Election 2009: Sewer plant a hot topic among Santaquin candidates

SANTAQUIN — City Councilman and mayoral candidate Filip Askerlund is at odds with Mayor James E. DeGraffenreid and certain council members over developing a sewer system that would return water clear enough to use for irrigation.

Askerlund, 56, says the sewer proposal would double residents' sewer bills.

DeGraffenreid, 60, said moving forward with the sewage-treatment plant is one of the issues that have him seeking a second term.

"I have things to finish up," he said.

DeGraffenreid also has been working with the council and developers to get the city's first major grocery store.

Another big issue is a planned paper mill and other industrial, commercial and residential development west of Santaquin.

"We need roads for trucks to go around us," DeGraffenreid said.

City Council candidate Shayne Ahlin, 48, is a newcomer to politics who said he's concerned about the proposed sewer system. Ahlin, a graduate of Utah Technical College (now Utah Valley University), also says the City Council needs more transparency.

Ryan Lind, 32, is making his first run for political office.

"I want to make a difference in my part of Santaquin," Lind said. "I chose to run after learning that four of the five council members all live on the east bench of Santaquin."

Lind said he also believes that the City Council needs more transparency. He holds a associate's degree in fire science from Utah Valley State College, now UVU.

Incumbent Councilman James Linford, 64, is seeking a second term. Linford, who graduated from BYU with a degree in accounting, said he sees growth and economic development as major issues facing Santaquin. The retiree said he favors getting the planned $16 million sewage-treatment plant financed. He said he believes the project's price tag could be reduced because of the downturn in the economy.

City Council candidate Rick Steele, 51, a former planning and zoning commission member, said he's concerned about the youth and seniors in the community. An auto mechanic with a degree from Utah Technical College (now UVU), Steele said he'd like to see more youth facilities to curb drug use in the community.

Steele says he favors the sewer plant, but only if federal money is available.

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