However, he recently withdrew from the race because he doesn't have the time to serve as a councilman.

"I have too many things going on," Roberts said about his withdrawal in late July.

He explained that he needed to help his children and was recently given an assignment to work in the Provo LDS Temple. He said those commitments, which arose after he filed for the council, caused him to step away from the race.

Roberts had filed for the Council District 3 race, challenging incumbent Midge Johnson. The district encompasses the south side of the city. The other challengers are Melanie McCoard and Brian J. Smith.

Roberts said he decided to run because of what he perceived to be the council's inability to quickly decide on an issue.

He noted his own experience of waiting a year and a half for the council to change the zoning on his property near Slate Canyon from agricultural to residential.

McCoard said Roberts' decision represents a loss to Provo voters.

"He would have walked away with this election," McCoard said. "He was perfect in temperament, perfect in diplomacy."

Johnson said Roberts' departure only means that she's facing two challengers instead of three in the Sept. 11 primary.

"I wish him well," Johnson said.

She said she can understand Roberts' frustration on the time it takes to make a decision, but Johnson said that delay is part of a bureaucracy and that council members are not as powerful as people may think.

Roberts said he may run later, when he has the time to commit to the job.

dmeyers@sltrib.com