Outgoing Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon has officially declared his candidacy for Utah State Senate. Corroon is eyeing Utah’s 2nd senate district, left vacant by Salt Lake County Mayor elect Democrat Ben McAdams. Democratic delegates will convene December 1st to determine who will finish out the remaining two years of Ben McAdams’ State Senate term. The name they choose be forwarded to the governor who will make the official appointment. One of their options is now Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon, who says he wants to continue with public service while working in the private sector.
“Going from the executive branch to the legislative branch is a little bit of a change but it doesn't mean I can’t still get things done," Corroon says. "It’s still the same process. You have to work with people, bring up issues, try to negotiate what you feel is right and get something passed.”
Corroon says it’s too early to say what his private sector plans will be.
He says as a state Senator, he’ll focus on making sure public education is adequately funded, defending air and water quality and passing a statewide anti-discrimination ordinance, a measure Senator McAdams championed in previous years but failed to gain enough support for.
“I think everybody in this state should be able to live and work without any fear of discrimination," he says. "I think that’s important. It’s an important message to send as a state.”
Also vying for the State Senate Seat are Democratic Party Chair Jim Dabakis and former Salt Lake County Councilwoman Jenny Wilson among others.
