OCR Text |
Show Candidates Speak By GARY R. BLODCETT BOUNTIFUL There are two things in common about the mayoral candidates for south Davis County Coun-ty cities - (I) they are dedicated to serving the public, pub-lic, and (2) they are willing to work with city officials of neighboring communities. BEYOND THAT, however, theif opinions and differences dif-ferences vary according to the needs of their respective respec-tive cities. This was disclosed last Wednesday when the mayoral candidates of each community spoke briefly to a large gathering of the Bountiful Area Chamber of Commerce. Each candidate spoke three minutes. EVEN THOUGH they were last on the program. Bouutiful's two mayoral candidates -- Dean O. Anderson and Dean S. Stahle -- seemed to draw the most attention, probably because of the important issue of redevelopment. Speaking first, Mr. Anderson said he is against a downtown mall, at least at the present time. "I don't think it (mall) can accomplish what it should." he said. HE SAID he is also against condemnation for redevelopment rede-velopment "unless it is for the best interest of the entire city" and that he is very concerned about the power and authority invested in the Redevelopment Agency and its director. He also noted that his 15 vears as former Bountiful police chief provides him with experience to serve as mayor. Mr. Stahle's opinions about redevelopment were very similar to his opponent. He said. "I. too. oppose the mall and 1 am against condemnation for private purposes. If the city is ready for a mall, then private enterprise should do the construction. "THERE ARE many other issues facing city officials offi-cials now and in the future, but redevelopment has to be one of the most serious concerns for Bountiful residents in many years," he added. He cited his service of 19 years of coverage of city council and other meetings as editor of the Clipper, six years as a member of the Bountiful Power Commission, a member of the city planning and zoning commission five years, and an appointee to the city council three and one-half years as experience for the mayor's job. Leading the parade of 10 mayor candidates in their brief remarks were Woods Cross nominees Ralph Argyle and Lawrence Urry. MR. ARGYLE said his 10 years on the city council has given him a good insight and great experience in working for the city. "There are a lot of things still to be done," he said. He cited needs for the community's young people, especially adequate housing at a reasonable price, as a major issue. Improved cooperation with neighboring neighbor-ing cities and replacement of revenue sharing funds were also cited as immediate concerns. INCUMBENT URRY said Woods Cross is a thriv- ing community with a sound tax base. "We have had more than 70 new businesses in the city in the past four years," he said. He noted that continued reduction of the city's tax levy (which is now 17.26 mills), construction of a fire substation, and bcautification projects are high on his list of priorities. He also urged a continued U cooperative effort between city officials of south Davis County communities and with county and stage agencies. WEST BOUNTIFUL incumbent Grant Secrist said he, too, would like to finish some projects started in the city, noting that West Bountiful has been the fastest growing community in south Davis County the past decade, increasing 182 percent. "1 have set II new goals for which I'm asking council support," he said. "Included in the goals w ill be plans for consolidation of some of the city services." ser-vices." HIS OPPONENT, John Trimming, encouraged new businesses in the community to enhance the tax base. "We are in a transition period and need to look strong to the future." He noted that West Bountiful has prime land av ail-able ail-able for both residences and commercial buildings. "We are no longer a small community relying on others, we are a fast-grow ing city and soon w ill have more than 1 .500 teenagers liv ing w ithin the community," commun-ity," he said. CENTERVILLE incumbent Golden Allen said he "has his work cut out for him winning this v ear's election." He made the final ballot by a slim margin after being elected four years ago by only three votes as a "write-in candidate." I have dreamed of Centerville as being a front room, not a bedroom community to Ogdcn and Salt Lake City, and we are fast becoming just that." he said. He cited major annexations of property, a tremendous growth in commercial and industrial growth, doubling of the city's sales tax revenue, completion of a citywide improvement district, and completion of the city's master plan and zoning ordinance ordi-nance as accomplishments during his term. NEWCOMER NEIL L. Blackburn said he has watched the city government function over the past few years and has often wanted to become more active. "1 have a special regard for the mayor and the entire council for all that they have done." he said. He encouraged long-range planning and a city free of special interest groups. An independent businessman, business-man, Mr. Blackburn cited his many years experience working with city and county governments as a planning plan-ning consultant, being past co-chairman of the city's planning commission and past member of the city's ordinance revision committee as qualifications for the mayor's post. ROBERT Palmquist. who is running unopposed in North Salt Lake, said his major objective is to erase the "identity problem" people have with the city. Annexation will also be a major concern during the next four years, he noted. Farmington mayor candidate Clair M. Seeley said "politics will be a new challenge after serving 31 years as a federal employee. Retired from the federal government, he said his previous experience of working with city, county and state agencies will help to qualify him for the position. "I FEEL that 1 am qualified to serve the community commun-ity and 1 want to be a public servant." he said. He will be seeking the office against Merrill R. Petty, who was unable to attend the Chamber meeting. Incumbent mayor E. True Johnson is not seeking re-election. |