CEDAR HILLS -- The Cedar Hills candidate meet and greet at the Cedar Hills Golf Course attracted a number of residents Wednesday night, but not for the gorgeous view, as the sun sank into the west mountains.

The candidates fielded some tough questions, most of which were centered on the proposed Golf Course Clubhouse, whether a recreation center will be built with the $3 million in impact fees available, and the true role of government.

Incumbent Mayor Mike McGee said he was originally not going to run again, but went to a Glenn Beck broadcast and felt that he needed to finish what he's started in the city. He is pro-clubhouse, but only to the tune of $1 to 2 million.

"Basically, that would transfer the lease payments we have for the Sunset Room (at the golf course), and the trailers to a bond payment," he said.

Mayoral candidate and current Councilman Eric Richardson said he's the man for the job because of his experience on the Planning Commission and the City Council. He is opposed to spending more taxpayer money on the golf course or the rec center, but feels both can still be accomplished. "I know how to take the assets we have. ... I believe we can deliver on our promises in a responsible way."

Mayoral candidate Jerry W. Dearinger is running because he wants to limit the role of government. Government should "only provide for [residents] what they can't provide for themselves. Government should not compete with private enterprise," he said.

He too is against spending more money on the golf course, but is open to other ways to better the course, and pay off the debt.

Mayor candidate Orson Herrmann also wants to limit government and wants to make sure the city is fiscally responsible. His goal is to bring more business to the city. He is opposed to spending more taxpayer money for a clubhouse or a rec center.

Council candidate Mike Cook said he is running with a desire to be of service, "to be able to look back and say I used my time well."

He advocates private ownership of the golf course, saying that because then that owner can take more risks to grow the business, but he is open to options for the city. He hopes that as the commercial sales tax revenue grows, the city will be able to provide a rec center for residents.

Council candidate Curt Crosby is running because he wants government to be smaller. He also does not think the city should run the golf course. Further, he does not think the city should run a recreation center. With the $3 million earmarked for the rec center, he would "do the best I could to find out what can be done with it."

Council candidate and current Planning Commissioner Scott Jackman said that he felt his experience on the commission would prove beneficial to a councilman. "My experience and involvement in the city helps me fill in the gaps. I know the issues; I have a head start," he said.

Concerning the clubhouse, he said, "We've got to do something. The leases run out, so we have to re-lease or build." He wants to look at all the options and details before moving forward. Council candidate Darin Lowder was on the council once before, and is running again to make sure the residents are informed about all the issues.

"I don't want misinformation out there, so I'll be out there telling the masses," he said. On the clubhouse and recreation center, he is for both, but he wants them to go to a vote of the residents.

"It has to go to the residents, and they have to have all the facts," he said.

Council candidate and current chairman of the Parks and Trails Committee Stephanie Martinez advocates that even without an actual building, residents can still enjoy the benefits of a rec center if they get involved.

"There are a lot of programs we don't have that we could, like a soccer program for under 4," she said.

While she'd love to see a rec center, and is willing to look at options for a clubhouse, she says there are so many things residents can have "without a building and without a tax increase." She would back either building, only if they sustained themselves.

Council candidate Clint Seaman said he felt like a "lone wolf" because he sees the course as a great asset to the city. He complimented the current management of the course, and the improved revenues the city has seen recently.

"A respectable clubhouse would generate money from tournaments, banquets, weddings. Right now we're in limbo, we need something nice to draw in the business," he said.

Council candidate Paul Sorensen said he's running because he's concerned about government on a national level, and he wants to do something locally. "The city needs a change of direction," he said.

He is opposed to spending money for golf course improvements, but feels a rec center is needed for the city's children.

Council candidate Michael Stuy was not in attendance.

The Primary Election is Tuesday. Residents must show proper identification to vote.