PAYSON — City Councilman Burtis Bills officially launched his campaign for mayor Thursday night, with Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. on hand to provide an endorsement.

Bills supported Huntsman early in last year's gubernatorial race, so the governor showed up to return the favor at a $25-a-plate dinner at the City Center.

"I believe in loyalty and reciprocity. Burtis was a loyal friend early in my campaign when it was unpopular to be so. There isn't much I wouldn't do for Burtis," Huntsman told the Deseret Morning News.

Bills is running on a platform to align Payson's goals with the state's goals. Huntsman outlined those goals as water conservation, military support — including how it ties into the economy — economic development, education, the quality of life and governance. Huntsman said he won't run for a third term, providing he wins a second four years in office.

A City Council member for more than five years, Bills said he has already built many of the alliances he will need to create a strong economy for Payson. He also supports the City Council effort to preserve some 540 acres in Payson Canyon.

On the controversial issue of recreation, private gym-owner Dennis Thomas asked why government would consider competing against local business. The city has looked into building a recreation center, but Bills said he wants to let voters make that decision. The city has already built several ballparks after razing a century-old horse-racing track to get the land.

Bills will face Richard Moore for the non-partisan post in the Nov. 8 general election.