The varied field includes a microbiologist, an entrepreneur, a retired private investigator and the Tooele city recorder, among others.

They all agree that growth and the questions surrounding it will mark the biggest challenges the next four years. This election will determine how those issues are tackled because Tooele's form of government defines its mayor as the chief executive. The full-time job pays $60,000 a year.

Tooele is being discovered as a viable bedroom community for Salt Lake Valley workers. Since 1990, the population has doubled to 28,000. Tooele's retail mix has blossomed and its industrial sector is ripe for development as well.

Steven Bevan's forebears helped settle the town in the mid-1800s. A retired engineer for the Federal Aviation Administration, Bevan has served on the City Council for the past six years. He says he is running with a focus on growth - and that starts with water.

"What we need to do is get our water rights and turn them into flowing water; that will take infrastructure." he said.

Jay Edwin Collier, a retired private investigator, stresses transportation in his campaign. He wants a new highway between portions of the old Army depot, which the city now owns, and Interstate 80.

Collier argues it would stimulate economic development by attracting industry to the facility.

"It's really difficult to get anyone to come in because they have to drive through town," he said.

Patrick Dunlavy has been city recorder for 23 years. Before that, he served in the Tooele Police Department for 11 years and rose to the rank of lieutenant.

He says his experience will help him guide Tooele through challenging budgetary times.

"I've been directly involved in all the budgetary issues," Dunlavy said. "I know how the city runs."

Tom Ellevold, a microbiologist for the Utah Department of Health, wants residents to continue to be able to drink clean water and breathe clean air. He also advocates the city become more aggressive in promoting affordable housing.

"I see so many issues that aren't being dealt with," he said. "We have to address low-income housing."

Bobby Main Jr. wants the city to focus on infrastructure needs, including water, roads and fire protection.

Retired from the Tooele Police Department after 22 years, Main works as an investigator for the Tooele County Attorney's Office. He also has been active in coaching youth sports.

His first order of business would be to inventory Tooele's infrastructure and make a plan to upgrade it, including fire protection for the booming north end. "I want to get the department heads together and see where we stand," he said.

Russell Winters has lived in Tooele for only 3 1/2 years. But the 29-year-old is running for mayor because the city needs "new blood" in its leadership, he said.

Winters owns two companies, an interior-design firm and a communication enterprise that specializes in graphics and Web design. He wants Tooele to capitalize on its potential for new business.

"There is a lot of positive business energy here, because there are so many people moving in," he said. "We've got to be prepared for that growth."

Ryan Timmons, also 29, says Tooele lacks leadership when it comes to landing more jobs.

A collections manager for a Bountiful-based air ambulance company, Timmons said Tooele could lure business by emphasizing its affordable real estate and providing incentives such as tax breaks.

"We just aren't bringing in new jobs," he said. "We're known as a toxic waste dump. But we could get upscale employers."

Two mayoral candidates will emerge from the Oct. 4 primary and face off in the Nov. 8 general election. Incumbent Mayor Charlie Roberts stepped down this month to take a job with the state.

Tooele races

l Mayoral race: Steven Bevan, Jay Edwin Collier, Patrick Dunlavy, Tom Ellevold, Bobby Main Jr., Ryan Timmons, Russell Winters.

l Council race (two at-large seats): John Hansen (i), David McCall, Tom Poyner, Doug Redmond (i), Scott Wardle, Sam Woodruff.