Growth management is major issue in Layton

LAYTON — No doubt this city is growing. It's evident in the amount of traffic, crowded schools and the diminishing space for development.

For the past 12 years, Mayor Jerry Stevenson has helped guide planning and policy decisions in the city. But earlier this year, Stevenson announced he would not seek re-election, leaving an opening that four candidates want to fill.

Three of the four candidates are current City Council members. The other is a former councilman. On Oct. 4, they will face off in a primary. The two who receive the most votes will compete during the Nov. 8 general election.

A brief biography of each candidate is featured below.

• Steve Curtis, 50, has served on the Layton City Council the past 10 years. He attended Weber State and Brigham Young universities and works as a supervisor for Qwest Communications.

Curtis said management of growth is the most important issue facing his city.

"As Layton continues to grow," said Curtis, "it is important that those who lead us be equipped with an understanding and drive that will ultimately hurdle us over the challenges of land-use planning, infrastructure (roads, sewer, water and utilities,) schools, public services and recreation."

Curtis says he has the experience and personality to lead Layton toward a more successful future. "I strictly adhere to the creed that one needs to 'get off the horse and walk with the people' to understand what is happening around them," he said.

• Stephen G. Handy, 54, has served on the Layton City Council the past six years. He works as a marketing and public relations consultant and received both master's and bachelor's degrees from the University of Utah.

Handy said Layton is at a "critical crossroads." While growth has been managed well, the city can become greater with leadership that will "create a vision and plan for Layton's future," he said.

Handy lists three issues as important to Layton's future: economic prosperity, mobility and delivery of services such as police, fire and public works.

"With my extensive experience in marketing communications, media and government, and a flexible schedule because of my business interests, I believe I am the most qualified to create a vision and implement a plan for Layton as the city moves toward build-out," said Handy.

• Renny Knowlton, 58, has served the past eight years on the Layton City Council. He attended the University of Utah, Brigham Young University and the Southern California College of Optometry and works as an optometrist.

Knowlton said improved communication among residents and city officials is important for the future of Layton. Other issues include traffic mitigation, development of parks, higher-paying jobs and economic development.