ALPINE — In one of the fastest growing cities in the state, candidates are focused on growth — courting more retail growth, managing new growth and curtailing hillside growth.
Hunt Willoughby wants to be re-elected as mayor against Councilwoman Kim Arnold Bryant.
Bryant wants responsible development, which she says is the reason she voted against a library that would have increased taxes and placed retaining walls on the hillsides.
Willoughby, an environmental scientist with the state, has served on the Planning Commission, City Council and is now seeking a second term as mayor. He wants to keep the government small and local.
"There is limited growth and limited funds," Willoughby said. "We must continue to use the resources we have for the betterment of the community."
Up for four at-large City Council seats are Bradley Reneer, Troy Stout, Tracy Wallace, Thomas Whitchurch and former Mayor Phil Barker, who is running as a write-in candidate.
Reneer, a software developer and Planning Commission member, highlights his experience in land-use planning.
"Frugality, not increasing taxes, is the primary answer to lost revenue," he said.
Stout, who manages a dental-supply company, is an avid biker and wants to protect the trails, hillsides and open space.
"Were faced by constant pressure to develop our hillsides by developers who see dollar signs on our hillsides," he said. "We can't allow developers and high-density subdivisions to take over the city."
Wallace, a teacher and current councilman, said he has a passion to protect Alpine and its heritage. Maintaining the infrastructure is a high priority, he said, as is keeping taxes low.
Whitchurch, a computer systems administrator, pledges to hold developers to zoning ordinances. He says the city needs to monitor the growth of the surrounding communities and "to make decisions that will minimize the impact on us as residents."
Barker, who served a term as mayor and a term on the City Council, wants to fight a growing drug problem in northern Utah County. He also is running to maintain Alpine's uniqueness, he said.
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