Candidates seek to boost Clearfield

CLEARFIELD — Most residents would agree: This north Davis County city has an image problem.

Over the past eight years, city officials say they have worked to change that image. Tangible results of that work include a new aquatic center, city hall and amenities like parks and ball fields.

Recent efforts include a plan to shift the location of the city's commuter rail station.

City officials say progress has been good, but at least five others say they can do better for Clearfield. On Tuesday, these residents will face off against three incumbents in a primary election.

Two of the five are seeking to unseat Clearfield's incumbent mayor. Three are seeking to unseat two incumbent councilmen. Only four council candidates and two mayoral candidates can advance from the primaries to the general election, Nov. 8.

A brief biography of each candidate is listed below. The three mayoral candidates are listed first.

• Dan W. Phelps, 41, has lived in Clearfield the past 10 years. He has been a state and county delegate but has never run for elected office. Phelps is a seminary teacher at Central Davis Junior High.

Growth and spending are two important issues facing Clearfield. Tax dollars should be spent appropriately, said Phelps. Citizens should be more involved. Future planning and zoning is critical.

"I'm concerned about the future of the city as far as how taxes are spent," he said. "I think we can do some things to make sure the residents aren't burdened with all the taxes. We can bring in new businesses."

• Mark R. Shepherd, 39, has lived in Clearfield the past seven years. He is a real estate agent and has worked in credit and financing. Shepherd has served on the Clearfield Planning Commission the past six years.

Important issues include planning for growth and utilization of tax dollars. Shepherd is concerned that city spending has been excessive and misdirected. It doesn't make sense to move the city's commuter rail station, he said.

"Clearfield has the opportunity to be a great city," he said. "It needs to be cleaned up to draw people here."

• Thomas Waggoner, 60, has served the past eight years as Clearfield mayor. He has lived in the city for almost 50 years and works as an IT supervisor/specialist at Hill Air Force Base.

Waggoner says he has the needed experience and time to commit to being mayor for a third term. He says he has already implemented a plan to improve Clearfield — and he needs four more years to "see that plan through."

"Clearfield city is at a significant crossroads in its history," he said. "While I don't believe in making a career out of politics, I firmly believe that there is no substitute for experience."