Mayor David A. Holdaway was elected Tuesday to a third term and promised to address the economic-development issues raised by his opponent, David L. Gaines.
In a heavy voter turnout, Holdaway unofficially received 1,858 votes to Gaines' 756. Holdaway said both candidates ran a positive campaign and the large margin of victory shows that Pleasant Grove residents approve of his work as mayor."I think that for a third term (the margin of victory) is a pretty good vote of confidence. Now I just need to earn that confidence," Holdaway said.
Holdaway said he will devote much of his next term to economic-development issues. Gaines and other members of the Peoples Party said economic development has been ignored in Pleasant Grove.
"I think (their claim) was rightly so," Holdaway said.
Holdaway said he is organizing a committee to look at ways of attracting industry to Pleasant Grove. He is also concerned with keeping the city financially sound.
Holdaway's running mates on the Citizens ticket, incumbent Keith Christeson and Daniel B. Fugal, also won Tuesday. Fugal was the top vote-getter in the City Council race.
Fugal and Christeson agree that Pleasant Grove needs to emphasize economic growth. Fugal said Pleasant Grove needs to increase its tax base to meet the needs of the city's growing population. Christeson said Pleasant Grove needs to attract more small industries.
Fugal also wants to see a park in the north part of the city and wants Pleasant Grove to stay within its financial capabilities.
Christeson wants to emphasize community programs and develop a drug education program for the city's youths.
Pleasant Grove voted overwhelmingly for annexing into Utah Transit Authority bus service, by more than a two-to-one margin.