Mike Winder enters race for Salt Lake County mayor

Mike Winder enters race for Salt Lake County mayor


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SALT LAKE CITY — Saying Salt Lake County needs to behave more like a regional government rather than a local municipality, Mike Winder officially announced his candidacy for county mayor Tuesday.

Winder, now in his third year as mayor of West Valley City, becomes the sixth candidate to officially enter the race to replace Mayor Peter Corroon, who opted not to seek a third term.

"Salt Lake County is a wonderful place, and we're looking to make it better," he said.


Winder, who describes himself as a limited-government conservative, said he believes residents of Salt Lake County would be better served if the county were more focused on regional duties rather than competing with city governments.

Winder, who describes himself as a limited-government conservative, said he believes residents of Salt Lake County would be better served if the county were more focused on regional duties rather than competing with city governments.

"I believe that the government closest to the people is the government that governs best," he said. "I believe in cities."

Winder, a former president of Utah League of Cities and Towns, said he would like to phase out townships in the county and help them either incorporate into cities or join a neighboring municipality.

"As a student of history, I believe that colonies eventually become countries, the territories eventually become states and the unincorporated areas eventually become cities and get to determine their own destinies," he said.

Winder also said he believes Salt Lake County needs to be doing more with economic development. He cited economic development successes during his time as mayor, four years on the West Valley City Council and four years as the city's business development director as evidence that he can accomplish that.

West Valley City Mayor Mike Winder, along with his wife Karyn and children Jessica, Grace, John and Michael, announces his run for Salt Lake County mayor during a kickoff in Salt Lake City Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012. (Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News)
West Valley City Mayor Mike Winder, along with his wife Karyn and children Jessica, Grace, John and Michael, announces his run for Salt Lake County mayor during a kickoff in Salt Lake City Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012. (Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News)

In the past two years, West Valley City has created 3,000 new jobs, Winder said. The mayor also has worked with his city government colleagues on the redevelopment of the Valley Fair Mall and the launch of the $500 million Fairbourne Station project.

"I believe in economic development," he said. "I believe in job creation. I believe in helping the small-businessman or woman fulfill their dreams and grow and create jobs."

As a show of support for small businesses, Winder made his announcement Tuesday at Frida Bistro in the heart of Salt Lake City's warehouse district.

In November, Winder admitted that he created a false identity to write news stories about West Valley City. Seven of his stories first appeared in the Oquirrh Times under the fictional name of Richard Burwash. He later submitted three articles that were published online at deseretnews.com and another that was posted on ksl.com. The Salt Lake Tribune also published a photo credited to Burwash.

Fallout from the incident included Winder resigning his position as director of public affairs for The Summit Group. Winder apologized for his deception on several occasions, including during a City Council meeting last month when he was reprimanded by his council colleagues.

Winder joins Salt Lake County Councilman Richard Snelgrove, Recorder Gary Ott and former Councilman Mark Crockett as Republicans in the race. State Sen. Ben McAdams, D-Salt Lake City, and Senate Minority Leader Ross Romero, D-Salt Lake City, also are running for the office.

Email:jpage@ksl.com

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