Election 2009: Newcomer scores decisive win over 3-term councilwoman in Provo

PROVO — StopCindy.com did.

Political newcomer Sterling Beck scored a decisive win over three-term Councilwoman Cindy Richards to take Provo's District 5 council seat Tuesday night with 56 percent of the vote.

Richards had been the top vote-getter in the primary election for her downtown Provo district, but her candidacy was contested by a vigorous negative campaign centered around the Web site StopCindy.com, which was managed by Taylor Oldroyd, CEO of the Utah County Association of Realtors and chairman of the Utah County Republican Party.

Beck said he was humbled by his win and credited his many supporters.

"The grass-roots support we've received has left me speechless," he said. "I've lost 22 pounds over the last few months. It's the best kind of diet out there."

Attorney Laura Cabanilla received 57 percent of the vote to defeat former Provo Fire Chief Coy Porter in citywide District 1.

Former police officer Rick Healey received 56 percent of the vote to defeat Councilman David Acheson in Council District 2. Acheson had been appointed to the citywide council post when George Stewart resigned, but he chose to run for his neighborhood council seat rather than contend for the citywide seat.

Cabanilla credited hard work for her win in the race for that citywide seat.

"We did have some good contributions that made it possible for me to get my message out," Cabanilla said. "Now I'm going to study up over the next few months. I'm going to be preparing myself so I can be ready."

Cabanilla outspent Porter $13,428 to $1,813.

Healey said he was thrilled with his election victory.

"I can't tell you how excited I am to go to work for Provo City," he said. "I've got a lot of work to do before January, a lot of investigating to do. I'm going to work hard for everybody."

e-mail: mhaddock@desnews.com