Election 2009: Write-ins boost Lehi candidates to 9

LEHI — The ballot reads two candidates for mayor and four for city council, but add the Lehi residents campaigning for write-in spots and that number multiples.

Although current Mayor Howard Johnson lost his seat in the primaries by triple digits, he is still running for a second term — now as a write-in.

Former two-term mayor Kenneth Greenwood (who Johnson beat in the 2005 election) and community leader Bert Wilson are listed on the ballot for mayor.

"Running a city, especially during periods of rapid growth, is a lot like raising a large growing family," said Greenwood, a retired businessman. "The essentials have to be provided — water, power, sewer, roads, recreation, etc."

Wilson, a banker who has served on the community council, Board of Adjustment and civic improvement association, says he wants to keep Lehi's small-town feel.

"Transportation, both road and rail, is a major issue in Lehi," Wilson said. "Unfortunately, many of these decisions have been made and appear to be irreversible. As mayor, I will be sure Lehi (residents) are well informed and educated about these decisions."

Running for two at-large City Council seats are incumbents Johnny Barnes and Stephen Holbrook and challengers Kaye Collins and Gordon Miner.

Kaelene Marsden and Edward James are also running as write-ins.

Barnes, an operations manager with Rocky Mountain Power who has clocked 17 years on the City Council, plans to help strengthen community values. He said he wants to bring "organizations and people together to help strengthen families and marriages.

Holbrook, a third-generation farmer, said he wants a third term to help build three new major roads, push for new parks and trails, and increase community involvement.

"I want Lehi (residents) to enjoy country living yet have all the benefits of a well-run city," he said.

Collins, owner of a digital scrapbooking company, said she believes transportation is the most pressing issue. During a tough economic time when many homes in Lehi are vacant, Collins says the council has been out-of-touch with the residents.

"We are facing a new reality now," she said.

Miner, an engineering manager and community activist, says Lehi's needs today are different from eight years ago when incumbents were first put in office. He is pushing for fiscal responsibility, transparency and public involvement.

Miner is also the only candidate actively campaigning about the lack of public hearings about the $4.25 million transfer from Lehi's utility fund to various other funds, including the general fund.

e-mail: astowell@desnews.com