From Deseret News archives:
Curtis will run for Provo mayor
Incumbent Billings yet to decide if he'll seek 4th term
Curtis appeared positioned to provide incumbent Mayor Lewis Billings with his stiffest political test yet if Billings chooses to seek a fourth term in 2009.
"Provo's success is not guaranteed," Curtis said in the letter. "It will take vision, hard work and good leadership." In an interview, Curtis said he respected Billings but was ready to seek political office again whether Billings ran or not.
Billings said Saturday night that he is leaning toward running again but won't announce a final decision until next year.
Curtis previously ran unsuccessfully as a Democrat against Bramble. In January 2007, weeks after registering as a Republican, he won a special election to replace Alexander in the House by one vote over Chris Herrod.
Curtis didn't get the seat, however, because he didn't earn 60 percent of the vote of the delegates in House District 62. A quirk in party bylaws tossed the final decision to Enid Greene Mickelsen, then the chairwoman of the Utah Republican Party.
Mickelsen selected Herrod.
Bramble's and Herrod's names appeared as supporters on Curtis' letter, a sign, the candidate said, of how well he works with others. Alexander is listed as his campaign chairman.
Curtis also said the largely Republican list is proof party leaders are comfortable with his explanation for running against Bramble as a Democrat. He said the move provided voters with an option and that he remained true to Republican principles.
The 23 names on the letter included state Rep. Keith Grover, R-Provo, Utah County Commissioner Steve White, county Sheriff Jim Tracy, former Provo City Councilman Greg Hudnall, developer David Gardner, Gold's Gym owner Scott Felsted and Corporate Alliance vice president Jeff Rust.
Billings said Provo is in a strong financial position compared to other cities, and he is interested in continuing as mayor to help the city weather the recession. He declined to share the name of another potential candidate he would like to see run.
"If that person doesn't come forward, I don't know if I'd be comfortable with those running," Billings said, though he had kind words for Curtis.
"John's a very impressive individual who's worked hard to create support," the mayor said.
Curtis and his wife, Sue, hosted a number of political events in their home in the past year, including debates between state House and Senate candidates.
