Mayors are eager to begin duties

Utah cities are getting a jump on the new year this week as recently elected leaders are sworn into office and old officials are bid adieu.

State law says that terms for newly elected city officials begin the first Monday in January. Most cities will hold formal ceremonies this week to swear in both new and returning mayors and city council members.

While the political structure in some cities won't change, several newcomers will take the oath of office and pledge to "discharge the duties of (their) office with fidelity." Along the Wasatch Front, change will be most prevalent in Davis and Utah counties as 24 new mayors take office.

Last week, several new mayors were interviewed about future plans for their cities. While some admitted being nervous about taking office, most were excited. Included below is a summary of interviews with new Wasatch Front mayors taking office in 2006.

Clearfield and Layton

Two of Davis County's largest cities will get new mayors this week. Clearfield's mayor-elect is a political newcomer, Dan R. Phelps. Layton's new mayor is a three-term councilman, Steve Curtis, who ran for office after long-time Mayor Jerry Stevenson said he would not seek re-election.

Because of his past experience, Curtis says he is prepared to lead Layton through a period of growth. Transportation is a top challenge, he said. Plans for the city's commuter rail station need to progress. A south interchange to I-15 needs to be built.

"I'm really excited and very pumped for the opportunity to serve the people in this capacity," said Curtis. "I feel very comfortable in adjusting to it because I'm very familiar with what's happening in the city."

Phelps is equally excited but expects several challenges. Clearfield needs to find a new city manager, and a decision needs to be made about where to move the city's commuter rail station, he said.

Debate about the commuter rail station was contentious during the November election. The incumbent mayor and two sitting councilmen were likely voted out of office as a result of debate about the rail station.

"We need to decide on this rail station," said Phelps.

South Salt Lake

Bob Gray, mayor-elect of South Salt Lake, is no stranger to city politics. Gray was the police chief before resigning in 1997 over disagreement about the department's budget. Gray unseated one-term Mayor Wes Losser with promises of reinstating community policing and better communication among residents and city hall.