Working with a tight city budget during a trying economy, revitalization of the city's downtown area and the future of Pleasant Grove are on the residents' minds during this election.

Pleasant Grove residents got a chance this week to ask city candidates questions during a meet the candidates night. Two current city council members, Bruce Call and Jeff Wilson, are vying for the mayor's seat. The four council candidates for two available seats are Laurel Backman Riddle, Milt Fugal, incumbent Lee Jensen and Kim Robinson.

Regarding the city's budget, each candidate was asked what municipal needs would come first, in their minds, if discretionary funds were to become available. Backman Riddle said she has a passion for downtown, but basic services must come first and it is important to find a balance in spending.

Fugal said that if the budget has covered the basic needs of the city, he would like to see a new library and an arts center.

"There needs to be open dialogue about what it is you think are high priorities," Jensen said, addressing the residents.

"My first thought goes to health, safety and welfare," Robinson said. "We need to take care of needs before wants."

Call answered the question by stating "I don't know." He then elaborated by saying that the citizens would need to be involved in the decision-making and that "any kind of good governance involves building consensus."

Wilson stressed the importance of preparing and saving and then addressing needs when they come up. "My goal is first of all to make sure people are taken care of, make sure employees can stay," he said.

All of the candidates stressed their desires to revitalize the downtown, historic area of the city. The idea of making the area a cultural and civic center of the city was mentioned several times throughout the evening.

Call and Wilson were asked what they hoped to accomplish as mayor that they could not as city council members. "The mayor should have a strategic vision," Call said. "I want every service and amenity to rival those of other towns our size."

Wilson said he hopes to continue the work of current Mayor Michael Daniels in bringing the Hammons hotel and conference center to the Grove area of the city. "He has not given up. I won't give up," Wilson said. "This will benefit all of us."

So why should voters choose these candidates? According to Call, voters should vote for the mayoral candidate who will best represent Pleasant Grove in all places and all times.

"I've come here to represent you. I have a love for the citizens," Wilson said.

"Look at the candidate's track record, qualifications and core values," said Backman Riddle.

Fugal said that he goes into meetings with an open mind and gets input from citizens.

Integrity, leadership and the courage to stand for the right were qualifications Jensen stressed in his remarks.

"I'm a can-do person and an out-of-the box person," Robinson said.

At the end of the 90-minute question and answer period, candidates mingled with residents and answered individual questions. There will be another meet-the-candidates night on Oct. 29 at the Pleasant Grove High School auditorium. Questions can be submitted to info@pgbaut.com. This event will be rebroadcast on KPGR Radio FM 88.1 on Nov. 1 from 5 to 9 p.m.