Former lawmaker challenges Provo mayor in her bid for third term

PROVO — A former member of the Utah House of Representatives said she will challenge Provo Mayor Michelle Kaufusi for her job.

Marsha Judkins, who left her seat in the Legislature a few months ago after not running for re-election, told KSL-TV in an exclusive interview Wednesday that she plans to run to lead Utah's fourth-largest city.

Judkins, who previously served on the Provo School Board before being elected to the Utah House in 2018, has lived in Provo for more than 40 years.

"I've just been watching Provo and thinking it's doing good," Judkins said, "but we could do so much better."

Kaufusi has been in office nearly eight years. She was first elected as Provo's first female mayor in 2017. Now, she's seeking a third term.

"I think my track record speaks for me as mayor," Kaufusi said in an interview Wednesday in downtown Provo. "I think that our vision for the city has been generational."

Kaufusi, who was born and raised in Provo, said she's gotten a lot done over the last eight years. She pointed to the construction of the new Provo Airport terminal and the preservation of the Peaks Ice Arena, which hosted events during the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.

"Can you imagine if I didn't pull that down and save that with now the Olympics coming," Kaufusi said.

But while Judkins considers Kaufusi a friend — the two women served on the school board together — she said it's not all good news in Provo.

"I know that there are places in the city that have felt ignored," Judkins said, specifically mentioning the west side where she lives.

As mayor, Judkins said she would focus on issues like improving congestion, increasing transparency in government, and public safety. Also top of mind for her is housing.

"I don't think government should be creating barriers and hardships for people who are trying to get into homes, or trying to add on to their homes, or trying to build homes," Judkins said.

Overall, Judkins believes it's time for new leadership in Provo. But the incumbent argues experience matters.

"The momentum, we cannot let it drop and hit the reset button," Kaufusi said. "It will take years to get to where we are right now."

The election for Provo mayor will take place later this year. Judkins said she planned to make a formal announcement about her candidacy sometime Thursday.

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