A retired educator living in the city named after one of his ancestors is challenging the incumbent, first-term mayor in Layton's municipal election next week. And two other political newcomers are challenging the two incumbent council members.

MayorJames J. Layton, 56, 2796 E. Celestial Dr., is making his first run at a political office and made a strong showing in the city's October primary election, polling 65 percent of the votes cast for mayor and surpassing the incumbent, Richard McKenzie.

McKenzie, 63, 1527 N. Oak Hill Circle, initially announced he would not run again but changed his mind right before the filing deadline, saying he would like to complete some projects started during his administration.

Candidate Layton taught in the Davis schools from 1958 through his retirement in 1987 as principal of North Layton Junior High. He was a member for years of the Layton City Improvement Association, also serving a term as president.

"I have seen Layton grow from just over 600 to nearly 40,000 persons. This rapid growth from a small farming community to a more urban area presents many challenges," said Layton, who still actively farms in the city himself.

"Decisions must be made which meet these challenges and also the needs of the people," he said.

McKenzie said his statement earlier this year about not running for a second term, combined with his unsuccessful write-in campaign for county commission in 1988, have contributed to a rumor going around that he won't complete a second four-year term.

That's not true, the mayor vowed, promising to stay the full four years if he's re-elected, through the completion and dedication of the city's new municipal and court complex.

That project, which will cost between $6 and $7 million, is under way and should be complete within the next year.

In addition to the new city hall, the mayor listed other accomplishments such as improving the city's transportation system, especially the east-west roads; installation of traffic controls; new water lines; and a new well.

McKenzie, a retired civilian employee at Hill Air Force Base, made his first foray into city politics when he ran for mayor in 1985.

City Council

In the city council race, incumbents Jerry Stevenson and Gerald Nebeker are being challenged by political newcomers Lyndia Graham and Ethel Adams. The two newcomers made a strong showing in the October primary, with both Graham and Adams drawing more votes than Nebeker.

Adams, 60, 120 E. 2000 North, retired in a management position from Hill Air Force Base after 35 years. Her family also owns and operates a farm in Layton.

She has been active in volunteer roles in city groups, including citizens land use and city image committees, and at the city museum.

Adams said as a retired manager she has the time, interest and experience to devote to the council job.

"I would like to see emphasis on a good balance of business development and quality lifestyle and strive for an upgraded city image," said Adams. "We need to build on the strong points of the city such as the city Commons Center, improve some poor access areas and recognize those who supply our services."

Graham, 43, 1063 W. 1120 North, is making her first run at a city office. But as a part-time reporter for a weekly newspaper in Davis County, she said, she estimates she's attended hundreds of meetings of the City Council, planning commission and other organizations.

She helped organize a pilot program in the city to improve older residential neighborhoods and serves on several city committees, including the water, housing and neighborhood, community identity and annexation committees.

Graham advocates dividing the city into districts with volunteer representatives to work with the council on decisions that affect their neighborhoods and the city in general to get more citizen involvement and input.

She is also concerned about future water resources for Layton in addition to implementing a new comprehensive plan and increasing civic pride.

"I love Layton and don't mind spending the many hours it will take to work toward growth and improvement for the city's future," she said. Nebeker, 47, 245 N. 2800 East, was elected to the council in 1986. He is director of finance and information systems for the LDS Church.

He points to the city's new cemetery, library, recreational facilities and the stoplight at Rainbow and Fairfield roads as accomplishments during the last four years.

The city has also made progress in its master planning and city services, Nebeker said - all without a tax increase. The current City Council and mayor work well together, Nebeker said, and he is asking voters to return the incumbents to office.

"I'm seeking re-election because I have enjoyed my public service during the past four years and would very much like to invest this experience in the next four," Nebeker said.

Stevenson, 42, of 1464 W. Gentile St., is co-owner of J&J Nursery and Garden Center and Great Basin Turf Supply in Layton. He was elected to the council four years ago and served on the city's planning commission from 1978 to 1985, two years as chairman.

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Of the six candidates who ran in the October primary, Stevenson polled the highest number of votes.

The biggest problem facing Layton is balancing its growth and preserving the city's lifestyle, said Stevenson, who advocates planning as the solution.

The city is in a good financial position, Stevenson said, and he doesn't see a need for either a tax increase or a cutback in city services in the near future.

The city has been successful in bringing in businesses to broaden its economic base, Stevenson said, but competition from other communities is intense and he said the city needs to increase work in that area.

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