Amy Stewart
June 23, 2010
Primary election results in Salt Lake County showed some winners and losers at final count.
Voters downed the $12 million bond for the Kearns Oquirrh Park Fitness Center with 55 percent against the proposal and 45 percent in support.
The $4.9 million bond for Cottonwood Heights Fitness Center will move forward, with 66 percent for the proposal and 34 percent against.
The Kearns Oquirrh Recreation Center, 5624 S. 4800 West, Kearns, wanted to expand its fitness facility and cover the outdoor pool for winter usage. For taxpayers in this special district area, the bond would have meant paying $15 more annually for a total of $39 on an average home of $175,000 for 25 years.
The proposal for the Cottonwood Heights Recreation Center, 7500 S. 2700 East, focuses on repairs for the indoor pool: upgrading aging pipes, replacing the boiler and fixing the roof. The bond will mean $16 more annually on an average home of $327,000 for 12 years. Homeowners in this special district area are currently paying $71 annually.
The Utah Taxpayers Association panned the Kearns Oquirrh bond, calling it “wasteful spending,” while remaining neutral on the Cottonwood Heights proposal, saying it is “necessary repairs.”
In the Republican race for the at-large B seat on the Salt Lake County Council, with no incumbents running, Richard Snelgrove won with 65 percent of the votes, while Winston Wilkinson trailed with 35 percent.
“I am gratified by today’s victory,” Snelgrove said. “Our message that county government needs to live within its means, just as Salt Lake families must do, is a message people agree with. I would like to thank Winston Wilkinson for running a clean and capable campaign. He is a good, honorable man, and I wish him well in all future endeavors.”
“It has been a rewarding experience meeting educated and passionate (residents) of Salt Lake County,” Wilkinson said, “and I am grateful for the support and encouragement I have received.”
In the Democratic primary for the District 1 seat on the council, Arlyn Bradshaw pulled ahead with 66 percent of the vote to Calvin Noyce’s 34 percent.
Bradshaw was not available for comment late Tuesday night.
Noyce offered thanks to his friends, family and supporters for their hope on his campaign.
“This was a tough fight,” he said, “and I’m proud of the work we’ve gotten done.”