Bridging Utah Lake would be a good thing for Lehi, when it comes to traffic. That is, if it ever gets built.
"They talked about spanning the lake when I was a young man, and now when I'm an old man," Greenwood said. "I won't hold my breath waiting."
"Bring it on," Wilson said. "It would be a great thing as far as I'm concerned. It would take a lot of time off people's trips."
Utah Lake Crossing looks to span the lake from near Pelican Point south of Saratoga Springs to Vineyard and Orem's 800 North with a privately funded toll bridge.
The mayoral candidates say the bridge could potentially ease traffic congestion on this northern Utah City's Main Street, which is also the primary route to Saratoga Springs and Eagle Mountain.
Wilson said the only downsides he sees to the lake bridge are possibly losing shoppers to Provo and Orem, as well as being left to pay for the bridge if the toll plan fails.
This year's mayoral race sees Greenwood attempting to win back the seat he lost in 2005, when he lost to Howard Johnson. Greenwood was mayor from 1997-2005.
Johnson was defeated in the Sept. 15 primary, and is purportedly launching a write-in re-election campaign. Attempts to contact Johnson by press time were unsuccessful.
Greenwood doesn't have many philosophical differences with Wilson, who is also his LDS
home teacher. And Wilson said he initially delayed a run for mayor 12 years ago because he didn't want to run against Greenwood.
Greenwood said his main strength is his past experience as mayor.
"I think I can do a better job," Greenwood said. He noted that on his watch, the city was able to bring in Cabela's, Costco and Lowe's, and it also built the Legacy Center.
He said a key issue this year is managing Lehi's finances carefully during tight times and making sure the city is ready when the economy turns around.
Wilson, who works in the mortgage industry, agrees. He said his goal is to make sure the city provides basic services, but does not go into needless debt at this time.
Wilson said he would also try to work with property owners and the state to make sure the Pioneer Crossing, 2100 North and FrontRunner projects can be completed and respect property rights at the same time.
One particular concern with FrontRunner is the idea of train traffic regularly closing down Main Street. Wilson said the other projects could hopefully eliminate most of Main Street's traffic problem before the commuter rail comes online.
Wilson said he is not interested in making a career out of politics. He just wants to serve the city.
"I think politicians ought to be changed regularly," Wilson said.
dmeyers@sltrib.com
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