CEDAR HILLS — The controversy-plagued Cedar Hills golf course is at the center of elections in this city of 9,800.

Candidates are pledging to quit bailing out the debt-ridden course.

Built in 2003 with bonds and owned by the city, the 18-hole course has a debt of $6.25 million. Every Cedar Hills household pays more than $300 a year in taxes to subsidize the course.

Mayor Michael McGee was ousted in the primary election, setting up a mayoral showdown between lawyer Jerry Dearinger and City Councilman Eric Richardson.

Dearinger, 65, said residents are taxed enough already and will not support taxes for a new city hall or golf course funds.

"Government must practice fiscal restraint at all times," he said. "But when families are challenged financially, government should be similarly reduced."

Richardson, 35, president of an investment company, has served in the city since 2003, making him the longest serving public official in Cedar Hills. Residents signed a petition asking him to run for mayor.

"I understand the issues we'll face as a city over the next several years as we finalize our build-out," he said.

Political newcomers Curt Crosby, Scott Jackman, Stephanie Martinez and Paul Sorensen are battling for two seats on the City Council.

The current council has lowered taxes the past two years — and council candidates want them even lower.

Radio host Crosby, 51, said he wants to lower the cost of government in general and "lessen the burden of government on the people."

Jackman, 36, a software engineer, said he "will continue the tradition of scrutinizing the budget to maintain the services we want while keeping the taxes low."

Martinez, 36, chairwoman of the city's parks and trails committee, said she wants commercial development that complements the city's friendly atmosphere and picturesque beauty.

Sorensen, 64, a retired oilman currently working at Cabela's, said government should not compete with private enterprise and should be out of the golf course business. He proposes residents should "vote whether to continue subsidizing the golf course or to pursue one or more of the vetted alternatives."

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