Style separates Layton mayoral hopefuls

LAYTON — They don't vary much on the issues of growth, accessibility to elected officials, public safety and planning. Lack of experience isn't a problem.

The most evident difference between the two candidates for Layton city mayor?

Personality and leadership style.

On one side is the marketer, two-term councilman Stephen G. Handy, 54. He's slender, media-savvy and a slick communicator. Handy is a bold campaigner, with a billboard, a Web site and Internet blog.

He has spent $19,445 campaigning thus far.

On the other side is the organizer, three-term councilman Steve Curtis, 50. He's not as smooth-spoken, but communicates with a straightforward, down-to-earth ease. Instead of using a billboard, Curtis drives a red Volkswagen Beetle that has been wrapped with campaign slogans and his photo.

Curtis has spent $12,542 on his campaign — far more than he had wanted.

Outgoing Mayor Jerry Stevenson says both men are qualified for the job. The biggest challenge facing Layton, a city of almost 60,000 residents, is population growth, said Stevenson. Whoever steps into office will need to have a plan to accommodate an approaching influx of people, businesses and traffic.

"I haven't given either one of them an assignment that they haven't taken and completed to its fullest," said Stevenson. "I think either one will do a great job."

But he admits the two have two different personalities.

Said Rep. Stuart Adams, R-Layton, a former Layton councilman: "They're both great individuals. They have totally different management styles, totally different ways of approaching the same issue. There's clearly a choice between the two of them."

Adams has written an endorsement for Handy, but Curtis supporters say Handy lacks the "backbone" to be a good mayor. Handy builds consensus and communicates but isn't firm in his decisions, said Layton resident Scott Nelson.

"I've seen him waver on too many issues to think he'd make a good leader," said Nelson. "You can't have a leader who is not firm in his decisions."

Said east Layton resident Carol Thacker: "We don't need a marketer. We need a doer."

As a councilman, Curtis has focused on youth and youth activities. He says he has spent more time with residents than Handy and understands their concerns. He says he's approachable and has the knowledge to effectively plan for growth in the city.

Curtis also knows he is the underdog in the race. During the October primary elections, he finished behind Handy by about 270 votes. One reason was because of geographic location, said Curtis. Handy lives on the east side of Layton, where voter turnout is traditionally better. Curtis lives on the west side.