The west-side councilman confirmed Monday that he will fill the council's top post in 2008, replacing fellow GOP Councilman Mark Crockett today.

"I'm comfortable doing it," Jensen said. "It's good for me. It's good for the council."

The nomination comes as Jensen seeks re-election in District 2, a sprawling western section of Salt Lake County that covers his hometown of Magna and such suburbs as Kearns, Copperton and Herriman.

Democratic Councilman Joe Hatch said his colleagues - outnumbered 5-4 on the Republican-led council - won't object to Jensen's naming or pitch a point person of their own.

Democrats say Jensen, a moderate Republican elected in 2000, has treated them well during his previous tenures.

"He has been pretty good," Hatch said. "He hasn't used his position to gain any unfair ideological advantage."

jstettler@sltrib.com