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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- Republican prosecutor Kent Morgan has announced he is running for Salt Lake County district attorney.
The incumbent, Democrat Dave Yocom, is not seeking re-election.
"What I'm going to change is the perspective that the district attorney knows what's best for the community," said Morgan, 53, who has been a prosecutor for 22 years.
"The community knows what's best for the community," he said. "There are many cultures in this valley, and in each of these communities is someone the district attorney should keep in touch with."
Morgan said that while merchants at 400 West and 400 South in Salt Lake City would say the most pressing problem is unrestricted drug dealing, "You're not going to get the same answer in Sandy. In Sandy, it's identity theft and vehicle burglaries. In other communities, they may be very concerned about their gang problem.
"Each community, through its leaders, should have input with the district attorney's office," he said.
Morgan said he was not attacking Yocom, who he said "has done an absolutely wonderful job."
Morgan said John T. Nielsen, formerly head of the state Department of Public Safety, and Bud Ellett, former chief deputy district attorney, will serve as co-chairmen of his campaign.
City Attorney Sim Gill of Salt Lake City plans to announce his candidacy for the Democratic nomination in the next few weeks.
Lohra Miller, a prosecutor for Taylorsville, Cottonwood Heights and Holladay, has said she will run as a Republican for district attorney, but has not made an official announcement.
Prominent defense attorney Greg Skordas has been mentioned as a possible Democratic candidate.
(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
