S.L. County politics - swamp or wetland?

Pignanelli: A swamp is a well-known geophysical feature — a flooded lowland, filled with woody plants and rotting vegetation that often traps and submerges careless occupants and unwary visitors. Salt Lake County government is the political equivalent of a large marsh. Numerous county elected officials frequently attempt to escape, but only one has succeeded in 50 years. (A fortunate fluke: Democrat County Attorney Frank "Ted" Moss was elected to the U.S. Senate with 38.7 percent of the vote, defeating incumbent Republican Arthur Watkins and former GOP Gov. J. Bracken Lee, running as an Independent.) Also, county officials who were voluntarily or involuntarily retired usually return in some form. (The list of such individuals is too long to detail.) Then there is that horrible smell — a consistent theme with bogs — that things "ain't right."

Only the clueless or disingenuous denies that Salt Lake County is plagued with cronyism, nepotism and sweetheart deals. Normally, this would provide ample opportunities for savvy politicians to enact substantial reform measures the voting population craves. Yet, the swamp eventually overwhelms Republicans and Democrats and worthy intentions sink to the bottom. It is no accident that the most aggressive of reformers was interim Mayor Alan Dayton, in office for just six months. Despite the ooze, the county serves residents well in several areas: competently administered parks/recreation programs, a progressive Health Department and efficient economic development activities (which have saved Salt Lake City).

Thus, a real potential exists for candidates of either party to succeed with a commitment to reform. Mayor Peter Corroon and council members Mark Crockett and Jenny Wilson were elected in 2004 by voters fatigued with county shenanigans. Because of bold statements and thoughtful votes, longtime county leader Jim Bradley is correctly perceived as honest. Yet, his GOP opponent for the County Council, popular former Taylorsville Mayor Janice Auger, may prevail if she can define him as another county problem.

Council challengers will need similar tactics to overturn historical voting patterns that give incumbents Joe Hatch, David Wilde and Cort Ashland the edge. In an unusual twist, a former county official, Democrat Leslie Reberg, will perform the finger pointing and accuse GOP County Recorder Gary Ott of contractual improprieties.

Conversely, Republican Carrie Dickson will confront 16-year veteran County Clerk Sherrie Swenson with allegations of managerial omissions and poor constituent service. Political contenders for county office who articulate an initiative to drain this swamp can capitalize on the unique dynamics inside Salt Lake County.