Provo race is spicy, but Orem's is on mild side

OREM — Mayoral races in Utah County come in two flavors: mild and scorching.

Provo's race between incumbent Lewis Billings and challenger Dave Bailey continues to burn hot, with both candidates aggressively campaigning for the post.

In Orem, however, the political picante isn't so spicy. The campaigns of incumbent Jerry Washburn and challenger David Workman are quite amiable.

"I think that Orem's race does not have issues that are very controversial or very divisive, nor does it have the personal conflict between individuals," said Washburn.

"I'm grateful . . . that ours seems to be less controversial."

Washburn said the difference in governments is a possible factor for the peaceful politicking.

Provo's mayor is a full-time chief executive, whereas Orem's position is not a full-time job. Though still paid, the Orem seat is more of a service-oriented appointment and puts the mayor on almost equal footing with the City Council, Washburn said.

"Look at Salt Lake City, Ogden, Provo, other cities that have that form of government, and you will see higher-dollar campaigns and quite frequently more controversy," he said. "Our form of government is different. It lends itself to a different flavor of election."

But it's not just governmental differences. The two candidates interact kindly, as well. Workman has repeatedly stated his gratitude for Washburn's service as mayor.

"The mayor (Washburn) is fantastic," said Workman. "He has done a good job. I don't agree with everything he does, but I don't think everyone would agree with what I would do."

But Workman doesn't want his respect to be seen as endorsement for four more years of Washburn. "(Some) make it sound as though I'm just in it for a cake walk," Workman said. "I am in this race to win."

A retired naval officer, Workman keeps busy working as a nurse, where he can talk with community members one-on-one and hear their concerns.

"The mayor . . . is somebody that knows how to listen, and as a nurse I listen all the time."

And what he hears most is concern over roads. After talking to business owners who lost money because of the lengthy project on State Street, Workman said he would like to figure out a way to expedite future projects.

Transportation is also an area of concern for Washburn, although he said the most pressing issue on his radar is the 2006 Legislature. If elected, Washburn said he would focus heavily on working with lawmakers to make sure that proposed legislation is beneficial to Orem.

The two candidates are both in favor of a proposal that would raise sales taxes by one-tenth of 1 percent to fund recreation and cultural arts organizations.