From Deseret News archives:
Candidates too close for comfort?
Incumbent Mayor Dennis J. Nordfelt is being challenged by political newcomer Adam Calvin Leffler the second counselor in the bishopric of Nordfelt's LDS ward.
Unlike many municipal candidates statewide, the two will not face the rigors of October's primary election as they are the only candidates running. But the neighbors have already begun gearing up for the Nov. 8 general election.
Just glancing at a candidate list makes the two's proximity apparent: Their house numbers are identical except for one number. Leffler lives less than two blocks west of Nordfelt. Same with their home phone numbers: Only one number is different.
The nearness of the candidates left Nordfelt, who is first counselor in the presidency of LDS Church's Salt Lake City mission, concerned about possible divisions in the ward as the two spend the coming weeks readying to face off in the Nov. 8 general election.
So Nordfelt called Leffler, and together they asked their neighbors to refrain from putting up campaign signs.
"We feel that the purpose of the election is to bring positive change to the city, and it's not a good way to start off by dividing the neighborhood where people live," Leffler said. He said there have been some people who put up signs anyway, and together the candidates asked them to take them down.
Leffler said he decided to run for mayor and run the risk of causing a rift in the typically amicable environment of an LDS ward because he believes there are things that need to be done differently in the city.
"I have a great deal of respect for the mayor as a person, yet I have a number of reasons why I felt I needed to run," he said. "People that we both know are moving some of their businesses out of West Valley, and I feel like that's the most important vote of all."
Nordfelt said he knew Leffler was eyeing city office and doesn't take his opponent's challenge personally.
"I was not surprised," Nordfelt said. "He had told me a year or so ago that he had political ambition and that he thought maybe a good way to get his name to be known was to run for local office."
And Leffler said he and Nordfelt remain friends.
Comments
- Alta's Ohai is Ms. Soccer 2009 4:37 p.m.
- Senators want food tax restored 4:35 p.m.
- 2 more in GOP may challenge Bennett 4:04 p.m.
- Miles, Saban back SEC officials 3:46 p.m.
- Baby sitter charged in infant death 3:45 p.m.
- Hockey HOF class gets its rings 3:03 p.m.
- Phelps to test old suits at World Cup 3:03 p.m.
- Flyers get QB back for semifinal tilt 3:02 p.m.
- Former DPS head pleads guilty 2:46 p.m.
- Hasan's lawyer to meet with him 2:45 p.m.
- TCU showdown has big implications
- Seniors helped BYU regroup
- Hope for single moms
- Lambert surprisingly tops news
- Bystanders framed for child porn
- Korver and Miles to be evaluated
- Utah Jazz Extra: Whose hot/not
- Newhouse Hotel, an explosive end
- 12 high schools ready for 'The Turf'
- Reducing game time laughable
- Gay advocates trek to LDS office
261 - House passes health care bill
221 - Lobo suspended
176 - TCU showdown has big implications
164 - Cougars crush hapless Cowboys
153 - Utah Jazz fall apart against Kings
130 - Thousands protest health bill
110 - Provo company innovating engines
108 - TCU 4th in AP poll; U. 16th, Y. 22nd
108 - RSL rallies to advance
103
Meghan McCain, the daughter of former presidential candidate John...
Why do so many people live so close to refineries in Utah and elsewhere?
Thank you for your service, Steve Butler.
"Which was the same argument made when a black man wanted to marry a white...
The thing is it was an article about gorbachev and not ronnie because...
in my opinion, they should leave it off, and take of the remaining portion as...
Oh my goodness, Don--a bit of hyperbole, no? Are you satisfied to continue...
Beautiful essay, Ann. My father-in-law came in on Utah Beach 24 hours after...
C'mon D-News
Thats right raise the tax on the poor.
Wow. Seriously? Who pissed in your orange juice this morning? Two men...
Kay McIff says big families don't really need a tax break? I thought this...


You can be the first to comment on this story.