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John Daley ReportingElection Day is not far away now in a number of Utah towns, and many people are closely watching one city. Sandy has one very high-profile issue which promises to be a key in the races for elective office.
In the Sandy you've got one huge issue, and in the mayor's race one powerhouse incumbent faced by a pair of challengers making their first run at public office. The race for Mayor is not only about who will be in charge in this building, but what buildings will go up on this site. The fight over the gravel pit is Sandy's political battle royale.
Despite objections from a vocal citizen's group, the city passed a zone change allowing big-box retailers Wal-Mart and Lowes to build there. Today at a debate at the Hinckley Institute it's the first topic and the main topic.
Tom Dolan, Mayor of Sandy: "I do support what the city council's decision was because I believe it was best for that use of the property. Both Lowes and Walmart are leaving Sandy. They've sold their stores. They're going outside the city. So it is a tax base issue."
Gary Forbush, Candidate for Mayor: "I went through my neighborhood and talked to 90% of my neighbors 88% of them were very concerned about this commercial development going in. We already face a lot of bad traffic on 7200 south."
S. Drake Meyer, Candidate for Mayor: "It makes no sense to get rid of all the Walmarts and big box stores because that's how we stay alive. Nor does it make sense to get rid of them because then the go to other locales."
The primary election will narrow the field down to two and voters will go to the polls to cast their ballots in the primary next Tuesday, October 4th.
