Those donation recipients, Rob Bennett and Mike Kellermeyer, both of whom usually balk at higher densities, joined two council colleagues in approving 65 additional units for a 50-acre chunk of the 300-acre community near 4800 West and 7800 South.

Curious? Yes, say some West Jordan residents.

Or merely coincidence? Absolutely, insist Bennett and Kellermeyer.

Councilwoman Melissa Johnson, who voted against the extra units in the 4-3 decision, said she was "surprised" by her colleagues' votes because they typically oppose higher densities due to the increasingly congested roads and bursting schools in Utah's fourth-most populous city.

"To have a 180-degree turn in your basic philosophy is rare. To do it after a campaign contribution . . . reflects badly on the entire City Council - and even reflects badly on the city," she said. "As much as Mike and Rob will say that the two have nothing to do with each other, it will still [have at least] the appearance that a developer contributed to a campaign to sway a vote."

In their situation - with Peterson's application due to appear before the council shortly - she would have turned down the money, Johnson said.

Ryan Peterson, a vice president at Salt Lake City-based Peterson Development, said the donations were not bribes. Kellermeyer and Bennett were the only two candidates who requested support, he said.

"As a property owner . . . we're interested in the direction of the city and [land-use] planning," he said. "We felt that [Bennett and Kellermeyer] have been fairly straightforward and fair across the board when we've gone to the City Council."

Bennett and Kellermeyer - who listed the Peterson donations on their disclosure forms - said they endorsed higher density, in this instance, because the additional units have to be dedicated to senior housing. They argue retired residents won't add to commuter traffic nor pour more students into West Jordan schools. Plus, they noted, the proposal received a positive recommendation from the Planning Commission.

"My vote was primarily based on findings of fact - not the fact that [Peterson Development] gave me a contribution," Kellermeyer said. "I'll take money from any place. . . . It doesn't mean you're going to be able to buy my vote."

He is running in District 3 against Ben Southworth, a small-business owner, who said the donation "raises red flags."

Bennett said, "There is no campaign donation that would ever influence my vote." He is in a race with Jim Lems to represent District 2. Lems called the Peterson donation "a little bit suspicious," but said he, too, has to raise money where he can "like the next guy."

Chris Gamvroulas, president of Ivory Development, the development arm of Ivory Homes, said his company, which hasn't given to any West Jordan candidates this cycle, has not received a fair shake from the council. Ivory has sued the city to resolve one of its disputes.

Ivory owns a small, 15-acre chunk within Stone Creek. But the council slashed its density by about 70 units in June.

"It's ironic that the [recent] increase in density on Peterson's property is 70 units. They got even better density at our expense," Gamvroulas said. "It's the worst-kept secret in the industry that that city is by far one of the most difficult to work with."

rwinters@sltrib.com