He points to the new City Hall, library and swimming facility as accomplishments the town has made without raising taxes.

"What I tell people is, 'We've done a lot of good, but we're not there yet.' "

The big challenge, says Johnson, is securing enough water for future growth.

Steve Pruden, incumbent

Running for his second term is nine-year resident Steve Pruden.

He said his campaign emphasizes a balance between residential and commercial growth and the revitalization of Tooele's old downtown, which has suffered for the past decade.

"The old part of town can't compete with megachains," he said, referring to Wal-Mart and other outlets at Tooele's north end. "But it can have its own character" and is conducive to boutiques and mom-and-pop-type establishments.

Teri Ellsworth

Teri Ellsworth grew up in Tooele but moved to St. Louis and Santa Fe, N.M., and became a business consultant. Ellsworth moved back two years ago and wants to use her expertise to promote local business in Tooele.

Among other things, she wants more cooperation between city and county leaders and wants local government to be more accessible.

"I'd like a city that makes a difference, not just attracting new business but attracting a sustainable lifestyle."

Dave McCall

The military brought Dave McCall to Tooele 15 years ago, and he stayed because he likes the community. McCall wants a plan to replace sewer and water infrastructure and pave streets in the older neighborhoods. "You have to have a plan to make it work," he said.

And McCall's campaign stresses community involvement, particularly when it comes to addressing the uptick in the growing city's crime rate.

"We need to come up with a plan to correct it, and that means getting the public involved."

Shawn Milne

Shawn Milne owns an alarm and electronic-surveillance company that takes him all over the West. But he has called Tooele home for the past eight years and doesn't want to live anywhere else.

"I like the small-town charm, and I'm not lost as just another number."

That's the heart of his election campaign: He wants to preserve Tooele's flavor in the face of tremendous growth.

"It's a challenge; because with an influx of new residents, you can lose that small-town charm."

Richard Olson

For 11 years, Richard Olson has lived in Tooele - and he's proud of it.

His campaign focuses on community pride and getting more residents involved in town activities and decision-making.

He would like to see new businesses locate in the old part of town. He also wants property owners to take the lead - rather than relying strictly on the local government.

"From what I've seen, things like that are contagious," he said. "When someone takes time and fixes up their property, the neighbors do the same thing."

csmart@sltrib.com