SOUTH WEBER -- There is going to be at least one new city council member in South Weber.
Only two of the three incumbents are seeking re-election, so the challengers know at least one of them will win one of the three open seats on the council.
Michael Poff, who is seeking a third term, and David L. Thomas, seeking his second term, want to continue what they have started.
"The city is at a critical juncture as far as growth and the direction it's headed," said Poff, 38.
"I have seen a lot of things in the eight years (I've been on the council), and I want to do one more term. The future of the gravel pit is a big issue, as well as the economic growth and the direction we want to go with that growth."
Thomas said he also has unfinished business.
"If elected to another term, I intend to create an entryway corridor into the city, finish the development of Canyon Meadows Park, upgrade our public safety vehicles and upgrade our recreation programs," he said.
"We have the lowest property tax rate in Davis County, and I intend to continue to champion low property taxes."
The newcomers on the ballot are Alex Turner, Sam Stokes, Jan Ukena, Randy G. Hilton, Eric M. Sepp and Robert S. Osborne.
"I have always seen other people do it and figured I could help out and give a different perspective on the issues in South Weber," Turner, 28, said of his hopes of being on the council. "It would be good to have some new blood."
Stokes, 28, said South Weber is a great community "and there's a lot that can be improved. I grew up here and figured that I want to get it back to its roots and keep South Weber that way because it seemed to be working great."
The large number of candidates is a positive for the city, say those vying for a place on the council.
"Last election, we had three open positions and only three people applied," said Ukena, 59. "I felt like the citizens of South Weber at least needed a choice in this election with the three open positions."
"I just thought that I have time now," said Hilton, 65. "I've lived in South Weber for 32 years and I enjoy the city. I raised my kids here and thought it might be good time to serve and give back to the city."
Several candidates have specific topics they plan to address, if elected.
"I saw a few things that happened at city council meetings that I didn't agree with," said Sepp, 27.
"I noticed decisions like purchasing fire trucks and repaving roads are not correct, cost-effective, long-term solutions for maintaining a city."
Osborne, 41, agrees that more can be done for the city.
"I think there's some need for some commercial development in South Weber, and I'm the kind of guy who gets things done," he said. "I'm also very interested in keeping property taxes low and upgrading public safety vehicles."
Kimberlee Madison and Derek Tolman originally registered for the race but have withdrawn.
Incumbent Scott E. Woodbury is not running for re-election.
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