Election races narrowing in Provo

PROVO — The deadline to register to vote in the primary election is 10 days away and the primary itself is still 26 days off, but the number of candidates in Provo is already dwindling amid rough-and-tumble campaigning.

Dave Knecht withdrew his bid to rejoin the Provo City Council after a two-year absence, but not until he had posted the first YouTube video in the city's political history, a "Star Wars"-themed shot aimed at incumbent Steve Turley.

Turley is seeking re-election to a city-wide seat on the council. He still faces opposition from former Provo Fire Chief Coy Porter and BYU student Christopher Stowe.

The primary on Sept. 11 will eliminate one of the three remaining contenders. The general election is on Nov. 6.

Meanwhile, Robin Roberts bowed out of the District 3 contest. That leaves incumbent Midge Johnson facing Brian J. Smith and Melanie McCoard.

McCoard has attacked Johnson repeatedly on her blog, provoelections2007.blogspot.com, saying that Johnson hasn't lived up to campaign promises made in 2003, when Johnson beat McCoard 62 percent to 38 percent.

McCoard has said she isn't running to win — she said her health prevents her from serving on the council. Instead, she is running to place a floodlight on Johnson's voting record.

"I find that kind of disheartening," Johnson said. "What's Provo like if that's what we're coming to? You don't run for the office, you just run to smear people? I think that's a sad commentary on Provo if that's considered OK. Melanie makes it very unpleasant."

McCoard said "dozens" have urged her to reconsider and say she will accept the seat. She is considering it, though she said "it would be an enormous sacrifice."

"I'm not being unpleasant," McCoard said. "She's being held accountable for her votes. I have made no personal comments. I have not speculated about her motives. People should read the blog, and if they agree with her record, they should vote for her. If they don't, they must vote for someone else."

On her blog, McCoard took a swing at Johnson's Aug. 7 vote against amending the general plan to designate 30 acres of agricultural land to residential. Johnson had voted for a similar amendment two years ago, and McCoard called Johnson's votes "contradictory."

Johnson defended the decision to change her mind. In 2005, she voted for designating the land as residential because it seemed like a simple change on the general plan map that reflected a future reality.

"Having served on the council long enough and having seen what follows a general plan amendment, that it opens the door and says we'll entertain things, I voted against it (this time)," she said. "Now I think if we're not ready to develop there, why change the general plan?"