3rd candidate enters Provo mayoral race

PROVO — A third candidate has thrown his hat into the Provo mayoral election ring, citing a platform to streamline government.

Don Allphin, co-chairman of the Lakeview North Neighborhood, said he intends to promote economic growth and change the city's image as a "difficult place in which to do business."

"(It's) time to stop the bleeding, level the playing field, retool and aggressively seek new investment in our city," Allphin said in a statement announcing his candidacy.

Allphin describes himself as writer, professional bass angler, longtime entrepreneur and a grassroots candidate. His platform includes:

Providing economic growth to increase revenues without compromising neighborhoods.

Streamlining government while treating city employees with respect and appreciation.

Developing a forward-thinking energy policy to meet future challenges.

Improving Provo residents' quality of life by building parks, trails, golf courses and fishing ponds, while preserving open space.

Building a positive and productive relationship with the City Council.

Other candidates are John Curtis and state Rep. Steve Clark, R-Provo.

Curtis is executive vice president of Action Target and was a candidate for the state Senate in 2000. He declared his intention to run for the top city post in December.

Clark has served in the state Legislature since 2001 and was re-elected in November. He declared his candidacy about six weeks ago.

Mayor Lewis K. Billings is finishing his fourth term and announced recently that he won't run again.

Filing for the November election begins July 1 and ends July 15.

E-MAIL: rodger@desnews.com