Lyndia Graham was re-elected to her City Council position last month, but she believes political campaigning in Layton has been elevated to new levels and feels it's time for the City Council to look at establishing some controls.
Graham doesn't believe anything improper took place during the last election, but thinks campaigning has come of age and some ordinances, such as having filing fees and campaign disclosures, are needed."I think there are some good reasons for charging a fee," -Graham said of making those who file for office in the city pay.
Layton had a record 16 candidates file for City Council last September, and Graham said she heard rumors some of them may have filed simply for the sake of a bet. Many candidates did no campaigning and Graham said a fee - maybe of $30 - would also help the city recover some of its administrative costs.
"A small fee would make some people stop and think," she said.
Regarding campaign disclosures, Graham isn't worried about the amount of money received, but whether a candidate happens to be backed by any special-interest group.
"I just feel that it's an issue of fairness," she said.
Jerry Stevenson, a current council member who was elected to replace Mayor James Layton in January, agreed.
"I think it's a good idea and it should be expanded," Stevenson said, explaining he also believes the city should look at the amount of signs and their size in light of the last election and its numerous political signs littering the sides of city streets.
Stuart Adams, elected to the City Council for 1994, said such measures would be positive things that could make candidates equal in economic terms.
Brent Allen, another council member, said the last campaign did escalate and the next one could go wild without some control.
Council member Ethel Adams said Layton needs to take a look at what limits other cities have on their campaigns before the city discusses the issue further next month.