SPRINGVILLE — The cost to turn on the lights and run electrical equipment is one of the issues facing candidates.

"They're outrageous," City Council candidate Colleen Hatfield, 60, said of the monthly power bills.

Hatfield, 31, said she's interested in nuclear power and windmills to generate electricity as alternatives.

She attended Utah Valley State College (now Utah Valley University), studying business, and owns a company in Springville. While power rates are high, she says, her focus in running for a council seat is recreation.

"We have a committee, but they aren't making it happen," Hatfield said. "I have the time and energy to make it go."

Hatfield served as secretary to the Utah County Child Abuse Council, but politically, "I'm the new kid on the block," she said.

Incumbent City Councilman Ben Jolley also sees power rates as a major issue in the election, along with recreation. A graduate of BYU in communications and public relations, Jolley, 35, is completing his first term on the council.

He says the city needs to seek new sources to power residents' homes, businesses and other buildings, including new technologies and renewable energy. Better recreational opportunities also would enhance residents' lives, Jolley said.

"We need to raise the level of discussion about a recreation center for Springville, specifically the purpose of such a center and its ability to meet our community's needs," he said.

Christine M. Tolman, 55, said she believes power prices are competitive, but the city should look for new sources of energy. A former chairwoman of the Planning Commission, Tolman says the city should prepare for future growth.

"(Our population) is expected to double in 20 years," she said.

Tolman serves on an ad hoc general plan committee studying what the city needs to do to plan for and retain its identity. Related to that is the need for a good recreational facility and the economic base to fund it, she said.

A lifetime Springville resident, Mark W. Packard, incumbent city councilman, graduated from BYU in business management and also from the Pacific Coast School of Banking.

Packard has worked in the financial community for more than 22 years and serves on three business boards of directors. He is senior executive vice president of Central Bank.

Packard said he favors supporting business, careful handling of taxpayer funds and broadening the city's tax base.

Wilford W. Clyde is running unopposed for the mayor's seat and is a longtime Springville supporter. President of Clyde Companies Inc., he is a past city councilman and says he favors an improved business climate and recreation.

e-mail: rodger@desnews.com