Election 2009: Highland mayor cleared as election nears

HIGHLAND — Days before the election, the attorney general's office has cleared Highland Mayor Jay Franson of a conflict-of-interest charge — allegations that were filed in June.

Franson was accused of using his mayoral role to reward neighboring American Fork for hiring his engineering firm to work on an irrigation project.

A letter from the attorney general's office sent Wednesday to Franson, though, says "the Criminal Screening Committee did not find a basis for this office to investigate this matter."

The complaint was filed by Highland Councilwoman Kathryn Schramm and former city employee Jay Haws ; Schramm has endorsed Franson's mayoral opponent Lynn Ritchie while Haws is Ritchie's campaign treasurer.

"I am hopeful that this will put an end to this controversy," Franson said. "I am also hopeful that the intent of those who filed this complaint was sincere in their concern for the well-being of Highland and its residents and that this was not just motivated by campaign politics designed to injure my reputation and honor."

Campaign spending in the race has soared into the thousands, with council candidate Scott Smith tripling the totals of his competitors.

While new campaign finance statements show the mayoral candidates both under $3,000 in their spending and council contenders Tom Butler, Roger Dixon and Brent Wallace ranging from $3,200-3,500, Smith has spent a whopping $11,902 on his bid for a council seat.

Pointing to unpublished minutes, secret meetings, a massive bond and local complaints about an unresponsive City Hall, candidates are pushing for an open government.

Franson, 61, a civil engineer, is the only incumbent seeking re-election in the Utah County east-bench city. He is running for a second term against Ritchie, 64, a retired political newcomer.

Franson highlights his numerous successes in his first term — a new library, fire station, city hall, updated general plan and completion of the cemetery.

"Highland is a unique place created over the last 30 years," Franson said. "Special care has to be given to maintain Highland's character and feel while improving current property values."

Ritchie, though, argues that the city government is not being honest. There are currently no open communication channels where residents "feel free to bring ideas, ask questions and receive straight-forward answers," he said.

Up for two at-large City Council seats are Butler, Dixon, Smith and Wallace.