OREM — Former Alpine schools chief Steven Baugh has announced his candidacy for the state Legislature on the Democratic ticket.

"It's time to stand up for the things we value — the education of our children, our quality of life and the opportunity for everyone to enjoy the American dream," Baugh said, speaking to a crowd of about 50 people in Orem on Tuesday.

A former district superintendent and currently a professor at Brigham Young University, Baugh, 62, is the only Democrat to announce his candidacy in Utah County so far. The filing deadline is in March.

Democrats don't hold a single elected office in Utah County.

Baugh, who received a standing ovation following his speech, said he has been disappointed lately in the status quo. And there are some Utah County residents who are feeling the same way.

Several people interviewed at Tuesday's announcement event said they have decided within the last few months to leave the Republican Party to become a Democrat.

"I've been a Republican all my life until about two months ago," said Wayne Crabb, 60, of Cedar Hills.

"You just can't have a system that is all Republican or all Democrat," Crabb said. "There is a reason the government has been set up the way it has with both Democrats and Republicans."

Claralyn Hill, 59, of Provo, said she switched several months ago.

"I think we need a two-party system down here (in Utah County). A two-party system is very healthy. And I think a lot of other people are feeling this way," Hill said.

"It's a wave of feeling we need to retake our government and our community," she said.

Claudia Reid, 63, of Orem, said she isn't switching political parties — but is supporting Baugh.

"We need a better balance in the Legislature. We need a two-party system in there. And Steve (Baugh) will do that. He will get the job done," Reid said.

Richard Davis, chairman of the Utah County Democratic Party, said a Democrat running in Utah County is "very big," and he feels Baugh "will be a great candidate and a great state legislator."

Baugh's opponent, Stephen Sandstrom, R-Orem, said he was "a little surprised he would throw his hat into the ring against me."

Sandstrom, who represents House District 58, says he welcomes the challenge.

He added: "I'm confident the district will stick with a Republican to represent them."

During his speech, Baugh made reference to the recent voucher debate and his displeasure with theLegislature for voting on bills last session that launched the issue.

The eventual result was a referendum on whether $500 to $3,000 per child of state money should be used for private schools.

The proposal was downed in November's election.

Baugh says he will listen to the people and what they want.

"Tell me what your concerns are. Tell me what you're worried about and what you think the stateLegislature ought to be doing about it," he said.

To emphasize his point, Baugh announced his cell phone number to the crowd: 801-602-1681.

Baugh is an associate professor at BYU and directs a school-university partnership center in the university's school of education. He has lived in Orem for 35 years. He and his wife, Cathy, have raised eight children there.

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E-mail: astewart@desnews.com