What's bugging us? Take a number

Webb: I'm bugged by some political insiders who don't think Salt Lake Mayor Rocky Anderson can be defeated. I think they're wrong.

While the mayor's poll numbers aren't bad, a smart, well-managed, well-funded, highly-focused campaign by either Frank Pignanelli or Dave Spatafore can knock off the mayor.

While Spatafore is an articulate and attractive candidate, Pignanelli has some clear advantages in that he has previously won election as a state legislator in a chunk of the city and has significant business relationships through his lobbying activities. He will likely raise more money than Spatafore.

Sheer determination and hard work will make a huge difference in this race. To have a chance, a challenger will need to carefully target people who will actually get out and vote and then make repeated contacts with them. A big media campaign won't win this race. Getting into the neighborhoods and knocking on door after door will be required.

Anderson is a highly divisive mayor/candidate with a strong but relatively small, cadre of true believers. If Pignanelli or Spatafore can demonstrate some early momentum, particularly on the fund-raising front, and show the business community that the mayor is vulnerable, that this contest is winnable, I believe a groundswell of support will emerge for the challenger.

City residents and leaders are ready for a mayor who will focus on jobs and economic development, the nuts and bolts of running the city, with less attention to philosophical social justice and environmental causes.

It won't be easy. Anderson is a formidable campaigner and a hard worker. But he is clearly beatable.

I'm also bugged by people who are bugged by Utah's unique culture. There is too much elitism and snobbery in those who love to roll their eyes and intone, "Only in Utah!" when they see a big family, a pickup truck with a gun rack, or a demonstration of the religious devotion of a good portion of the state's residents.

Each state and city has its unique characteristics and I, for one, wouldn't want Utah to be anything but what it is. Sure, we can all make a better effort to get along and be respectful of each other. But those insecure folks who want Utah to be like some other place they see as more "sophisticated" can just go on wishing they were somewhere else.

We will have become truly sophisticated only when we are happy with what we are and don't particularly care what the critics say.