The newly formed Citizens' Coalition of Eagle Mountain is focusing mainly on the Utah County city's overwhelmed infrastructure and rampant development. But several group leaders say city officials simply turn a deaf ear when they try to speak out individually.

"We have not been heard by our city government," says Darren Jones. "And our group of 35 strong wants to restore the original vision of Eagle Mountain."

The booming city, which stands to gain its 10th mayor in 11 years this November, has been rocked by scandal in recent years. Former Mayor Brian Olsen, for example, resigned last year and is awaiting trial after being charged with seven third-degree felonies for allegedly misusing public funds.

Jones and fellow coalition leaders say City Hall is struggling to carve out a positive future because too often it acts on behalf of developers instead of residents.

"There are many things that are wrong with our city, and many of those things have been done in the name of development," Jones says. "Our Planning Commission truly is just a rubber stamp."

Coalition President Wendy Nabhan says her group simply wants to balance developers' pressure by holding officials accountable. But she also wants to give public servants kudos when appropriate.

Two council members applaud the group's efforts as part of the democratic process.

Councilman David Blackburn welcomes the added idea sharing and positive forums the group might bring.

His council colleague, David Lifferth, expects the trend to spread during this year's campaign season.

"I'm supportive of anyone who wants to be more involved in local politics," Lifferth says.

Nabhan, a professional quilter, dedicates about 20 hours a week to the coalition, which has six committees that focus on everything from fundraising to current issues.

In this mayoral election year, coalition leaders are focusing on recruiting and voter registration, and they plan to host a "Meet the Candidates" night Aug. 22.

Though leaders maintain the group is nonpolitical, they do address current issues. At the top of their current list: a well break that has left a substantial portion of Eagle Mountain on a fixed-watering schedule for nearly a month, and a potential sewer overload that has delayed approvals on about 200 units.

City staffers will report today to the council on sewer capacity. The council later will consider approving seven final plats and six development agreements.

Those new developments worry Nabhan, who wants the council to stop the continuing construction frenzy until it has better information regarding the infrastructure. She says her coalition is not anti-development but "pro-smart development."

And while controversy spurs much of the group's focus, leaders say they want to keep it positive.

"None of us have ulterior motives or are politically minded - we're not making careers out of this," Nabhan says. "The City Council bickers and argues a lot. . . .They're very vindictive, and it's very sad to see. We, as citizens, are so tired of the mudslinging."

sgehrke@sltrib.com