"Since March, when I filed for office, a lot of people have had trouble separating me from my position as tourism director and as a private citizen," said Hallisey, who promotes himself as "Cowboy" Ted, no matter which hat he is wearing at the time. "I have always tried to separate the two. It's a matter of semantics."

Utah Democratic Party vice chairman Rob Miller said he isn't sure what to make of the brewing controversy, but he's "suspicious" of the county's motives.

"I'm not ready to say absolutely that they are targeting Ted, but I find it highly suspect that these issues are being handled in this manner," Miller said. "Why, all of a sudden, is the heat on Ted when he's running for office against Mike Noel? If there has been a problem with Ted for two years, why is it coming to a head right now?"

Hallisey said he has no intention of resigning his post and will continue in the race to unseat Noel and the "business as usual system that favors special interest groups."

For his part, Habbeshaw said another meeting has been scheduled to "review issues and complaints" with Hallisey.

"If Ted wants to make political hay out of it, that's his prerogative," Habbeshaw said. "Our issue with Ted is when he takes public an issue that is best left to the County Commission. He has mixed his role as an administrator with his personal positions and has taken issues beyond the scope and authority of his duties. Ted does not set policy or speak for the county."

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E-mail: nperkins@desnews.com