Gertge resigned the part-time position after accepting a job in North Dakota.

"I had several people ask me to apply," Petersen said. "I've had some [management] experience, and I thought I could be an asset to the community." Petersen, 57, is employed by Davis Applied Technology College in Kaysville, where he is vice president of operations.

In the mid-1990s, Petersen sat on the South Weber City Council. He said he has no plans to run for the mayor's post at the end of this term.

"I'm going to do my best and serve - and then move on."

Petersen said he wants to focus on economic development and attract new commercial and retail businesses to South Weber. He also will turn his attention to conserving energy within city departments and address issues surrounding two gravel pits in the town, he said.

- Christopher Smart