The Mapleton council struggled to find a new mayor Wednesday night.

The council interviewed four applicants. The discussion went past the Daily Herald's deadline.

The applicants were asked to name their top three priorities for the city. They focused on meeting the demands for development -- residential and commercial -- and getting adequate public services to the new and old areas.

The applicants were Councilman Jim Brady and residents Robert Evans, James Larsen and Ben Christensen.

The council also heard debate from residents about the process.

"On the issue of the mayor. We're not believing that he did not know he had health problems and he did not know you would appoint a new mayor," said resident Ken Belt. "If you appoint a mayor who is not elected, you will trigger a recall."

Brady was appointed to fill an unexpired term of a former council member.

The applicants said they want to organize development and also straighten out the lawsuits Wendell Gibby has filed against Mapleton.

"I don't have a short, quick solution to the problem, it's a very complex problem, as you know," Brady said.

Residents also asked the applicants to get a stronger commercial tax base.

Former Mayor Dean Allan's resignation became effective July 1. His resignation letter credited unknown health problems.

He served six months of a second term.

"I feel really sad that anybody would question the sincerity and sadness with which Mayor Allan would resign," Councilwoman Ann Tolley said in response to rumors that the mayor resigned as part of a conspiracy.

Because of residents' applause to Belt's statements, Councilman Brian Wall had to quiet the packed room.

"In council chambers we don't allow applauding for positive or negative remarks," Wall said.

Natalie Evans can be reached at 344-2561 or nevans@heraldexra.com.

This story appeared in The Daily Herald on page B10.