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SALT LAKE COUNTY -- Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon says he's ready to begin his campaign for governor of Utah.
Though he plans to make a formal announcement Tuesday, Corroon spoke with KSL Sunday about the issues he wants to take on.
Corroon is gearing up for a tough and expensive campaign. He has $342,000 already in the bank and a list of Gov. Gary Herbert's shortcomings. Most importantly, he believes a Democrat can win the race for governor.
"I don't think this race is about being a Democrat or a Republican, I think it's about leading the state of Utah into the future," says Corroon, "and I think I'm the one who can do that."
The Salt Lake County mayor says he has the skills and the plan to win the governor's race. His plan, yet to be finalized, would be "getting back to basics," like what he did in Salt Lake County, he says.
"We're going to have a smaller, more efficient government. We're going to focus on education and we're going to focus on our renewable energy economy," Corroon says.
He also plans to focus on educating Utah children and creating more jobs by fostering local business and bringing new companies to the state.
But Corroon, along with his wife Amy and his fledgling campaign staff, know that winning is not going to be easy. They are anticipating a $2.5 million campaign -- including visits to all 29 counties, plenty of meetings and advertising ahead.
The announcement Tuesday will kick off a two-day statewide tour during which Mayor Corroon will travel to Ogden, St. George and Provo to discuss his vision for Utah's future.
Corroon doesn't seem to mind balancing campaigning with his duties as Salt Lake County mayor.
He says Herbert is vulnerable on many issues including, ethics reform, campaign finance limits and education.
"I think Gary Herbert has not taken a leadership role on some strong issues, like radioactive waste, high-level waste coming into the state of Utah," Corroon says. "Also, the Snake River Valley issue, where Las Vegas is trying to take water from the state of Utah."
But in order to win, Corroon must win big in Salt Lake County. He also needs strong support from highly-populated Davis and Utah counties. Corroon needs to address the perception he's too liberal.
He says regardless of political party, he is a Utahn first. "I'm Peter Corroon, I'm a Utahn, and my values are Utah values. I believe this race is about who is going to take Utah to the future," he says.
Gov. Gary Herbert office has not commented on Corroon entering the race, but Republicans know that at this moment Herbert has an advantage as an incumbent and a Republican.
Corroon also spoke with the Deseret News. That interview will be available Monday morning.
E-mail: rpiatt@ksl.com
