Zoning issues highlight Provo candidates' concerns

PROVO — Voters will select three Provo City Council members in the Nov. 4 municipal election, but only one of those will be elected by a citywide vote.

And of the two remaining council seats, two sitting council members are running, though only one would be considered an incumbent.

In Citywide District I, attorney Laura Cabanilla is running against former Provo Fire Chief Coy Porter. Only 20 votes separated the two in the September primary election.

The council seat is currently held by David Acheson, who was appointed to replace George Stewart. Acheson is running again but for a different seat.

Cabanilla, a partner with Provo law firm Esplin/Weight and a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves, entered the race as an unknown. She has campaigned on issues of improving Provo's economy, managing growth through better zoning instead of micromanaging each project, and increasing the number of police officers on the street to combat crime.

Porter served as a firefighter for the city for 30 years — including the last 5 1/2 years as chief. He said he wants to keep the city's neighborhoods healthy and vibrant, to promote economic development using tax incentives to revitalize Provo's downtown district, and to use good zoning to coordinate the transportation changes Provo can expect in the next four years.

In District 2, which represents the northeast portion of the city, including Rock Canyon, Councilman Acheson is running against Rick Healey.

The seat is currently held by Cynthia Clark, who is not seeking re-election. Clark is married to Provo mayoral candidate Steve Clark.

Acheson, the director of a software company, supports owner-occupancy zoning rules to maintain the integrity of Provo's residential neighborhoods. He says the city needs to prepare for the various transportation changes coming in the next few years.

Healey, a Provo police officer for 27 years, favors balance in neighborhood zoning that respects everyone, including singles, without encroaching on a neighbor's privacy and freedom. He also said he wants to promote developing the city's historic downtown district.

In District 5, which encompasses downtown Provo and the city center, Cindy Richards is running for a fourth term on the council against political newcomer Sterling Beck.

Richards, the target of a concerted negative campaign called StopCindy.com, is a longtime advocate of owner-occupancy zoning to preserve Provo's neighborhoods. She's relying on her experience on the council to win votes.

Beck, a director of online marketing for a Provo technology firm, said he wants to cut down on overbearing legislation to lure development to Provo. He also wants to restore property rights to homeowners while strengthening neighborhoods.

e-mail: mhaddock@desnews.com