Taylorsville spending attacked

TAYLORSVILLE — Mayor Russ Wall is being criticized for spending tax money on city beautification projects, but the first-term mayor says the projects help bring business to the west-side city.

Wall, 52, is seeking re-election against 29-year-old photographer Rebekah Whyte, who says she got into the race because the City Council held a meeting about either going into debt or raising taxes. Whyte preferred cutting spending over either option.

"I didn't like how things were being run, so I wanted to jump in and make a difference," the political newcomer said.

Whyte pledged to use mayoral veto power to stop unnecessary programs.

If re-elected, Wall said he hopes to continue his role as a powerful voice on Utah's Capitol Hill. He also wants to boost economic development in the city by bringing in a hardware store and new restaurants, among other businesses.

Wall has raised about $25,000 on the campaign and spent about $16,000. In contrast, Whyte has raised just $160.

Wall received funding from elected officials such as Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker and Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon, as well as lobbyist David Spatafore. Businesses such as EnergySolutions and Gold Cross Ambulance are also on the donor list.

Meanwhile, four candidates are up for two at-large positions on the Taylorsville City Council. Incumbent Lynn Handy, 60, hopes to defend his seat against business retiree Dana Barbour, tax professional Warren Rogers and small-business owner Larry Johnson.

If re-elected, Handy said he hopes to continue his economic-development work and continue working on congestion issues.

Johnson, 58, worked for the Murray City Power Department for three decades and now wants to put his experience to use as an elected official. He has criticized city employee raises during the current economic crisis.

Barbour, 70, said she's running to ensure that public safety remains a high priority in the city. If elected, the Utah Transit Authority board member plans to push for better and faster bus routes.

Rogers, 45, would bring his Constitution Party values to Taylorsville City Hall, if elected. He is among the harshest critics of city beautification projects.

Johnson, 58, wants to help government prosper while keeping taxes low, according to his candidate profile.

Additional candidate information and full campaign-finance disclosures are available online at taylorsvillecity.com.

e-mail: rpalmer@desnews.com