All six candidates agree, there is just too much traffic clogging the streets. And the character of the old mining town turned ski resort must be protected from overbuilding.

Candace Erickson

Candace Erickson, a 24-year resident of Park City, has served two terms on the council.

Her campaign stresses "walkability" by improving sidewalks and trails and reducing traffic. She points to a proposed 750-space park-and-ride lot near the intersection of U.S. 40 and State Route 248 as a prime example of how government can work with the private sector to cut traffic.

She also would like to "tighten up" the Land Management Code to keep Old Town remodel projects from dwarfing their neighbors.

But it's difficult, she explains, because "land values are so high people want to maximize their floor area" and Park City cannot simply "shut the gate" to newcomers.

Joe Kernan

The other incumbent seeking re-election is Joe Kernan, who is finishing his first term on the council.

Kernan, who heads up his own recycling business, has lived in Park City for 14 years.

He doesn't disagree that traffic and development are on everyone's lips. But ratcheting back growth will be a challenge, he says. "The decision we have to make now is: What do we want future development to look like?"

In the meantime, Kernan sees his position as an agent for residents who come up against the bulwark of City Hall. "My goal is to have as big an impact as I can trying to accomplish as many community benefits for residents as possible."

Bruce Taylor

Two decades ago, Bruce Taylor moved to Park City because of its rustic character.

He spent nine years on Summit County's Snyderville Basin Planning Commission and says he "has an understanding" about how to deal with development pressures.

"With the growth of the last 10 to 15 years, if it continues, we'll lose the heritage and character in Park City that attracted us," he said. "We simply need to manage growth better."

He would limit the size of remodels in the historic district and smooth traffic patterns by considering such things as disallowing left turns at some intersections during rush hour.

Liza Simpson

In 1989, Liza Simpson came to Park City and stayed because it was more than a pretty mountain town - it was a real community.

But rapid growth is threatening that, she said.

Simpson would like to slow development, save where it concerns affordable housing. More middle-class workers living in town mean less commuter traffic. It also includes those workers in the community fabric.

"Park City is special because of its people," she said. "And the council has an incredible ability to guide things in the short term and in the long term."

Kacy Quinley

Kacy Quinley moved to Park City eight years ago and brings with her 30 years of business experience, including a position as CFO at a financial institution.

Like the others in the race, she wants to "protect the integrity and authenticity" of Park City.

She has volunteered for a number of organizations in town, including Peace House, a domestic-violence shelter.

Quinley said she would use her skills as a financial adviser and her abilities as a consensus builder to meet the city's growing pains. "I want Park City to continue to be a place where people want to live."

Dennis Wong

Dennis Wong left Santa Cruz, Calif., five years ago after a career as a criminal prosecutor. And he says his background as a litigator will keep him from being "intimidated" by developers and the tourist industry.

For decades, Wong says, Park City leaders have focused on the economy, rather than quality of life.

Now, he adds, it's time to envision a future dedicated to residents as well as visitors.

"People are starting to realize that those of us who live here year-round suffer the consequences of boosterism," Wong said. "People want a quick fix, but it's going to be a long process. You have to change the culture."

csmart@sltrib.com