Two incumbents lost their seats to their challengers in the Provo City Council general elections, reflecting the election's theme of a city ready for change.

"It's extremely difficult to run against an incumbent," said Cynthia Dayton, winner in the Council District 1 race. "I feel that people were ready for a new voice, and I represent that."

Political newcomer Steve Turley will join Dayton on the council when the new members take office in January. In the close citywide race, Turley beat incumbent Stan Lockhart by 222 votes or 2.8 percent. Dayton beat City Councilman Mark Hathaway in the district 1 race by 329 votes or 18.3 percent.

"This is encouraging," Turley said. "From obscurity to where we're at, I can't help but be pleased."

Turley said his first priority is to decrease the size of Provo's government.

"We are going to go to work putting this town on a legal diet," Turley said. "Right now the legal code is five and a half pounds too fat."

Turley said he plans to encourage BYU involvement in the community by inviting the administration to participate in government decisions while watching out for the student body.

"The student community is the best resource the city has," Turley said. "We're going to take care of the students from where they rent, to where they play, to where they dance, to where they shop."

Dayton said she also plans to improve communications between the council and the university.

"I've already made some phone calls to sit down with BYU administrators to clarify issues that exist currently, and I'm hoping to be able to work with the administration to enhance the student experience as community members of Provo," she said.

Dayton said her focus will be in maintaining the great things Provo has while bringing new ideas to the board.

"I'm anxious to serve the people of Provo," Dayton said. "I'm anxious to listen to concerns and needs and to use my influence to promote the ethics and values that are inherent in this community and enhance what we have for the future."

City Council Chairwoman Barbara Sandstrom was the only incumbent of the three to remain on the council after defeating Shari Holweg in the Council District 4 race by 794 votes or 45.6 percent. In the Council District 3 race, Midge Johnson received 458 votes more than Melanie McCoard, a winning margin of 29.4 percent. This race lacked an incumbent.

"I just really feel very grateful for having the opportunity to go on for next four years," Sandstrom said. "I feel I have just as much energy and enthusiasm as I did when I came onto the council four years ago."

Sandstrom said she looks forward to the fresh approach the new members will bring to the council.

"We have a very cohesive council right now, and I don't see why we can't continue that way next year, working together and respecting each others' opinions and ideas," she said.

The new Provo City Council will take office Jan. 4, 2004.