Homebuilder Ivory announces write-in campaign for S.L. County mayor

The Salt Lake County mayor's race got even stranger today when noted homebuilder Ellis Ivory announced he's starting a write-in campaign for the job now held by embattled GOP incumbent Nancy Workman.

Ivory, founder of the largest residential construction firm in Utah, made his announcement this morning on Doug Wright's KSL Radio show after sending a press release to local news media.

Ivory, 64, a Republican, would face Democrat Peter Corroon, independent candidate Merrill Cook and Workman, if she does not get out of the race.

The Salt Lake County GOP central committee is to meet tonight to discuss Workman's problems stemming from charges of misusing public funds. The mayor was bound over for trial on two felony counts Monday. She suggested after the court hearing her decision to drop out or stay in the race will be made tonight.

The Deseret Morning News reported Saturday that in addition to the felony charges, Workman required top county bosses to pay a former boyfriend of her daughter $7,500 for admitted "uncompleted" computer consulting work several years ago. No charges have been filed against Workman in connection with that allegation.

"I'm convinced that (Workman) cannot win," Ivory said today.

He said he's running on the "four Nos.," saying if he wins he will serve with "No salary, no county car, no county credit card and I won't take any campaign contributions."

Workman's administration was rocked this spring by a county car/credit card scandal, although Workman herself was not directly involved.

"I'll pay for this race myself," the multi-millionaire said, noting he has time to serve now because he turned his business over to his son three years ago.

"I know I'd do a good job as mayor. The question is, can I put together enough good people and support to win a write-in campaign," he said.

Jim Bennett, son of U.S. Sen. Bob Bennett, advertising man Evan Twede and campaign consultant Spencer Stokes — all GOP operatives who have worked for Sen. Bennett previously — are organizing the write-in campaign.

Ivory is a member of the Deseret Morning News board of directors. Ivory told John Hughes, the newspaper's editor and chief operating officer, that he was taking a leave of absence from the board while running his race and that he would no longer serve on the board if elected.