Logan
cancels public forum after candidates boycott
By Brock Anderson
October 29, 2005 | LOGAN -- Two mayoral
and two City Council candidates in the upcoming Nov.
8 election have chosen to boycott the Logan City-sponsored
televised public forum, scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday,
prompting the city to cancel the event.
Logan Mayor Doug Thompson made the announcement Friday
morning. "I'm really disappointed that they would choose
to boycott this," Thompson said.
The forum was to be held in the council chambers and
televised on Channel 17.
Thompson said Peter Brunson, Randy Watts and Steve
Thompson did not like the previous forum that was held
and think there should not be another one because of
low citizen turnout. They also said they would just
be saying the same things they've said before. Tami
Pyfer called the mayor last week to say she would not
be at the event, but would send someone in her place.
Paul Morgan and Tom Kerr were the only candidates willing
to participate in the forum.
Thompson said only 9 percent of registered voters
participated in the primary election. He hoped the forum
would help people vote more intelligently and encourage
a larger turnout on Election Day. Final elections usually
draw about 20 to 25 percent of registered voters, but
Thompson doesn't think the numbers will be as high this
year.
"I don't blame the public for being upset and not
voting," Thompson said. Most of the candidates have
not addressed the issues and have avoided many questions.
He also said he has not seen much advertising for the
candidates or received literature concerning their views
on the issues.
Thompson said one of the main issues in this election
is cutting city services. Some candidates would consider
selling services such as the Ellen Eccles Theatre, the
golf course and some local parks.
Thompson said the candidates don't understand the
city budget. Eighteen months ago the city did have financial
problems, but Thompson said the city is currently in
good condition. Logan has a long history of cultural
activity and Thompson would hate to see future city
officials elimate such services in order to cut costs.
Out of all the candidates, Thompson said the only
person he is publicly supporting right now is Morgan.
He said there has never been a more qualified person
for the city council. Thompson said Morgan's background
in Geographic Information Systems, and working on the
Planning and Zoning Comission, would be valuable assests
for the city council.
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