2 Spanish Fork hopefuls aiming to change revenue collections
Mayoral candidate Joe Thomas and City Council candidate Royden Hill said the cost of water is too high because it is subsidizing other city utilities, such as cable television and broadband.
But it's difficult for the average resident to obtain information about the budgets of each separate utility, Thomas said.
"There's a lack of disclosure in the city, information about where our funding is going, actual costs," Thomas said. "I think those things need to be opened up."
The current mayor is not seeking re-election, and two council seats are up for election in Spanish Fork.
"I got involved in this race simply because the present mayor encouraged me to do so, knowing he was not going to run again," said mayoral candidate Sherman Huff. "Enough of the citizens came forward and encouraged me."
City Council candidate Wayne Anderson is concerned about the city's increasing population: "I think the elected officials, the City Council and mayor need to determine what type of growth they want, how fast they want the city to grow, and they need to make sure they take charge of the direction of that growth."
He believes a responsible City Council announces changes in zoning and new developments under construction. Council members should invite input from residents.
Council candidate Treaci Tagg rejects arguments that recreation programs — ranging from the library and cemetery to the rodeo and youth programs — should be cut to save the city money.
"I just want to get involved and be part of our community, and make sure decisions made are maintaining a balance for all the people."
Springville
In Springville, growth is a primary issue for both mayoral candidates.
Over the next 25 years, the population of Springville is projected to increase from 24,000 to 56,000, said candidate Christine Tolman, who also is the city's current planning commission chairwoman.
An average community park is 60 acres, but the largest park in Springville is only 14 acres. The city lacks a recreation center for activities for residents — from children to senior citizens, Tolman said.
"All of that needs to be done in a way that's financially responsible," Tolman said. "We might not be able to do it today, but if we don't plan we may never get there."
Police, fire and utilities need to be expanded as the city grows, said candidate Gene Mangum.
"We've got to deal with them on a priority basis because we don't have the money to do them all at once," he said.
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