Buhler, Saxton bid Salt Lake City Council farewell

Dave Buhler decided more than a year ago that he wouldn't run for a third term on the Salt Lake City Council.

"I felt like it was time to do something new, whether that was being mayor or just moving on," he said. "It turned out to be just moving on."

Buhler, who fell short for a second time in his bid to become mayor, said goodbye to this colleagues and constituents Tuesday night in his final meeting as council representative for District 6.

"I'll always have great memories and great affection for the people I've worked with," he told the Deseret Morning News. "I feel good about the things we were able to accomplish in the last eight years."

It also was the final meeting for two-term councilwoman Nancy Saxton, who lost her District 4 seat to University of Utah professor Luke Garrott on Election Day.

Prior to the meeting, Saxton said she had mixed feelings about leaving the council.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time on the council and have gotten lots of things accomplished," she said, "but there are lots of things that I would like to continue to work on. It's very sad and it's a big adjustment for me, but it's also an exciting time."

Buhler and Saxton were presented with wooden clocks featuring the image of the Salt Lake City and County Building as tokens of thanks for each one's eight years of council service.

Buhler has been recommended to serve as interim commissioner for the Utah System of Higher Education. His name will be presented to the Board of Regents for approval Friday. If approve, he will take over Jan. 1 for retiring Commissioner Rich Kendell.

"It's a great opportunity and great responsibility it appears the Board of Regents is going to trust me with," he said.

Buhler said he was told to plan on serving in the position for at least six months while a search for a permanent replacement takes place. Though Buhler likely will be a candidate for the job, he said he would not treat the interim position as a campaign for commissioner.

"I'm kind of done running for things," he said. "I'm going to focus on doing the best job I can for (the Board of Regents) and then let them sort that out at the appropriate time."

Before beginning his new duties, Buhler plans to take a vacation with his family to Hawaii. JT Martin will replace Buhler on the council Jan. 7.