The former chairman of the board for the Glenmore Special Service District said fiscal prudence is important, especially as the city experiences rapid growth. "I ran the (Glenmore) district on a prudent basis," he said. "I am a believer in the smaller the government, the better service you'll get."

He also said the city needs to improve water pressure, which he said is being diminished by growth.

For Lori M. Harding, 36, who listed her occupation as "assistant vice president executive banking relationship manager," growth demands "hands-on consideration and careful planning on behalf of the City Council. They are our voice. This should include specific planning and goals for roads, taxes, schooling issues, etc."

Harding said District 3's rapid growth should make the district eligible to be split into two or three smaller districts, giving the area more representation.

Attorney John C. Heath, 34, said the city's residential growth must be matched by commercial development to give the city a tax base that can pay for services for the new residents and to ensure the city can retain its "beautiful neighborhoods, numerous open spaces and services that rival any neighboring community."

This race is Heath's first political experience.

Michael Nilson, 54, a manager in the Workers Compensation Fund underwriting department, also said infrastructure and maintaining South Jordan's character must accompany the growth.

"It's important to keep up with the infrastructure at all levels — water, sewer, light, streets," he said. "I live in a wonderful, beautiful neighborhood. I want to make sure that continues."

Nilson has been a state and county delegate for the Republican Party.

Similarly, Mike Szlachetka, 62, a retired Army officer currently working in banking, said the city must find a balance between residential growth and commercial development, with an eye on maintaining open space. He also wrote of "sustainability — providing required levels of services and infrastructure commensurate with growth while keeping taxes equitable and within acceptable limits."

This race is Szlachetka's first time in politics.

In District 5, a smaller district in central South Jordan, similar themes showed up in candidates' questionnaire responses.

Former Councilman LaMar A. Mabey, 56, was on the South Jordan Council from 1980-84 and again in 1990-94. The appraiser with the Utah Department of Transportation listed economic development, transportation, water, parks, recreation and open space as the major issues he is concerned with. He wants to work with private land owners to bring new, diverse business to the city, supporting a mix of large, small and high-density lots where appropriate.

He also wants to see 11400 South and Redwood Road widened in certain areas and an extension of light rail to Daybreak.