Election 2009: Saratoga Springs candidates concerned about economic development

SARATOGA SPRINGS — There were six candidates in Saratoga Spring's mayoral primary — far more than any neighboring city.

Even after the primary election, the race has stayed rough. And as November nears, Jeff D. Francom and Ludmya (Mia) Love are getting ready to face off in the general election.

Francom was appointed to the city's residents finance committee last January in hopes his background in investment banking could help improve the city's budget. He's never run for office before, saying, "I'm not a politician; I'm an investment banker. … That's what I thought would make me an asset in this role."

If elected, Francom has promised a new master plan for the city within the first 18 months, including a strategy for actively bringing businesses to Saratoga Springs. Francom calls it "a business plan for businesses. This is why it makes sense for (them) to come."

Love is also worried about economic development and says her six years on the City Council make her the best candidate. The city has reserved no money for training, she said.

"Whoever gets on, they're on their own, so all that training has to come from somewhere," Love said. "I felt like I needed to do this because no one else had any training."

Aside from proactively working with developers to promote economic growth, Love said she wants to work to preserve open space and views of Utah Lake by enforcing and improving zoning practices. If elected, Love would be the first black woman to serve as mayor of a Utah municipality.

In the City Council race, Cecil E. Tuley is hoping to reclaim the seat he's held since his appointment in July. Tuley became politically active 13 years ago when his neighborhood voted him as its unofficial representative to the city.

Tuley said he wants to update the city's development plan, especially in light of the people the new cyber-security data center at Camp Williams will bring.

Michael D.S. McOmber said he wants to make a big push for economic development by making it easier for businesses to settle in Saratoga Springs. He suggested giving a discount on impact fees or similar charges. McOmber said he hopes his experience as a conflict mediator will help the council run smoothly.

Jim Miller is running again for a council seat after losing two years ago. Since then, he has continued his career in banking and finance.

Miller also wants to focus on the growth the Camp Williams development will bring. He said wants to pay attention to residents and make sure the city's plans match their wants.

Michael R. Simpson said he decided to run for City Council because he saw federal and state governments overreaching their limits. He decided he could do something about it by running for local office.

Simpson said he wants to reinstate the fund reserve, or rainy-day fund, to prevent raising taxes later.

e-mail: ashaha@desnews.com