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The Spanish Fork City Offices are pictured Friday, April 13, 2018.

Isaac Hale, Daily Herald file photo

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Spanish Fork Mayor Mike Mendenhall is pictured.

Courtesy Spanish Fork City

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Spanish Fork mayoral candidate Scott Neilson is pictured.

Courtesy Linkedin

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Spanish Fork City Council candidate Edes Hill is pictured.

Courtesy Facebook

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Spanish Fork Councilman Shane Marshall is pictured.

Courtesy Spanish Fork City

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Spanish Fork City Council candidate Valerie Mills is pictured with her husband.

Courtesy Valerie Mills campaign website

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Spanish Fork Councilman Kevin Oyler is pictured.

Courtesy Spanish Fork City

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As the Aug. 12 municipal primary election approaches, the Daily Herald is inviting candidates for local office in some of Utah County’s cities to respond to a questionnaire to talk about their campaigns.

In this edition, the spotlight is on Spanish Fork candidates, where the office of mayor and two city council seats are up for grabs.

Incumbent Mayor Mike Mendenhall is seeking a second term, while a pair of candidates, Richard Dougan and Scott Neilson, are vying for the seat.

In the city council, Kevin Oyler and Shane Marshall are running for reelection, while a trio of other candidates aim for one of the two vacancies: Valerie Mills, Edes Hill and Bryan Edman.

Each candidate was contacted via their official campaign email and was asked to respond to each question in 150 words or less. Some responses were lightly edited for stylistic purposes or clarity.

Here are their responses (listed in alphabetical order):

Mayoral candidates

Richard Dougan

What (if any) prior or ongoing political/organizational experience do you have?

Republicans and Democrats.

Why are you running for this position? 

To represent more people in decision making.

What do you think are the biggest challenges facing your municipality? 

Population growth.

If elected, what would be your priorities?

Grassroots representation.

Where should people go to get more information about your campaign?

(Did not respond)

Mike Mendenhall

What (if any) prior or ongoing political/organizational experience do you have?

Eight years as city councilman, four years as mayor, 12 years total.

Why are you running for this position?

I am running for mayor to continue the progress we’ve enjoyed as a community over the last 12 years, while protecting and fostering the quality of life we all enjoy in Spanish Fork.

What do you think are the biggest challenges facing your municipality?

Our biggest challenges are similar to other growing communities in our state. With growth comes impacts, managing those impacts is something we must continue to get right in our municipality.

If elected, what would be your priorities? 

After public safety, which has been fully funded during my time in office, my priority would be to continue the commercial and community successes we have worked hard on to build in our city. Those services have added to our quality of life, while keeping our individual taxes low.

Where should people go to get more information about your campaign?

www.mayormikemendenhall.com

Scott Neilson

What (if any) prior or ongoing political/organizational experience do you have?

Member, Utah State Board of Education

Why are you running for this position?

I am running for mayor because I love the Spanish Fork community and want to serve its people. I am a fiscal responsibility and limited government candidate. By focusing on efficient resource allocation, I seek to foster economic growth and personal opportunity without expanding city bureaucracy. Growth continues to be a significant challenge in our community. While I understand growth is necessary, I support a more moderate approach of more single family homes and less high density. I do not and will not support massive and costly expenditures for recreational purposes as I do not believe such expenditures fall within the proper role of municipal government. I am a strong advocate for public safety, and will work to ensure Spanish Fork continues to maintain high standards of community protection. I am running to preserve and build upon the traditional values that have made Spanish Fork a great place to live and raise a family.

What do you think are the biggest challenges facing your municipality?

Growth continues to be a significant challenge in our community. It is also a great opportunity. I want to see better planning and infrastructure so our citizens can experience reduced traffic congestion in the community. As such, I favor a more moderate growth approach with more single family homes and less high density units. And if done properly, I believe growth can be a blessing, especially as we look to attract businesses and families to our great community.

If elected, what would be your priorities? 

Fiscal Responsibility and Low Taxes: I do not favor large expenditures for facilities such as the new recreation center without express voter approval. We need less taxes, not more. Transparency: Spanish Fork City needs to greatly improve its transparency and communication with the citizenry. SF City often moves forward with plans and developments the community has little knowledge of. I want more transparency, and as such, I favor occasional independent, third-party audits to ensure transparency and efficiency. Economic Development: It behooves Spanish Fork to build and maintain a business friendly environment. The city is doing relatively well at this, and I will continue to support objectives that boost our city’s economic vitality, especially in commercial areas north and west of town. I also strongly support the city’s decision to build and maintain green spaces and trails. Growth: I favor a more moderate outlook with more single family homes and green spaces.

Where should people go to get more information about your campaign?

mrneilson.com

City council candidates

Shane Marshall

What (if any) prior or ongoing political/organizational experience do you have?

I currently serve on the Spanish Fork City Council and previously spent five years on the Planning Commission. This experience has given me a strong understanding of land use, infrastructure and the practical leadership it takes to help our community grow while protecting what makes it special.

Why are you running for this position? 

I’m running for this position because I care deeply about our community and want to continue making a positive impact. As a current city council member, I’ve had the privilege of working on important issues such as growth, infrastructure and preserving our small-town feel while planning for the future. Through this experience, I’ve gained insight into the challenges we face and the opportunities we can seize. My goal is to bring practical leadership and real solutions to the table, focusing on infrastructure, water and smart growth. I want to continue working alongside residents to ensure our community remains a place we’re proud to call home for generations to come. It’s all about serving the people and ensuring local government stays focused on what truly matters.

What do you think are the biggest challenges facing your municipality? 

A major challenge facing our community is managing growth while maintaining the quality of life that makes us unique. As our population grows, we need to ensure our infrastructure, roads, water, and public services keep pace. Another challenge is preserving our small-town feel as new developments come in. Balancing growth with the needs of long-term residents is key to ensuring we don’t lose what makes this place special. Fiscal responsibility is also a concern, especially as we work to meet the demands of growth. Finally, engaging with residents is critical. We need to ensure their voices are heard in the decision-making process and work to build transparency and trust in our local government.

If elected, what would be your priorities? 

If reelected, my top priority will be ensuring our community grows responsibly and sustainably. I’ll focus on improving infrastructure, roads, water systems and public services to keep up with growth while preserving the small-town feel we all value. Transparency and communication with residents will also be key, making sure their voices are heard in every decision. I’m committed to fiscal responsibility and ensuring we use taxpayer dollars wisely while maintaining a balanced budget. Supporting local businesses is also a priority, ensuring our community remains a great place to live and work. Lastly, I’ll focus on strengthening community partnerships and improving quality of life through projects that enhance safety, parks and recreational spaces for everyone.

Where should people go to get more information about your campaign?

www.shane4citycouncil.com

Valerie Mills

What (if any) prior or ongoing political/organizational experience do you have?

For several years I served on the board of directors, and then as president of a Bountiful-based organization called Citizens for Families, which worked closely with municipal governments to get resolutions in place regarding child appropriate community standards in nearly all Utah cities. I have attended Constitutional Seminars at the Hinckley Institute and UVU’s Center for Constitutional Studies. As a student I participated in a Washington, D.C. political studies group.

Why are you running for this position? 

My reason for running for city council is to engage Spanish Fork citizens in the privilege of self-government. My priorities are listening, learning and transparency. Listening: I strongly encourage feedback regarding what is being done well, and what concerns exist for various demographics. As a former public educator, I prepared young students for the Freedom’s Light U.S. Constitution Bowl and loved to generate enthusiastic and respectful discussion of the rights and duties of citizens. Learning: Decisions on the municipal level deeply impact our daily lives. I will study the long-term pros and cons of decisions thoroughly, while thoughtfully considering opposing viewpoints. Transparency: Honesty and openness build public trust in the people’s elected representatives. Transparency is deeply needed at all levels to ensure alignment with the will of the people and their long-term best interests. I offer vision, values and a woman’s voice.

What do you think are the biggest challenges facing your municipality?

There are many interrelated concerns. Growth boosts the economy, yet strains infrastructure and diminishes the water supply. Experts on municipal water systems emphasize that they were not designed to fight catastrophic urban wildfires like those in Los Angeles and Maui. Hydrants are designed to fight brief localized fires and will run dry in a widespread emergency. Wise management of all resources is a great challenge. The cost of municipal expenditures is passed on to citizens in many forms. In talking with residents, some have shared the desire for better communication from Spanish Fork City on major projects such as the new sewer plant ($100M), the new rec center ($60M), and the 2,000-acre inland port to be developed over the next 25 years which will forever change the Spanish Fork area. Several residents were unaware that these projects were underway until city representatives had already committed to them.

If elected, what would be your priorities? 

As stated in my explanation for running for Spanish Fork City Council Member, my priorities are: 1) Listening respectfully to citizens who are willing to engage. “What do you love about Spanish Fork? What are your concerns?” 2) Learning the long-term pros and cons before voting on decisions which may affect residents for generations to come; and 3) Transparency to build trust in elected representatives of the people through honesty and openness. I understand the foundational principle that government cannot exist without the consent of the governed, and will strive to act in humble accord with that truth. I offer vision, values, and a woman’s voice. I whole-heartedly invite residents to share their own priorities with me at mills4spanishfork@gmail.com.

Where should people go to get more information about your campaign?

https://mills4spanishfork.mobirisesite.com

Kevin Oyler

What (if any) prior or ongoing political/organizational experience do you have?

Current Councilmember

Why are you running for this position?

I’m running for re-election because I love serving Spanish Fork and want to continue the important work we’ve started. Over the past four years, I’ve served on multiple committees and boards, helping guide projects that strengthen our community. We established the Historic Preservation Commission to share and protect our city’s rich history — like the Thurber School Building, now on the National Historic Register. I’ve supported the transition to a full-time fire department, improving public safety while navigating growing pains. I was proud to help approve our new recreation center, opening this fall, and will ensure it remains a long-term asset. I also serve on the Mt. Nebo Water Agency board, working to secure sustainable water resources for future generations. Spanish Fork is a special place, and I’m committed to thoughtful leadership that preserves our small-town feel while preparing us for the future.

What do you think are the biggest challenges facing your municipality? 

Spanish Fork continues to experience rapid growth, and with that comes significant challenges — especially in infrastructure, traffic and development. Balancing property rights while preserving our small-town charm and historic identity is essential. We must plan wisely to ensure growth is managed, not just allowed. Community engagement is key — residents deserve clear communication and easy access to city leaders. I’ve always been approachable and responsive, and I’ll continue to be a voice for our residents. As our city evolves, we must maintain the values that make Spanish Fork such a great place to live: strong families, safe neighborhoods, and a deep sense of community. Supporting our public safety departments — police, fire, and EMS — will remain a top priority as we grow. Together, we can meet the challenges ahead without losing what makes Spanish Fork special.

If elected, what would be your priorities?

If elected, my top priorities will be public safety, water, responsible growth and traffic management. As Spanish Fork continues to grow, ensuring strong support for police, fire and EMS services will remain my highest budget priority. We must also plan wisely for future water needs. I will continue supporting the Mount Nebo Water Agency’s efforts to develop a sustainable groundwater management plan. Strengthening our city’s financial foundation is also essential — by expanding our commercial and industrial base, we can reduce the tax burden on residents while promoting local job growth. Finally, we need to keep improving traffic flow throughout the city. Enhancing north-south corridors and alternate routes to Main Street will make travel easier and safer for everyone. These priorities reflect my commitment to smart, balanced growth while protecting the quality of life that makes Spanish Fork such a great place to live.

Where should people go to get more information about your campaign?

www.kevin4spanishfork.com

Note: Edman and Hill did not provide responses to the questionnaire.