OREM — The race for Utah County commissioner continued Tuesday night as four candidates and a stand-in essayed to distinguish themselves in a Republican-only field.
The five men and women took questions from a moderator and the public on their views for the future of Utah County including economic development, transportation and water needs. Candidates are Alan Lisonbee of Santaquin, Larry Ellertson of Lindon, Jim Larsen of Mapleton, Tim Taylor of Saratoga Springs and Jim Bischoff of Benjamin.
Many of the candidates spent time describing their positions on items the commission does not generally oversee such as I-15. Yet, in keeping with their conservative base, all advocated fiscal responsibility.
As a commissioner on the three-member County Commission, one of the five will help oversee a population of nearly 400,000. Throughout the debate, the candidates continually stressed their belief in fiscal responsibility.
"None of us are interested in raising taxes," said Ellertson, who is currently mayor of Lindon. "Whether it is the city, county or the state, we need to find a way to work together."
The five candidates were given potential question topics before the event. State Sen. Kurt Bramble, R-Provo, who served as the debate moderator, said he distributed the topics to all candidates so Jim Bischoff could respond via his wife Alesia. Bischoff, a member of the Utah National Guard, is currently serving in Afghanistan. His wife has taken over his campaign during his absence. He is expected to return to Utah in August.
Group members spent most of their response time outlining what they hope to accomplish during their term if elected.
While the County Commission's role in transportation is limited to county roads in the unincorporated areas, that didn't stop those asking questions from weighing in on I-15 congestion. And, the candidates were quick to join in the call for improvements, promising to do what they could to influence state action.
Bischoff said her husband wants the commission to throw its weight around to help accomplish the needed improvements.
"We are tired of being bullied," Larsen said.
Taylor said he would act as a "squeaky wheel" to call attention to problems affecting Utah County.
"Before we even consider looking at raising taxes, I will look at cutting taxes," Taylor said.
The loudest reaction from the 180-person audience came in response to candidates views on Utah Lake.
"There are too many fingers in the lake," Larsen said, noting that several local and state agencies claim various jurisdictions over the lake. Larsen suggested creating one government body to oversee the lake's development. Other candidates complained about too many restrictions and government interference with wildlife habitat and lake development.
"I am sure every one of those fish have tuxedos now," said Taylor regarding the costs to protect the June sucker fish population, a species found only in Utah Lake.
The debate was organized by the by Republican leaders in Legislative District 60 and the Citizens' Resource group.
E-mail: jburke@desnews.com