Since 1998, Taylorsville Mayor Janice Auger has steered the young city - incorporated in 1996 - through most of its early growing pains.

Auger's decision not to seek re-election inspired four contenders to jump into this year's race, each wanting a hand in shaping the future of Utah's 10th largest city.

Roger Belgard, 68, says he has a strong desire to reach teens with the message to stay in school, believing this encouragement could enrich lives and also reduce crime on the streets.

Pay raises for police officers and more equipment wouldn't hurt either, he says.

Belgard retired from a 35-year career with the Union Pacific Railroad and also worked as a mortician. His transportation background would help him serve the city, he says.

Human-resource consultant Ric Morley, 55, also believes his life's work could benefit the landlocked city as it "grows up and becomes a part of the political community."

"I'm a seasoned negotiator and love working with people," Morley says. "Lack of respect causes communities to decline."

Meeting people on their own turf would be part of Morley's mode of operation. "Go out and really find out what's going on - and then come back and make those decisions," he says.

David Mouritsen, 41, intends to follow closely in Auger's footsteps.

"I like that we maintained a balanced budget without raising taxes - and I want to keep it that way," says Mouritsen, who works as house counselor for Valley Mental Health. "I'd continue as they've done it for the past 10 years, only spending the money we have."

If elected, Mouritsen says he would work to attract more businesses to Redwood Road (1700 West). He also would explore the possibility of sharing police and fire services with neighboring cities.

Russ Wall, 48, works as a heating and air-conditioning contractor and currently chairs Taylorsville's City Council. While holding office could give Wall an edge, he says he is taking nothing for granted. "I never underestimate a candidate. I take them all seriously and consider myself the underdog.

"I have a great number of ideas to move the city to the next step," Wall adds.

Approaching the end of his first council term, Wall says his primary focus as mayor would be economic development and vigorous code enforcement.

"I plan to make people responsible for the upkeep of their properties," Wall says, part of an ongoing effort to protect land values in Taylorsville.

cmckitrick@sltrib.com