By JON C. SCHMITT and AMBER HUNTER
schmitt@newsroom.byu.edu
Cities throughout Utah County began accepting applications for City Council seats this week.
City council seats are open in Pleasant Grove, American Fork, Lehi, Springville and Spanish Fork. The elections are in November.
Pleasant Grove
In Pleasant Grove, the council seats of Carol Harmer, Lewis Church and Jim Danklef will be contested. Assistant City Recorder Marcella Walker said council members Carol Harmer and Lewis Church are up for re-election because they are completing council terms for individuals who left office early.
Council member Jim Danklef will complete his four-year term in 1999, Walker said.
City Recorder Amanda Fraughton said two individuals have filed for candidacy so far -- current council members, Lewis Church and Jim Danklef.
Church was elected for a two-year term in 1997.
'I have enjoyed the opportunity to make a difference in the city and serve the people,' Church said.
Fraughton said 1999 will be the first year Pleasant Grove City will be conducting non-partisan elections. In the past, the city held a convention style election.
American Fork
American Fork council members Clark Taylor, Grant Parker and Ricky Storrs are finishing up their four-year terms, said City Recorder Richard Coburn.
Only three individuals have filed for candidacy in American Fork -- Chad Hendry, Judy Price and B-Jo Dumler, Coburn said.
Coburn said he expects many individuals will file for candidacy at the last minute.
'Whenever the urge hits them I guess they will come,' Coburn said.
Lehi
Frances Comer, Rod Olsen and Robert Fox's council seats will be contested in Lehi, said City Recorder Connie Ashton.
Lehi council member Robert Fox has not determined whether he will be running for reelection.
'I have loved the experience of serving on the council,' Fox said. 'I feel like during my time on the council we have been able to accomplish a lot, and I see a lot of things that I want to be involved in.'
Fox said the council job requires almost as much time as a full-time job.
James Dixon is the first individual to file for candidacy in Lehi, Ashton said.
'I believe there will be several last minute applications,' Ashton said.
Individuals wanting to run for office must be a U.S. citizen, 18 years old, a resident of the city they live in for 12 consecutive months prior to the election date and a registered to vote in the city.
Potential candidates must file a declaration of candidacy at the city hall before August 16.
Ashton said primary elections will not be held if fewer than six potential candidates declare candidacy.
Pleasant Grove, Lehi and American Fork will host final elections on Nov. 2, 1999. In two years, Pleasant Grove, Lehi and American Fork will conduct city council elections for the office of mayor and two council members.
Springville
The City Council seats of Steve Curtis, Rodney Oldroyd and Chris Sorenson will be up for re-election this year. As of yet no one has submitted an application to run for the three open positions.
Sorenson said the major issues of the election would be centered around the rapid growth Springville is experiencing.
Spanish Fork
The City Council seats of Sherman Huff, Thora Shaw and Clyde Swenson are up for re-election this year. As of yet no one has submitted an application to run for the three open positions.
'I haven't made up my mind yet,' Shaw said. 'I have encouraged several people to consider it.'
Shaw has spent 14 years as a city council member and said she is still discussing the decision with her family.
The deadline for submitting an application to run for the Springville or Spanish Fork City Council is Monday, August 16th. Candidates must be at least 18 years old, a registered voter and a city resident for at least 30 days.