This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
The race to become Millcreek City's first mayor took a dramatic turn Thursday when one of the most prominent candidates, Fred Healey, informed supporters that he has an aggressive cancer.
Healey, a leader of the pro-incorporation campaign, said it is too late for him to withdraw from Tuesday's primary election. If he advances in that vote, Healey said he will have to decide whether his health will allow him to continue through November's general election.
Then he added an unusual caveat.
He endorsed mayoral opponent Jeff Silvestrini, an ally when they were persuading residents of the eastcentral community to become a city next Jan. 1.
"Of the other candidates," Healey wrote, "Jeff has by far the best understanding of the issues facing our new city, and he has pledged to keep Millcreek out of the [county] Municipal Services District."
Healey and Silvestrini are two of nine candidates on the ballot to be mayor of the city of roughly 65,000 people.
Expressing hope Healey will "pull through this adversity," Silvestrini said, "Fred is a worthy opponent, and while we are competitors in this race, I respect Fred and know that he, like all of us, wants what is best for Millcreek."
He was touched by Healey's offer of support, noting that "should Fred's supporters consider me, please know that you are all welcome in my tent. My positions are not so different from Fred's on most issues."
In a "personal message" to supporters from Healey and his wife, Jill, the 70-year-old businessman said he learned he has cancer in his right kidney.
That kidney must be removed surgically, leaving him dependent on his other kidney, which is already functioning at only 30 percent of normal due to past health problems, including kidney stones.
"We have both put our whole heart and soul into this campaign since January," the Healeys wrote. "We are so thankful for the valiant people who are involved in the local democratic process, not for their own benefit but for the benefit of their neighbors and our new city."