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A big political storm blew through the small Tooele County town of Stockton and Mayor Dan Rydalch was voted out of office Tuesday by a 3-1 margin.

Stockton City Councilman Mark Whitney defeated Rydalch after a well-publicized flap last week. Rydalch made headlines after he suspended a police officer for ticketing the mayor's son. The City Council responded by reinstating the officer with back pay.

Panguitch Mayor J. Arthur Cooper also was ousted, along with Vernal Mayor Allan Mashburn. But mayors in Moab, Heber City, Park City and Tooele breezed to reelection. Mayors in St. George and Logan won by narrower margins.

Despite the dust-up in Stockton, Rydalch had supporters.

The mayor plowed roads and repaired the town's water system years before he was elected, said voter Jack Hollien.

"He didn't expect to get paid," Hollien said. "He done it for us."

But others around town said they were ready for Rydalch -- who had served one term as Stockton's mayor -- to move on, and not just because he suspended the officer.

"I kind of doubt he would have been re-elected anyway," Ronnalee Hessord said. "A lot of people wanted change."

In Park City, two-term incumbent Mayor Dana Williams solidly defeated challenger Brad Olch, who had held the mayor's post for three terms prior to Williams election in 2001.

Olch mounted an issue-oriented campaign -- including newspaper advertising and flyers -- that hit hard at the popular incumbent on planning, growth and economic challenges. But despite the recession, Parkites seem to be happy with their mayor.

Williams, who, among other things, is the frontman for a rock group called the Motherlode Canyon Band, said he's grateful for the broad support throughout the community.

"It's amazing to have been around Park City for 44 years and know that it's still a special place with special people," Williams said Tuesday night. "I just feel great."

In St. George, Daniel McArthur pulled out a victory for a fifth term as mayor, defeating challenger Ed Baca by a margin of 52 to 47 percent, according to unofficial results.

During his 16 years in the office, St. George has seen tremendous growth --- and the pains that go with it -- as well as a great deal of success. A major campaign issue was the pricey new airport now under construction. But McArthur said it positions St. George for a bright future.

"I'm the cheerleader of the community. I like to look on the positive side of things," he said. "You take a victory any way you can get it."

Tribune reporter Brandon Loomis contributed to this story.