While the mayor of Springville contemplates whether to run for a second term, a formidable opponent is running for sure.

Mayor Gene Mangum is officially running -- he has filed with the city recorder's office -- but there's a "high degree" of chance that he won't run if the right person comes into the race to whom he can hand off the ball.

"I just don't want to drop the ball," Mangum said.

Whether Wilford Clyde is that person remains to be seen, but the CEO of Clyde Companies is running either way. His family is well-known in Springville and are no strangers to city politics -- he and his sister Dianne Carr have served on the City Council, and his grandfather has been mayor.

"The next few years are going to be a critical time," Clyde said. "I just think the financial management is going to be a critical part of the next few years with the economic downturn."

The city is working on a new library and city building, and economic development along Interstate 15 is coming into focus as construction at the 400 South interchange progresses. Mangum and the council did face some public scrutiny when they proposed a fire station on a park at 100 South Center St. several years ago. Those plans went through.

Clyde plans to use some of his own money in the campaign, saying, "If you're not willing to do something in that regard, that shows a lack of commitment."

He said he doesn't have an axe to grind with Mangum.

"I think he's done a great job. We'll see how it shakes out."

The two men are the only people to file for mayor so far, said Recorder Venla Gubler, though Mangum has verbally told her he won't be running. The deadline to file is July 15 at 5 p.m.

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