Syracuse » Davis County Republican delegates selected former Layton mayor Jerry Stevenson to fill the District 21 Utah Senate seat left vacant by the resignation of Sheldon Killpack, who was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving.
Stevenson, who lead Davis County's largest city for 12 years, from 1994 until 2006, told delegates his priorities are economic development, education and transportation, specifically east-west corridors and a northern extension of Legacy Highway.
"The good jobs come from having a good education and good roads," said Stevenson, co-owner with his brother of J&J Nursery and Garden Center in Layton. Stevenson said he will have a "learning curve" on the job, but his contacts and knowledge from political experience will help Monday when he goes to Capitol Hill.
About 170 Republican delegates gathered Saturday at the Syracuse Arts Academy Junior High and appointed Stevenson from a pool of five candidates. The competition included State Representatives Curt Oda, R-Clearfield, and Paul Ray, R-Clearfield, who came in second place in the voting, as well as newcomers Erik Bornemeier and Jory Francis.
Killpack resigned Jan. 16 from his Senate office after being arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. He was the Senate majority leader, and was appointed in 2003 to the Utah Senate, then won election in 2004.
Stevenson said he was encouraged to fill that position, which represents northwestern Davis County, but wanted to complete his time as Layton mayor and instead suggested Killpack run.
"I think [Killpack is] just a really good man who made a few mistakes," Stevenson said of his predecessor's resignation.
Killpack served the state and county with distinction and won't be allowed to disappear from Utah politics, said a teary-eyed Davis GOP leader Shirley Bowhuis, who introduced Killpack, who unexpectedly appeared at Saturday's convention.
While many of the delegates stayed seated with their arms folded, about half the crowd rose and applauded Killpack as he walked onto the stage.
"I felt like I needed to be here and look you in your eyes and tell you face to face two things," Killpack said. The first was to thank the delegates for their support through the years.
The second: "To apologize," he said.
