In July, developers won a Supreme Court battle that allowed them to disconnect nearly 4,000 acres from Bluffdale. Now, they are trying to annex that land into Herriman. So, on top of usual growth-related issues facing this city of nearly 15,000, candidates are now addressing how best to expand the city's services.

Also, Herriman was recently denied an injunction that would have stopped an exclusive November vote over the future of the Jordan School District. But the city is still in the midst of a broader lawsuit that could make moot the coming vote.

Candidates commented on those issues in recent interviews, but said there are other issues pressing their booming city.

Raquel DeLuca

(incumbent)

* 56

* Married to Bob DeLuca, one son, two daughters, seven grandchildren

* Small-business owner (beauty salon)

* Current council member, chairwoman of Planning and Zoning Commission, former Riverton City Council member, former Riverton Planning Commission chairwoman, spent one year with Salt Lake County in planning and zoning.

Annexation: DeLuca said this is an opportunity for Herriman to use sustainable community develop- ment.

"It will give us corridors for commercial growth, and it will give us more opportunity for different types of growth: open-space issues, trails and road connectivity," she said. "It will benefit us in all directions."

Jordan School District Split: DeLuca said she feels it would be unconstitutional to deny the west side a right to vote on the issue.

"That's why we went to litigation," she said. "There are so many unanswered questions . . . and it's obviously being streamlined to accommodate a vote that probably wouldn't pass if we had a say. We're a runaway train right now. If [the split is] good today, it would be good with questions answered down the pike."

She said all voters need answers regarding whether the split would be good for the children.

Other issues: DeLuca said Herriman has to continue to work with neighboring communities, but mutual-aid agreements only make sense when cities take care of their own needs.

She said Herriman is in the process of putting in a reservoir that can be used for fishing and as a secondary water system to be shared with Riverton.

Michelle Bailey

* 42

* Married to Mike Bailey, five daughters

* Registered nurse

* Former member of the Southwest Community Council for five years, taught for 10 years at the university level, 15 years of child psychiatry experience, started her own restaurant and corporation.

Annexation: Bailey said she is concerned with the high density of the developments in the new area Herriman is set to gain from Bluffdale.

"We're having trouble servicing the amount of density we already have," Bailey said. "If we're just going to put in more high density, we won't be able to serve that without more taxes, because we're not getting the commercial expansion. Annexation would be good if it will give us more commercial [development]."

Jordan School District split: Bailey said she is "irked" that Herriman was never represented in initial meetings on the split and jumped immediately to a lawsuit.

However, she said Herriman still needs to pursue the litigation to address a constitutional issue.

"I have a problem with the fact that we're not getting an equalization of funds," she said. "We supported the east side while they were developing, and we need to equalize funds so our students are getting as much as their students."

Other issues: Bailey said Herriman is spending excessively on city trucks and other items that are not always used to benefit the general public.

"We're wasting money, yet telling people we can't afford to put power lines in the ground," Bailey said. "We're not 'upkeeping' the roads we have, and we have no access in and out of the community."

Bailey said she would listen to all residents and be accessible to them because, "If it's in Herriman, it's in my backyard."

Mike Day

* 36

* Married to Sonia Day, four sons

* LDS seminary teacher

* As principal of a seminary he has worked with ninth-graders and has had to be diplomatic in communication. He's young, he said, and the average age in Herriman is likewise young.

Annexation: The main issue is getting roads in and out of the new development area, Day said, stressing the importance of getting state transportation officials onboard with plans and attracting businesses to the new area.

"If we can get businesses, like The District [South Jordan retail center], then we can fund growth into the future. We cannot sustain ourselves on impact fees."

Jordan School District split: He called the recent injunction denial "disappointing" and said he wishes the school district could stay together.

But, he said, he has spent time with people on the east side and has realized there are still some ways Herriman can win if the split occurs. "In a smaller district, we'd have a say. We'll turn it into a positive. It's going to cost residents more money, but we'll get some good out of it. It's not the end of the world. I support the mayor; he was doing what he thought was best for the city."

Other issues: Day said he wants to bring business to Herriman.

"I'll go out and meet with business leaders and do what I can to get Herriman grown up and take care of ourselves," Day said.

He is upset over a $25 water fee that helps fund law enforcement. "If we're going to get taxed, let's call it a tax and not a fee," he said. "It's not a very popular view, but it's where I stand."

Matt Robinson

* 38

* Married to Gail Allen, one son

* Project manager for a global technology company

* Experience working in the business world, understanding budgets, working with people, understanding challenges with growth and problem-solving.

Annexation: Robinson said this is an opportunity for Herriman to enhance a large geographic area.

But, he said, there also will be inherent challenges with infrastructure, supporting the new area and fitting it in to Herriman's master plan.

"All that goes along with that - your water, your power, sewage, traffic, transportation - are all critical elements we need to understand for that new area," Robinson said. "I am open to receiving this group and geography into Herriman."

Jordan School District split: Robinson said he is concerned Herriman doesn't have a vote and that it's too soon to give east-side residents a chance to consider the split.

"I'm in favor of what's going to be the best for the children growing up on the west side of the valley," he said. "But you're pulling out [the east side's revenue] and not even giving the west side an opportunity to weigh in on it."

However, he said Herriman could potentially gain more control over some of the planning that goes on, including where schools are located and how they get built.

Other issues: Robinson said he wants well-managed growth that encourages economic development.

He also said he wants to maintain the heritage and values of Herriman's past as rapid growth continues.

"There's a wonderful community here, and we need to do all we can, as residents, to recognize the past and bridge it to the future in a healthy and positive way."

sgehrke@sltrib.com