LEHI — After a rocky and historical campaign season in which all City Council candidates were thrown off the ballot, the winners of Tuesday's general election said they were glad Lehi residents got to pick the members of the City Council.
"First thing we're going to do is change our candidate filing date," said newly re-elected James Dixon. "I think we'll be more on top of the rules and regulations next time."
Winner and newcomer Johnny Revill described the race as "ugly."
"I think different candidates have tried to get in on a technicality instead of by a citizen vote," Revill said. "But I've always had the feeling that things would work out and justice would be served. I couldn't imagine robbing Lehi's citizens of the right to choose their leaders. The citizen's voice has been heard."
"It's all over and we're going to move forward," said winner Mark Johnson, an incumbent who was appointed to the council last summer after two failed candidacies. "We've learned a lot and we'll do better next time."
Last week the city's six candidates for City Council were eliminated from the ballots for missing a deadline to disclose their campaign contributions and expenditures.
After a court battle Friday, a Provo judge ruled the candidates should be allowed back on the ballot.
"I'm glad we can get back to running the business of the city," said Lehi Mayor Ken Greenwood. "We hope the Legislature changes its penalty to avoid disenfranchising voters. We'll be more on our toes next time."
Former city councilman Joe Shelton said he was thrown off the ballot during a school board election last election.
"It's easy to forget to file," Shelton said. "They're sticklers. I think it wouldn't hurt to call the candidates the night before to remind them."
Voter turnout for the election was about 26 percent, which is about normal for the city, said city recorder Connie Ashton.
"I thought it would be higher on this one because it was kind of controversial," Ashton said.
Fourth District Court Judge Gary Stott's ruling basically served as the legal support for an agreement forged by candidates and the city election chiefs. Both sides agreed the candidates "substantially complied" with the campaign finance disclosure law.
Stott issued a temporary restraining order that, in effect, prohibits Lehi and Eagle Mountain clerks from striking the candidates' names from the ballots.
Lehi candidate Gordon Miner touched off a firestorm when he drew attention to other candidates who missed the deadline. Miner did not win.
Even though the candidates were able to run, there are still questions.
David Church, the attorney for the Utah League of Cities and Towns, has said the new law is unclear on several points. For instance, does the seven days include weekends? Does Election Day count as one of the seven?
What about candidates who spent or received less than $750? Do they still need to file a document that informs the city recorder how much they've spent?
City officials said they would look at the issue soon.
E-mail: csheffield@desnews.com