Councilwoman outpaces field in race for Herriman mayor; polygamist a distant fourth

Herriman • A city councilwoman grabbed the bulk of the votes in Tuesday’s primary for Herriman mayor.

Coralee Wessman-Moser received nearly half (46 percent) of the vote in unofficial returns late Tuesday. It appeared she would compete in the Nov. 7 general election against political newcomer David Watts.

Watts snagged 24 percent of the vote and had a 5 percentage point edge over businessman David Howe.

Wessman-Moser, who represents Herriman in council District 2, said Tuesday night that voters will see a difference between someone who has served in government and someone who has not. 

“I’ve got the experience and the networks already in place that will make me a successful mayor,” she said. 

Joe Darger, the state’s most outspoken polygamist, trailed in fourth place with nearly 12 percent of the vote. Darger has three wives and was vying to be the first polygamist in anyone’s memory to hold an office along the Wasatch Front.

Darger watched the returns with his wives and many of their 24 children. They were all surprised. 

Darger said he had good responses from voters, though he conceded some told him they wouldn't vote for him because he's a polygamist.

“I knew I was an underdog,” Darger said, ”and it’s a big hurdle to overcome the negative perceptions of polygamy.”

While disappointed, the Darger family coped with some gallows humor. 

“Maybe if you would have lost a couple wives, you would have won,” wife Vicki Darger joked. 

The contest focused on how Herriman, population 35,000, will grow.

Darger promised transportation and development plans for Herriman that will allow more single-family homes but protect open space.

Wessman-Moser wants to reduce future additions of apartments or high-density housing, and has promoted herself as someone who can ensure good city services.

Watts, who has not held office before, ran on a platform of giving residents a say in policy decisions. Howe focused on marketing Herriman to attract good jobs.

The campaigns submitted finance reports Aug. 8. Darger received $13,050 in contributions, including $5,000 from the homebuilding business he owns.

Wessman-Moser collected $2,275. Watts reported $423 in contributions and Howe cited no money raised.