Springville Youth City Council Mayor Jennifer Luther took charge of the Meet the Candidate Night held last week and sponsored by the youth council. Questions came from citizens who had submitted them beforehand.

Luther introduced the four candidates running for two seats on the Springville City Council -- Ben Jolley, Colleen Hatfield, Mark Packard and Christine Tolman. Jolley and Packard are up for re-election.

Each candidate first introduced themselves. Packard said, "I have enjoyed working on the council for the past four years, and give credit to our fine mayor and city staff for what we have accomplished. It is important that we be responsive to the citizens. We need to be able to take care of what the citizens need -- in business it is called customer service."

Packard also said that the city needs to spend tax dollars properly and that there are many things we need to get done.

Jolley said that he was "excited to run for the council again." He said that it has been amazing to see how the city is run. He said the focus for the next four years should be on business development which brings tax benefits to the city, building a recreation center that fits the community needs and keeping power rates manageable, because they can quickly change due to federal regulation. "Our rates are stable and we have smart people who are running the department," Jolley said.

Tolman said that she works at BYU as an information tech and has served on the planning commission for eight years. "We want to maintain a small town using big city smarts," she said. "We are going to be a much bigger city in the future. We need a community center where people of different ages and different ideas can meet together." She also said we need to plan using 21st century tools.

Hatfield said she loves teens and is passionate about building a recreation center. "I want a more friendly community," she said. "I have ways to accomplish getting a rec center. I enjoy people and I'm not afraid to go after goals. And I have time to help. I hope we can all come together if I am elected," she said.

When asked what their definition of a recreation center was, Packard said, "There are many types of rec centers; some could cost as much as 35 million. In Springville we need to make sure we get what we need but don't overburden the taxpayers."

Jolley said, "We need a good pool for local high school sports teams. We need a well thought out, useful community center with good programs."

Tolman said the community center facilities should be more than just fun places to go, "They should provide opportunities for citizens to come together in meaningful ways. We need a financially sustainable one," She also said that labor and materials are low right now and that it might be an ideal time to go ahead with a bond for a community center.

Hatfield had apparently contacted city leaders in Lehi and found out about their new rec center and how they got it. She said that Lehi paid 9 million for their rec center and it could be done here in Springville the same way they did it. "We need a rec center to provide fun things to do together," she said.

When asked about economic development, Packard said that it is a vital key to helping us do some extra things in the city. "We cannot continue to raise property taxes. It is a challenge to be able to attract businesses that are needed and yet maintain Springville the way we want it to be," he said.

Jolley was asked about a secondary water system. He said, "How would the city pay for this at this time? It is in the Master Plan for the future and is being installed in the West fields as homes are built now. We do not need to do this right now. We have many other needs. A secondary water system will occur in the future."

Tolman was asked if she would be willing to lower impact fees. She said, "For a long time we didn't have impact fees. We would be unwise not to have them."

When asked what her perception of a good council member was, Hatfield said, "They have to listen to the people. They have to do things that have to be done, and they have to do their homework -- research. They need to know their city and what the needs are."

When the question was posed as to what two personality traits each posed that would be an asset for a city, council person, Packard said, "I have been in finance for a long time. That is one of my strengths. I am a people person and like to talk to people and find ways to make things work and happen. I am also available in my office at all times*0."

Jolley said, "I am open-minded. I look at the whole picture and the details and make sure I understand before I make a decision. I try to be very available so that people can get hold of me."

Tolman said she is "able to look at the whole picture and deal with complex problems. No one accomplishes anything by themselves. I believe in collaboration."

Hatfield said she has two good ears to listen to others. "My talents can help in raising money for projects. I am also good at delegating."

In their closing remarks, Hatfield said, "I love people, I love everything about Springville. I want it to be the best town it can be. We have everything except a rec center. I will make sure that happens."

Jolley said he is so fortunate to have served for the last four years on the council. "I love taking part in the process of making decisions for the community. There is more I can give. I am eager to participate, to listen to any employee or citizen. We have an incredible group of volunteers in this city. I love Springville and living in the West fields."

Tolman said, "Why am I doing this? It is an opportunity to serve. The issues facing the city right now intersect with my strengths. I have tried to make things better than I found them. If elected, you will get the best I have to offer."

Packard said "Springville is a great place because of the sacrifices that went before us. Being on the city council is not an easy job. I am grateful for a great city staff who help the council. The last four years have been a time to get things done. The city is in great economic shape right now. I appreciate the opportunity to serve and your support."

Wilford Clyde, who will automatically become Springville's mayor in January because he is running unopposed, spoke to those assembled at the end of the candidate meeting. He said that, "We have new challenges today. I want to see things happen in our community, but we realize that these are tough economic times and we need to work together to get things done."

Clyde said that no other cities around have the extensive park system we have in the canyon, or a golf course that is one of the best in the state, a wonderful art museum and great recreation programs.

"We need economic growth, but we also need to support the businesses we have now. With the opening of the new road to I-15, we will have one of the premier interchanges in the state with an opportunity to attract many businesses," he said.