The colon and rectal surgeon announced Thursday he is running for Salt Lake City mayor.

And the doctor, who has run unsuccessfully for U.S. Congress and the Utah House, characterized his platform in terms of CPR: Community, Presentation and Restoration.

Hughes, 64, said he supports plans to expand the city west of the Salt Lake City International Airport, where 19,000 acres of land sits undeveloped but is undergoing master planning by the city. He hopes to see affordable homes, TRAX lines and technological businesses take root.

The man who has spent time in Nicaragua and Russia delivering free medical services also wants to support the Salt Lake City School District's Horizonte School and its students who are learning English.

And the history buff - he has restored two historic homes in his Spanish Fork hometown and has spent 18 years renovating an 1896 mansion downtown that is now his home - suggested offering city incentives to encourage preservation of old buildings.

He made his announcement inside the 111-year-old mansion at 137 N. West Temple St.

He also wants to find ways to encourage more homeowners to install drought-tolerant landscaping.

Finally, Hughes called for a "kinder city. Political and social issues do not have to divide us. As mayor, I would restore civility," he said, pledging to follow these "rules" of public service: Avoid confrontation, never take the credit and treat everyone the same.

In fact, Hughes, who used to live in Millcreek, moved into the mansion two years ago in part to run against Mayor Rocky Anderson. Hughes hasn't liked the two-term mayor's combative style, saying Anderson "embarrassed" Utahns by protesting President Bush - twice. Hughes also disagreed with the mayor's lawsuit against the Legacy Highway. Anderson has announced he won't seek a third term.

"I love this city. I love the people who settled this valley and established life in the desert. This is the place that welcomes all nations. It is a place of peace and a place of refuge," Hughes said.

Hughes made a point of noting that he has cared for hundreds of gay patients and has "treated them with the same respect as anyone else."

After the speech, he said he made the reference because "I want to make sure the gay community . . . [knows] I'm here to serve everybody in the community."

The city's gay residents are an active political bloc credited with helping Anderson win his two elections.

Hughes is one of 10 candidates seeking to replace Anderson. The general election is in November.

The race is officially nonpartisan, though party can matter in the heavily Democratic city.

Hughes is the third Republican to enter the race.

The contest is expected to be pricey; Anderson spent over $760,000 to win re-election in 2003. Hughes said he won't pour his personal wealth into the campaign.

"I will spend a limited amount," he said, adding that it's better "if the community contributes."

Karen Dall, who has worked for Hughes for 18 years in his medical office, said he would be a "breath of fresh air. He's really a good, honest, kind charitable man."

And patriotic. Hughes declared his candidacy on Utah's statehood day, Jan. 4, followed by a ceremony in which Hughes' grandson, Sterling Kerr, posted the colors and led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance.

And his granddaughter, Morgan Tew, recited portions of the Declaration of Independence, the Gettysburg Address and the preamble to the U.S. Constitution. She ended by singing "The Star-Spangled Banner," her doting grandfather looking on.

hmay@sltrib.com

J.P. Hughes

* AGE: 64

* FAMILY: Married to Elaine for 40 years; six children and 14 grandchildren.

* EDUCATION: Bachelor's from Brigham Young University; graduate of University of Utah Medical School.

* PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: Colon and rectal surgeon at St. Mark's and Cottonwood hospitals; former president of the Utah Medical Association; former clinical instructor in University of Utah Department of Surgery; former president of Utah State Cancer Society.

* CIVIC EXPERIENCE: Retired major in the Army Reserve; 1976 candidate for Congress; volunteered free surgical services in Nicaragua; donated and delivered medical supplies to Russia; given a Citizens Alert Award for saving a woman's life at a restaurant by performing CPR; board member of Carmen B. Pingree School for Children with Autism.

* PERSONAL INTERESTS: Classical pianist; has restored two historic homes, one in Spanish Fork and at his current home, an 1896 mansion in downtown Salt Lake City.

Other candidates

* Salt Lake City Councilman Dave Buhler

* House Minority Leader Ralph Becker

* Former City Councilman Keith Christensen

* School teacher Robert Comstock

* Former Utah Democratic Party Chairwoman Meghan Holbrook

* Arnold Matthew Jones

* Centro Civico Mexicano Director John Renteria

* City Councilwoman Nancy Saxton

* Salt Lake County Councilwoman Jenny Wilson