Northern Utah County focuses on initiatives

EAGLE MOUNTAIN — The frosty cold didn't dampen the enthusiasm of the Eagle Mountain City Council candidates.

They were all waving, smiling and holding campaign signs high Tuesday as voters turned out to weigh in on issues such as growth, transportation and the city's debt.

"Issues? That dang road over there is one," said resident Sheri Gallagher, referring to U-73, which runs from Lehi to Eagle Mountain.

Gallagher said those elected need to pay attention to the preservation of open space and safeguard the investments of homeowners. Two of the three precincts had reported as of press time — and the race was too close to call as of press time.

"A lot of us came here because we wanted to be away from the busy-ness of Provo and Orem, but we need our city to prosper," said Mary Ackerman. "None of us want uncontrolled growth, but we need to grow to get the business and reduce the taxes."

In Cedar Hills, voters were considering a pair of initiatives designed to curb city property taxes and bonding. Initiative No. 1 would require the maximum property tax rate to stay below the county's certified tax rate. Initiative No. 2 requires the council to come to the voters before any type of government bonds are approved.

Both initiatives passed resoundingly.

Vandy Evans came out to vote specifically because of the initiatives.

"I believe you vote in representatives who have been given the charter to make the best decisions. Those who vote for these initiatives don't understand the constitution," Evans said.

Others said they don't feel the council and mayor listened to them when the municipal golf course was being considered. They also felt threatened when the council entertained a request for a Wal-Mart Supercenter to be built in the city's commercial area.

In Highland, the voters leaving the polls said Highland needs to bring in more commercial development and consider reducing the lot size requirement for single family homes.

Kathryn Schramm, Glen Vawdrey and Steve King won the three open seats vacated by Jan Dowling, Mike Long and Ron Jewett.

"I've seen other areas with this same kind of lot size requirement and when people get older, it becomes junkyard because it's hard to take care of," said Robert Fehr.