3 seek mayoral post in Kaysville

KAYSVILLE — Take a drive down Main Street and you'll catch a glimpse of what residents say makes Kaysville unique.

Here, there is a careful juxtaposition of the old and new: The old city library. The old theater. New shops and retail. Burgeoning traffic.

Growth is becoming more of a challenge in Kaysville, located at the northern end of Davis County. While the city's current mayor, Brian D. Cook, says he can continue to provide for the needs of residents, two long-time residents are challenging him for his job.

On Oct. 4, the three candidates for Kaysville mayor will face off in a primary election. Residents can vote that day for the candidate they wish to compete during the Nov. 8 general election. Only two will advance to the general election.

Over the past week, each candidate was asked to provide a brief biography to the Deseret Morning News. A summary of their responses is featured below.

• Brian D. Cook, 58, has lived in Kaysville for 45 years. He works in sales and served on the Kaysville City Council before becoming mayor. Cook graduated from Weber State University and has completed graduate work at the University of Phoenix.

The top issues facing the city, according to Cook, include the following: development of infrastructure, safety, economic development and providing for recreational opportunities.

"Continuing to provide a safe, responsive community environment as we face the challenges of growth is the major issue facing Kaysville," Cook said.

"I have a deep love for this community and a desire to serve. If re-elected, I plan on continuing to work to keep this community the safe haven that has allowed us to raise our children and live our lives the way we have come to enjoy."

• Rodney G. Hill, 61, works as a controller in the Distribution Services Division of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He attended Davis High School and graduated from Weber State University.

The most pressing issue facing Kaysville is a need to develop a "definite master plan," according to Hill. The city has been in a "static" position and a plan needs to be in place to move forward, he said.

"Our city needs to determine where it wants to go, how it wants to get there, how it will pay for its selected path and then work the plan and not continue to foray into side issues that sidetrack its process," Hill said.

"Too often, too little planning has resulted in lost reaction time, missed opportunities, potential lost revenues, additional costs for the city and citizen confusion."

• Neka F. Roundy, 54, has lived in Kaysville for 28 years. She works in the Davis County Tourism/Economic Development Office and received both a bachelor's and a master's degree from Brigham Young University.

Roundy currently sits on the Kaysville City Council and is a member of the city Planning Commission. Top issues facing the city, in Roundy's view, include transportation, public safety and commercial growth. Citizens also need to be more connected to local government, according to Roundy.

"Kaysville City is experiencing unprecedented growth," she said. "We need to be very careful to manage this growth in such a way that preserves the character of Kaysville and secures neighborhood charm and safety while promoting commerce.

"As mayor I will protect Kaysville's identity, promote public safety and work to strengthen downtown commerce."

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E-mail: nwarburton@desnews.com