Salt Lake County Councilman Michael Jensen, considered a political moderate, will be named chairman as the new council takes shape next month. Jensen edged fellow Republican David Wilde, who also jockeyed for the slot. "They sat down and came to a consensus," Jensen aide Ryan Perry told The Salt Lake Tribune. Jensen, who was in Las Vegas for a conference and unavailable for comment, will officially replace outgoing Chairman Steve Harmsen on Jan. 4. It marks the second chairmanship for Jensen, who also filled the annual post in 2003. Wilde served as council chairman in 2002, while another Republican, Marv Hendrickson, held the seat in 2001. In 2005, Jensen will face more balance on the council after Democrats picked up Harmsen's seat in November to cut the Republican margin to 5-4. He will also face the county's first Democratic mayor in Peter Corroon. Democrats, who have worked amicably with Jensen over the years, also hold all three countywide council seats. - Derek P. Jensen