Nov. 7, 2001--

South Ogden residents voted in Utah's first black mayor while La Verkin voters picked candidates who were critical of the town's anti-United Nations ordinance.

Most incumbents retained their jobs in Utah's municipal elections Tuesday.

George Garwood Jr. will be Utah's first black mayor. He defeated perennial candidate Dent Mason in South Ogden 2,010 to 776.

"It's a joyous day, not just for the citizens of South Ogden but also for the citizens in Utah. To look beyond the color of a person's skin and to see their character is a great thing," said Garwood, a council member for six years and president of the Utah League of Cities and Towns.

"I've made history because of those who have gone before me. That's why I'm able to stand here today. I never dreamed of this six years ago."

Mason could not be reached for comment.

La Verkin residents voted in candidates who are either opposed to the town's "U.N.-free zone" ordinance, or would like to put the measure to a vote.

The council, blaming the United Nations for environmentalism and other perceived dangers, on July 4 adopted the ordinance that required residents and businesses working for the United Nations or its supporters to post signs on their property and file reports with the city. It also barred the city from contracting or investing with companies with U.N. ties.

The ordinance later was watered down after the state's attorney general and the city attorney advised that the original law violated residents' constitutional rights of speech, assembly and equal protection.

The ordinance now forbids flying the U.N. flag at City Hall and bans the United Nations from taxing the city or stationing troops there unless authorized by the state or federal government.

Mayor Dan Howard, who supported the ordinance, was beaten by former Moab Mayor Tom Stocks, who said residents should have a vote in such matters.

Those elected to the council _ Phil Jensen, Gary McKell and David Wilson _ all have said that city business is more important than the U.N. ordinance.

"I will not be surprised if the issue comes up to rescind the ordinance and I'm not opposed to repealing it. There is no reason to have it on the books," said McKell, a council member who had voted against adopting the ordinance.

Wilson said he ran for the sole purpose of repealing the law. He and Jensen beat pro-ordinance candidates Leon Gubler and Roberta Anne Neal.

The council still includes Al Snow and Victor Iverson, who voted this summer to pass the U.N. ordinance.

Elsewhere around the state:

_Sandy Mayor Tom Dolan received 56 percent of the vote to defeat legislator Trisha Beck,

_Murray Mayor Dan Snarr defeated Chad Soffe.

_Rep. Bryan Holladay, R-West Jordan, defeated incumbent Mayor Donna Evans 62 percent to 38 percent.

_Alta Mayor Bill Levitt won a ninth term, getting 50 votes while 32 residents voted for nine write-in challengers.

_Taylorsville Mayor Janice Fisher narrowly beat retiring Councilman Keith Sorensen.

_West Valley Mayor Gearld Wright held off a challenge from longtime Councilwoman Janice Fisher to win a third term.

_Provo Mayor Lewis K. Billings beat challenger Dave Bailey 2,250 to 1,859.

_St. George Mayor Daniel McArthur beat Terrall McKay Hughes 5,936 to 1,228.

_In Cedar City, former Southern Utah University President Gerald Sherratt was elected mayor, defeating Evan Vickers.

(Copyright 2001 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)