The first-term councilman has announced plans to seek re-election in his east-side District 4, which stretches from Emigration Canyon into Millcreek, Holladay, Cottonwood Heights and even northern Sandy.

His candidacy comes as Millcreek residents contemplate the future of their sprawling east-side suburb of 65,000-plus people. The community must decide by 2010 whether to form a city, stick with the county or hitch up with a neighbor such as South Salt Lake.

"Helping Millcreek figure out who it wants to be and how to get there is priority No. 1," Crockett says.

The councilman could face a fierce election battle this year as Democrats - anxious to break Republicans' 5-4 majority on the County Council - target his seat. Democrats Jonathan Jemming and Peter Cooke already have filed against him.

While the GOP councilman uses a broad brush to describe his campaign priorities - regional policing, criminal-justice reform, fiscal restraint and improved responsiveness within the valley's schools - Crockett speaks of empowering the county's unincorporated townships to "control their destinies."

"Our responsibility is not to hold onto power," he said, "but to serve the people the way they want to be served."

Crockett likely will tout his opposition to the Real Salt Lake soccer stadium as he revs up his campaign. He might speak of ethics reform after former Mayor Nancy Workman's scandal-sullied administration or of championing the split of the Granite and Jordan school districts.

Even with the Democrats' cross hairs on his district, Crockett says his re-election strategy is simple.

"Nothing tricky," he said. "Just talk to folks."

jstettler@sltrib.com