American Fork official seeks helm

AMERICAN FORK — In a bid to give the city a sense of continuity during the turnover that could come with this November's elections, Councilman Shirl LeBaron announced Monday he will run for mayor.

"I want to ensure that certain things we (the City Council) are doing can get accomplished," LeBaron said.

The announcement comes in the wake of Mayor Ted Barratt's decision not to seek re-election. Barratt, who has served as mayor for eight years and was on the City Council for four years in the '80s, said it is time for new leadership.

"I've got other things I want to do," Barratt said. "I'm going to spend some time with my wife and family."

LeBaron, the first candidate to file for the mayor's position, said he has not formulated a formal platform but has set goals to maintain a simple administration.

"I want to have an open government, be the people's mayor, and be accessible," he said. "I want an efficient, fiscally responsible government that responds to the needs of the people."

LeBaron said he believes one of the main issues of the campaign is how to improve the city's water supply — whether money should be put into a pressurized irrigation system or if the culinary system should be improved.

"I'm keeping an open mind," he said. "I'm not prepared to come down on either side right now; the issue needs to be studied."

LeBaron said promoting voluntarism will also be an important part of achieving his goals. He said he has been amazed at the way the city comes together to make city events successful and hopes to carry that spirit further.

"We have a wonderful city that can be made even better with citizen input, strong leadership and public participation," he said.

Barratt said he has had a good working relationship with LeBaron during the year and a half LeBaron has been on the council. He said he believes LeBaron is qualified for the mayor position but said he does not know yet if he will endorse any candidate.

While no other candidates have filed to run for the mayor's office, there is still plenty of time for challengers to come forward. Friday was the first day of a monthlong filing period that will run through Aug. 15. If needed, a primary election will be held in September.

Besides the mayor's position, American Fork residents will vote for three seats on the City Council. Two of those seats are four-year offices, the other is the two-year seat that LeBaron currently holds.

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