A "new look" in Richfield's city government has already been assured, as a new mayor will take the helm of city affairs, and at least one councilman won't be returning.
Controversial Mayor Sue Marie Young didn't file for re-election. The final four years of her administration were filled with turmoil, during which she received adverse publicity through dealings connected with her construction company, and she refused to resign her position after council members unanimously requested she do so.Ironically, even though he took opposite views to the mayor on a number of issues, Councilman Dan Chidester was defeated in the primary for re-election to the council. The strong enthusiasm for the election before the primary, with a record number of candidates - 15 - seems to have waned somewhat, at least in the mayoral race. That may be because of the lopsided victory of Jay Andersen in the primary.
Andersen garnered 1,006 votes in the primary compared to Robert "Bob" Jepson's 248 votes.
If Andersen wins, he would be new in the mayorship but an old hand at city government, so the "new look" wouldn't be entirely new. He served a tenure before the Young administration as city manager.
Jepson has had no political experience but has donated many hours to a variety of civic service as well as holding a number of executive positions.
The list of 11 City Council candidates was trimmed to six in the primary election. It's possible that the "new look" won't prevail in the next City Council even with Chidester gone. Two incumbents survived the primary along with one former councilman.
If percentages at the primary continue through the general election, newcomer Terry Jack Anderson will be the favorite in the four-year council contest, while a close race will develop between incumbent Paul Lyman and former councilman Paul Turner. Donnell Spencer is the dark horse. He trailed far behind the other candidates in the primary election.
Anderson received 809 votes, Turner 522, Lyman 518 and Spencer 362. The two that get the highest number of votes Nov. 7 will win a seat on the council.
Although Richfield is predominantly a Mormon community, one candidate for the two-year council post is a minister. The Rev. Medford Hutson, pastor of the Richfield First Baptist Church, slightly out-polled the incumbent, Carl Albrecht, by 19 votes in the primary.
The two incumbents in the general election can't be classed as "old-timers" on the council. Neither Lyman or Albrecht have faced a general election. They are filling the unexpired terms of former city councilmen Van Madsen and Ric Reap, who moved to other areas for employment opportunities.
Turner was defeated by voters two years ago after serving one term on the council. But he survived the primary with a good number of votes and may be a strong contender to get back his old council seat.
Brief biographies of candidate and their viewpoints follow:
Mayor
Robert "Bob" Jepson is a physical therapist who owned and operated Central Utah Physical Services for 16 years. He is a Vietnam War veteran who attended Dixie College and the University of Utah, where he was a student officer. He has been president of Richfield Independence Day Inc. and the Richfield Jaycees, worked with the Utah Junior Livestock Show and in youth leadership activities and is a member of the Rotary Club. He organized the first prenatal class at Sevier Valley Hospital.
"I have found that in a small community it is easy to point fingers at those with whom we do not agree. . . . I do not want to be laboring with the problems of the past. . . . I want to look to the future for better ways of meeting the growing needs of Richfield City."
Jepson said there are no easy solutions to the city's problems, but officials must employ "stop-gap" methods for short-term problems and develop a well organized long-term plan for the city. He supports industrial development, advocates tax breaks for businesses that would offer employment and gives street repairs a high priority. "I would love to see central Utah returned to its proper status, and that can be accomplished by good people working together for a united cause."
Jay Andersen is a regional sales representative for Wheeler Machinery Co. He was Richfield city manager from 1975-1977 and was assistant to the president of L.A. Young Construction Co. for three years.
He is a former bishop of the Richfield 7th LDS Ward, past president of the Richfield Chamber of Commerce and Richfield High School Boosters Club, and he has been involved with youth activities.
Andersen said he would like to implement a five-point program: (1) inform the public on issues; (2) get projects and programs finished that are now in progress; (3) implement ways and means to improve and protect the city's investments, such as streets, water, sewer, parks, etc.; (4) encourage industrial development in the city and Sevier County; and (5) work closely with all city department heads to be certain they are operating as efficiently as possible and with good productivity.
"My experience as city manager will help in this (the fifth) area because I'm acquainted with the functions of each department. I feel I can be of service to my community and give some leadership to its operation. Two equally informed people seldom disagree." He said he will "give the facts" on both sides of an issue to civic clubs, other groups and citizens.
Four-year council candidates
Terry Jack Anderson is an employee of Utah Power & Light Co. He previously worked for Garkane Power Association and Garkane Credit Union. He is a past member of the Utah Arts Council and said he is committed to serving the community in ways that will improve the quality of life.
"Plan for Tomorrow Today" is his campaign theme. He advocates creative marketing programs, industry programs that support established Richfield businesses while attracting new ones and re-establishing Richfield as a regional shopping center. He said he can provide "enlightened and dedicated leadership" in helping to solve Richfield's problems.
Paul Lyman is an attorney who was appointed to the council a year ago. He holds a degree in business and economics from Brigham Young University and law degree from the University of Chicago. He has lived in Richfield for four years, and has served on the City Planning Commission.
He believes he can help Richfield keep its "forward momentum." He is concerned about vacant buildings on Main Street and wants to see local business expanded. He would like to see citizens have better attitudes about Richfield. "I have tried to implement suggestions that our efficiency committees made . . . these will keep Richfield headed in the direction it should be going in for the next few years."
Paul Turner owns and operates Turner Moving and Storage. He is a former executive with Boy Scouts of America. He served four years on the City Council and has also served on the Planning Commission. He said he has worked for reduced taxes and is a strong advocate of economy in government.
Turner predicts tightening of city government funds in the future. He spearheaded support for state tax initiatives and led opposition to sales and franchise taxes adopted by the City Council. "Since many of the taxes that go to the county are paid by the cities, we need a lot more cooperation between city and county government . . . people should be allowed to vote on tax increases . . . hard-pressed taxpayers are being called upon to dig deeper into their pockets when, perhaps, cutting back would be in order."
Donnell Spencer raises mink. He is a former turkey producer and school teacher. He served on the Farm Credit System board of directors for 16 years.
He stresses tighter government economy and having the City Council justify expenditures to taxpayers. "I have had to make financial decisions based on an ability to repay money . . . my experience in dealing with millions of dollars every year uniquely qualifies me to fill this important position." He wants to see the culinary water project completed, more economic development efforts, reduction in taxes while providing needed services and supports stronger relationships with other communities.
Two-year council candidates
Carl Albrecht is a Garkane Power Association assistant manager. He is a graduate of Stevens Henegar Business College and received additional schooling in accounting through the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Rural Electrification Administration. He was appointed to the City Council in January 1988.
Albrecht wants to see street improvements, using additional revenue from franchise and quarter-percent sales tax the council approved. He supports development at I-70 interchanges near Richfield while preserving the downtown business district. He sees a need for new equipment for city departments. Richfield should operate "smarter and more productive and in a business-like manner, paying off our debt as we progress."
The Rev. Medford Hutson is a Texas native who attended Lon Morris Junior College, East Texas Baptist University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has also worked in a variety of businesses. He served two terms as Chamber of Commerce president. He has worked with senior citizen programs, United Way, parent-teacher associations and the Sevier Valley Tech nursing program. He is a member of the Utah State Governor's Council.
He promises a "determination and a vision" to make Richfield the center of activities in southern Utah. He said he will study city issues and prioritize them to aid in solving problems. He encourages promotion of existing businesses and growth, "but in orderly fashion." He said he is a "peacemaker" and "it is my dream to pull this city together where we can work as a growing, thriving, healthy place . . . reaching out to help each other would have a major priority for me."