Knowlton said improved communication among residents and city officials is important for the future of Layton. Other issues include traffic mitigation, development of parks, higher-paying jobs and economic development.

"The next mayor of Layton city needs to have experience, leadership skills and a vision of the future in order to move our great city forward in a positive direction," Knowlton said. "My experiences over the years have helped develop these skills."

In campaigning, Knowlton says he has found many residents who "felt their voices are not being heard." He says he has a plan to address that problem.

• Bob J. Stevenson, 51, works as a brands manager for Nestle. He attended Weber State University and served three terms on the Layton City Council, from 1982 to 1992.

Stevenson says the most important issue facing Layton is controlling growth. In the next 20 years, Layton will reach build-out. Careful master planning must occur, he said.

"Our city is in demand, and at this time we should follow our master plans and even refine them so that we can control the types of development that come into Layton," Stevenson said.

Other issues include traffic mitigation and a continued relationship with Hill Air Force Base. Stevenson says he is a "new voice" in city government and can offer "independent thinking" to guide future planning decisions. "My first responsibility is to the residents of Layton city," he said.

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E-mail: nwarburton@desnews.com