Provo Mayor Lewis Billings presented his 2007-2008 budget on a tour bus last week, but passengers got more than they bargained for.

On a sunny afternoon, a pair of Provo police cars escorted the bus through quiet residential neighborhoods while Billings talked about improving the area with walkable parks and quality homes.

Then riders began to chuckle.

Paul Warner, a former city councilman, tapped Billings on the shoulder and pointed to a bikini-clad woman on a beach towel atop her roof.

"And we have a sunbather everyone can notice and wave at," Billings announced over the PA system. "Paul Warner, the former chaplain at BYU, pointed that out, and now we all know why he's the former chaplain."

Warner has a history of commenting on scantily clad women. He got a little nervous during a 2005 council meeting when a Bikini Cuts employee showed intent to disrobe.

"The rest of us were noticing the beautiful homes," Billings said. "But if you happen to see any other sunbathers, if you could get word to Paul, he's up front here."

Politics goes to school

Keith Christensen wants Utah children to read by age 3, and he hopes businesses will help bolster schools with volunteers and financial contributions.

Those two initiatives highlight the Salt Lake City mayoral hopeful's education agenda, unveiled last week.

"Education is one of the top priorities of public office," Christensen said. "As your mayor, I will work to ensure that city policies and programs meet the needs of one of the most important functions we carry out as a society - educating our children."

Christensen, who is one of eight declared candidates looking to succeed Mayor Rocky Anderson, also announced his intent to reduce crime through a renewed focus on education.

Aunt Bee backs Buhler

Former Gov. Olene Walker, affectionately known as "Aunt Bee" in some circles, has endorsed Salt Lake City Councilman Dave Buhler in the race to succeed Rocky Anderson.

The nod gives Buhler two governor's notches on his belt; former Gov. Norm Bangerter also has offered his endorsement.

"He has the right experience, is reasonable and cares about the issues that are important to Salt Lake City," Walker said in a statement.

Like Buhler, both Walker and Bangerter are Republicans, though the race is officially nonpartisan.

Another sky bridge?

Taking a recent bus tour across Salt Lake City's east bench, the City Council stopped at This Is the Place Heritage Park, since it has been in the news lately.

But as the bus pulled out, another polarizing subject took center stage when a staffer suggested the Mormon pioneer memorial may be helped by a connection to its across-the-street neighbor, Hogle Zoo.

"How about a sky bridge?" someone blurted.

After some forced laughs turned to groans, it was clear the council did not want to revisit the Main Street malls controversy.

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