Voters going to the polls in Centerville on Nov. 7 will find a single candidate for mayor on their ballots and three candidates, including one incumbent, running for two seats on the City Council
Incumbent Mayor Dean C. Argyle opted not to run for re-election this year, as did Councilman Douglas E. Nielsen, whose term expires in December. Incumbent Councilman Kent M. Lindsey has filed for re-election.Joining in the council race are Robert L. Grange and Steven M. Mangel. R. Michael Kjar, a former councilman, is the lone candidate for mayor.
Kjar, 562 N. 400 East, is senior fiscal analyst for the Utah Legislature and served on the City Council from 1984-88. He also headed the 1989 July 4 celebration.
Kjar said his previous experience in city government, along with support from the retiring mayor and some current council members, led him to file for another term on the council.
Kjar said a needed upgrading of the city's culinary water system and further economic development are the top issues facing the city. He would also like to develop more cooperative programs between the city and the school district.
"I feel the current mayor and council have done a remarkable job, and the development of the community has been tremendous," said Kjar. "I hope to be able to continue those efforts."
Grange, 163 W. 1600 North, is an engineer and engineering manager for a computer design firm. This is his first try at a city office.
"Bruce Erickson, a current council member, has encouraged me to run because in working with me he recognizes that I have business and management experience and leadership ability to help solve the problems that the city is facing in the coming years," Grange said.
"I have always felt that it is important to be involved in community affairs, and now that all my kids are in school I feel it is time for me to become more involved."
Grange said he sees Centerville's growth, with the resulting pressure on the city's resources, as its most important issue. He described the city's culinary water system as "antiquated" and said it needs replacement or remodeling.
The city is primarily residential, Grange said, and its commercial and industrial base needs to be expanded.
"I am a citizen candidate and have no special interest alliances," he said. "I am a hard worker and always do my best to do the job right. If elected, I will commit the time necessary to honor the trust placed in me by the voters."
Lindsey, 61 S. 700 East, is finishing his first term on the council and has served on the city planning commission and the board of directors of the county burn plant. He is co-owner of a real estate firm.
"I believe local government affects individual lives to a greater degree than other levels of government," Lindsey said, explaining his decision to run for another council term. "And every citizen owes the community a portion of his talents and time in serving the community."
Centerville has many issues and problems facing it, listing among them the outdated water system, street repair, park development, safety and tax revenue," Lindsey said.
"By placing economic development at the top of the list and through the use of the city's new redevelopment agency, Centerville can attract new business. With the expanded tax base new business will provide, these issues can be addressed."
Lindsey has lived in Centerville 47 years and has been active in civic and recreational organizations.
Mangel, 1035 N. Wil-Mar Place, is an educator and assistant vice-principal at a junior high school in Davis County. He is currently serving a term on the city Planning Commission.
"I feel there are a lot of critical issues confronting the city that need an unbiased opinion," Mangel said of his decision to run. "I do not represent any special interest groups."
The drinking water system is the most critical issue facing the city, according to Mangel, and financing to repair it should come from a bond issue and revenue derived from a broader tax base.
"We need to attract light industry and other businesses to Centerville to help increase our tax base," he said.
An 18-year Centerville resident, Mangel said he will be "able to deal fairly with any issues which arise. I plan to raise my children here and want Centerville to be the best city it can be."