Money, Osmond vie to lead South Jordan

South Jordan Mayor Kent Money wants voters to continue the "momentum" of his eight years in office by granting him a third term. But challenger Aaron Osmond says he could give the city a greater boost as mayor.

On Tuesday, voters will decide whether to stick with Money or hire Osmond.

Osmond, son of the eldest brother in Utah's famous singing family, says Money could have done more to prevent a 20 percent tax hike that the Jordan School District approved this year to plug a budget gap after the east side Canyons District defected.

"The property-tax issue comes up every time I talk with residents. They are very concerned we're going to face the exact same problem next year," Osmond says. "The mayor of South Jordan has the potential to be a huge influencer not only on the legislators that represent our area, but also with the board of education."

He pledges to lead on the issue and be a stronger "voice" for the city's 51,000 residents. He would like to see the Jordan District cut more administrative expenses and the Legislature pass a bill to spread education expenses more equally throughout the state.

Money says he would take a similar approach in a third term, and he disputes the notion that he hasn't been a champion for education.

"My major concern in all of this, obviously, is to make sure that we don't compromise in any way, shape or form the best education that our children can get."

Money says Osmond

lacks the "experience" that he has gained after eight years in the mayor's seat, fostering relationships with legislators.

Osmond "can't take over without us losing momentum."

Money also plans to push for a new equalization bill at the Legislature in 2010. He would like to see a statewide plan with "greater balance," but says that differences in costs between rural and urban areas should be taken into account.

In addition to education, Money wants to work on making the city's irrigation water available to all residents who have been promised access, completing the Jordan River Parkway Trail through South Jordan and working with the state to finish road construction on 10400 South and 11400 South.

Osmond promises to develop a plan, within six months of taking office, that would show residents their options for upgrading the irrigation system.

He wants to take a look at code and traffic enforcement. There's a "true perception," he says of "over-enforcement." (Money contends the city issues many warning citations, and he says he has asked officers to develop a "more friendly" approach.)

Osmond, who owns a 35-employee investor-education business in South Jordan, also wants to bump up communication with residents. He hopes to launch monthly neighborhood meetings in which residents could speak with him face to face. He also wants to expand the city's use of networking technologies, including Facebook and Twitter.

"It's time," Osmond says, "for someone who will proactively communicate rather than reactively communicate."

Money notes the city is launching a new e-mail newsletter that residents can sign up for on the city's Web site. He contends neighborhood meetings generally draw poor attendance. He points to "Meet the Candidate" nights that he and Osmond have attended. Hundreds of invitations were sent out, but the events drew maybe 10 or 12 residents.

Both candidates would like to see better turnout at the polls Tuesday.

rwinters@sltrib.com