American Fork voters will go to the polls Nov. 6 to choose four City Council members from a field of five.

Jason Porter and incumbents Sherry Kramer, Shirl Don LeBaron and Ricky K. Storrs are vying for three four-year posts. Incumbent Dale Gunther is running unopposed for a two-year seat on the council.

The Citizen asked each of the four-year candidates about their goals for the future.

Sherry Kramer

Kramer was appointed to the council following the death of Councilman Jimmie Cates early this year. She had previously served on the Board of Adjustments and the Alpine School District Community Council.

"The last six months I have gone to hundreds of hours of meetings, both Planning Commission and City Council," she said. "I have learned a lot, including zoning and things related to planning."

"I love American Fork," she said. "I love kids and I am concerned with that aspect, that things are beautiful and kid-friendly."

Her goals include the cemetery, parks and trails, and roads.

"I am working with the Legislature and the state to acquire land for the cemetery," she said. "I would really like to see that through. We would like it to be a large piece of land so that it can be beautiful, even bigger than our current cemetery, with trails. I think people will be happy with it."

She said she favors setting aside funds for various projects, including the cemetery, so the moneys are available when the projects are ready.

Kramer has been working to identify areas, particularly on the south side of the city, for future parks and trails.

" We will have a really extensive trail system down there," she said.

She said she favors getting expert advice on transportation issues and was one who encouraged the recently-completed study near 900 West.

"I have also been a liaison between Alpine School District and the city, getting some crosswalks and sidewalks in," she said.

Jason Porter

Porter is vice president of business development with a technology company.

"My job is to find, nurture and grow business relationships," he said. "I would like to help the city grow properly, not just in revenue, but the population, maintaining the quality of life that we have learned to enjoy in American Fork."

"I will work very intelligently to improve the educational experience and safety for our children going to and from school," he said. "Many of our streets still do not have completed sidewalks and adequate crossing facilities. As a result we are running a risk of losing our greatest asset -- our children."

Porter said he believes in listening to others, and that technology can make public opinion readily accessible.

His goals included safety, tradition and beautification.

"I would like to make our city a safer environment," he said. "We have one of the highest rates in Utah of violent crime. It is alarming to me. I want to bring the small town environment back to American Fork. Through my leadership and my business savvy I can do that. I can attract the right businesses and work with the Police Department to be more effective in fighting those crimes."

"I want to build upon the traditions that make American Fork great," he said.

He considers American Fork one of the most beautiful areas in the state, but said there are pockets which need to be improved.

"We need the attitude that we are proud to be in American Fork and we want our homes, sidewalks, streets and parks to be the best," he said.

Shirl Don LeBaron

LeBaron is completing a term on the City Council. He has served as Mayor Pro-Tem, been on the Library Board and the Chamber of Commerce Board and the Planning and Zoning Commission. He is an attorney. He serves on the city's Finance Committee, Parks and Recreation Committee, Fox Hollow Golf Course Committee, and the City Celebration Committee.

"I am still new enough that I am bringing some new ideas, energy and enthusiasm, but I am not so new there has to be a learning curve. I know what the issues are. I am seasoned but not stagnant," LeBaron said.

"It has been a plus to have a lawyer on the council," he said. "It is another pair of eyes to look at issues in addition to the city attorney and his staff."

His goals include traffic and roads, cemetery property and parks.

"We are addressing roads and traffic with the transportation committee. We have commissioned a study of 900 West. We are in the process of preparing to extend 1120 North to the west. We are replacing aging curb, gutter and sidewalk and putting some new ones in."

"We have got to find additional cemetery land," he said. "That is a high priority."

He said he favors planning parks and recreational property, especially south of the freeway.

"If we had the funding, I would like to spruce, up, clean up and finish Art Dye Park," he said. "I don't think we should increase taxes, though."

Ricky Storrs

Storrs has served on the City Council for 16 years and has served on every committee in the city, he said.

"I am a good listener, and I believe in integrity, being honest," he said. "I'm not afraid to tell it just like it is. I also believe in family values and I've worked to support those through the years."

His goals include filling transportation needs, acquiring land for cemetery expansion and a permanent home for the arts. He added senior citizens and youth to the goals.

"The top of the list is public safety," he said. "I've always been committed to making sure public safety is provided."

"I also want to make sure all our water needs are solved," he said.

He said funding was important to meet the transportation needs. The top needs he identified were 1120 North, 900 West and 546-560 West. He said he was encouraged about the possibility of funding.

"I think we are coming a long ways on revenue from the city," he said. "The Meadows is bringing in a lot more revenues than anticipated. We are going to have the bonds paid off four to five years earlier than we though. That will bring in extra revenue."

"I would encourage economic growth in the city and economic development of the downtown," he said. "That's how we can solve a lot of our money problems."

"This is a great city," he said. "I'd love to work for the people another four years. I've enjoyed every minute of it. I'd just like to make the town even better."