First, the biggest challenge facing Davis County's largest city (population 63,000) is growth. And, second, divulging a "fun fact" about themselves, on the fly, is not easy.

However, these nine hopefuls sport some differences and, come Sept. 11, voters will narrow the field to six.

Richard M. Allen

Allen, 74, is making his first council run. The retired Hill Air Force Base engineer hopes to preserve the city's master plan amid the onslaught of new development.

"Anyone ought to be able to stand up and represent the people and not have to be rich to do it," he said.

Fun fact: He is a self-described "poor boy from old Layton."

Joyce Forbes Brown

Brown, 49, is nearing the end of her first council term and hopes for an encore.

The lifelong Layton resident takes pride in being responsive to constituents and being prepared for weighty council decisions.

Fun fact: She serves as a Cub Scout den leader and recently spent a week at Boy Scout camp - something she and her husband have enjoyed doing together for the past three years.

Chris Crowder

Crowder, 33, is making his debut as a political candidate.

An administrator at Layton Christian Academy, he hopes to join a team of city officials that he says already is doing "a heck of a job."

Crowder hopes to retain the city's community feel. He also hopes Layton can capitalize on commuter rail.

Fun fact: His wife, Cathy, has the bigger name in Utah politics, having worked for former Utah Gov. Mike Leavitt.

Barry T. Flitton

Flitton, 65, is another first-time council candidate.

"I'm tired of our elected officials not listening to our concerns," said the retired Farm Bureau Insurance administrator.

"I'm not anti-growth," added Flitton, who has lived in Layton for 45 years. "I'm just concerned that it's handled properly over the long term."

Fun fact: An avid cyclist, the former marathon runner rides from Layton to Farmington and back every day.

Scott Freitag

Freitag, 38, narrowly lost a bid for a council seat two years ago.

The communications director for Salt Lake City Fire Department hopes to give west Layton a voice.

"I'm the only candidate from the west side," Freitag said.

Fun fact: "I like to take naps - I don't get to very often - even if it's just for 20 minutes. There's something refreshing about that."

Tim Hayman

Hayman, 53, worked in management for American Express until an auto accident a year ago left him disabled.

If he wins - he lost a previous bid - he hopes to make city policies more business-friendly.

"It behooves everyone to give back to their community, state or country," Hayman said. "I think I can do some good."

Fun fact: He's good with budgets and loves being a grandpa.

F. Renny Knowlton

Knowlton, a 59-year-old optometrist who has served on the council since 1998, hopes to net another term.

"We have a lot of projects I'd like to see finished," said Knowlton, rattling off the sewer-plant expansion, a new freeway interchange, improved east-west traffic flow, new police and fire stations and a research park near Hill Air Force Base.

Fun fact: His life revolves around family activities, including water and snow skiing, golf and frequent barbecues.

Timothy Ohrenberger

Ohrenberger, 46, is a retired Air Force officer who works for Dell Computer as a senior project manager.

"This is my first foray into elected public service," Ohrenberger said. "I think I could help out."

He points to sprawl as the city's biggest challenge. "This used to be a small town," he said. "I would like to see the city follow a plan."

Fun fact: His world travels give him fresh perspective and ideas.

Don Wilhelm

Wilhelm, 51, works in data-communications sales for Graybar Electric.

"I've wanted to run for the council for quite a while," said the political newcomer. "I do a lot of volunteer work; I know the community about as well as anyone."

Wilhelm hopes to preserve Layton's caring community and its arts, parks and recreation programs.

Fun fact: "I love to volunteer, especially within the arts."

cmckitrick@sltrib.com