself."
Horiuchi made the public request for Workman, his friend despite political differences, to bow out with a "sad and heavy heart," he said. He even lauded her for doing a good job as mayor. But, he said, "for the good of an institution, you must sometimes make sacrifices. . . . The future of the institution is more important than the good of the individual."
Salt Lake County Council Chairman Steve Harmsen, a Republican, said he didn't want to directly respond to the news conference because he didn't attend it.
He said Workman has many advisers talking with her about her situation. "It's a decision she has to make. I'm not in a position to tell her what to do," Harmsen said. "She's got her view of the forest. It's just a tough time for her."
Horiuchi said Workman will come to the realization that her actions and refusal to step aside while on trial are contributing to the "denigration" of county government. Some speculate that that realization and a possible resignation could happen after the Republican leaders vote on what they would have her do at a meeting tonight.
Comments
- High school girls basketball: Top 20 1:40 a.m.
- High school swimming rankings 1:28 a.m.
- High school girls basketball rankings 1:19 a.m.
- High school boys basketball rankings 1:00 a.m.
- High school sports: Preps of the week 12:49 a.m.
- Y. volleyball beats UVU 12:46 a.m.
- Sports on the air 12:43 a.m.
- Utah Jazz: Game at a glance 12:40 a.m.
- Williams' late jumper tops Spurs 12:34 a.m.
- Revive full food tax? 12:19 a.m.
- Cougars going back to Vegas
- Utah/BYU rivalry can be more civil
- TCU to play Boise in Fiesta Bowl
- Y. profs: Beck not all-knowing
- Witness: Mitchell stalked victims
- Bring the true spirit of Christmas
- Utes excited to go to San Diego
- BYU professor remembered
- Winter weather is here to stay
- Answers for the BCS
- Y. profs: Beck not all-knowing
261 - TCU to play Boise in Fiesta Bowl
203 - Letters: Global warming a lie
156 - Cougars going back to Vegas
147 - Utah/BYU rivalry can be more civil
134 - George lost in rivalry hatefest
119 - Ed Smart 'appalled' at testimony
100 - Harpring's NBA career is over
96 - Utahns want health care reform bills
78 - Utes excited to go to San Diego
75
For the latest news in the health care debate and how it affects you...
Amazon.com, Target.com, Sears.com, Walmart.com, Kmart.com and...
When Boozer was shooting the free throws, why Sloan didn't substitute Mathew...
actions, I will be forced to be accountable for them. I refuse. I am an...
What's with the Utah fans flashing the double L sign?
@mark: So Sam da Ham... you were just making it up?" I'm a climate...
"I have no idea why BYU fans are talking smack about bowl opponents. Even if...
You say to "quit whining and play somebody." Isn't that what everyone is...
Reading these comments, I start wondering-- Whatever happened to faith? Why...
All those numbers when all you reall need to know is that BYU has beat Utah...
All thos numbers when all you reall need to know is that BYU has beat Utah...
So Sam da Ham, when you said this: "Not so. Al Gore is poised to make...


You can be the first to comment on this story.