Steve Newton's supporters complained of party crashers when Larry Smith showed up to talk to reporters at their news conference Thursday, where they were defending Newton's record against Smith's earlier criticisms.
Smith said he decided to attend because, "My campaign people indicated that I ought to come down and respond to some of the ridiculous allegations."Campaign workers for the two mayoral candidates in one of the valley's hottest contests even exchanged words at one point, accusing each other of negative campaigning. And, in a refrain that's become a regular drumbeat in this race, each side accused the other of misrepresenting the record.
Robyn Bishop, board member of the Sandy Arts Council, said Smith claims to support the arts, including the city's annual production of the "Nutcracker" ballet. But at a Sept. 5, 1985, Parks and Recreation Board meeting when Smith was mayor, she said, he told the board: "You people got away with that musical, but you are not going to waste taxpayers' money with any ballet."
Smith, who arrived at the end of the news conference, was asked by reporters about this and denied having said it. Bishop then walked up and repeated the allegation, saying other witnesses had heard him say it too. Smith again denied it, although he said he had voiced concern in the past that taxpayers' money be used appropriately. Smith reiterated that he strongly supports the arts.
Along with Bishop, City Council Chairman Bruce Steadman, Planning Commission Vice Chairman Michael S. Tingey, former Sandy Chamber of Commerce Chairman Calvin E. Thorpe, Alta Canyon Recreation District Board member Ronda Callister and Water Advisory Board Chairman Marlo Menlove endorsed Newton and praised his accomplishments.
Beverly Gee, who organized the news conference, said the speakers had worked with both Smith and Newton and did not want Smith re-elected.
Tingey said Smith has unfairly described the city's planning and business approval processes as a bureaucratic nightmare and talked in sweeping generalities but avoided discussing the facts. He said Newton and Sandy are not scaring away business - in fact, several new businesses have come to the city in the past four years and more are coming.
Steadman denied Smith's charge that Newton and the current City Council have engaged in deficit spending. And he said the city's receipt of the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for 1987 and 1988 reflects the Newton administration's fiscal responsibility.
Smith conceded to reporters that by legal and accounting definitions, city officials have not done any deficit spending. But he said that by his personal definition, spending more than the city takes in and making up the difference from savings is deficit spending.
Smith said the news conference was typical of Newton's approach to government - "just attack and intimidation." Asked who Newton might be trying to intimidate through the press conference, Smith replied, "Anybody who tends to line up with me." He said the criticisms of him show the desperation of Newton and his supporters. "I think you have an incumbent mayor who's very frightened and very worried about the election."