l Mayor: Michael Edwards, Mark Lofgren, Brigham Morgan, Brian Olsen.

l Council: (Two at-large seats) Donna Burnham, Loreen Cole, Matthew Curtis, Jennifer Edwards, Alicia Hall, Heather Jackson, David Lifferth, Christopher Peck.

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EAGLE MOUNTAIN - Take the money and run is a nice adage, but it does not apply to every candidate for Eagle Mountain mayor.

If elected, Brigham Morgan and Mark Lofgren vow they won't accept the combined $70,000 a year in salary and benefits the City Council approved in June, making the mayor's post essentially full time.

But Brian Olsen, a councilman who voted for the pay hike, argues the fast-growing Utah County city of 8,000-plus residents requires a full-time mayor.

The final mayoral hopeful, Michael Edwards, was unavailable for comment.

The top two vote-getters in the Oct. 4 primary will face off Nov. 8 to replace caretaker Mayor Dave Lifferth, who was appointed mayor in August after Kelvin Bailey resigned.

Morgan, a 31-year-old former councilman, likes his chances. He believes his business ability - he's a project manager for a digital literacy company - will help taxpayers get the most bang for their buck.

"A full-time mayor that costs almost $300,000 per [four-year] term is unnecessary," said Morgan, whose council term expired in January 2004. "I'll work with the council to reallocate that extra [mayor's] money to fund parks, trails and other city needs."

Rather than take full-time dollars as mayor, Morgan aims to share some of the administrative load with the council. "They will become much more involved in the daily workings of the city."

If elected, Morgan plans to expand Eagle Mountain's sewer system and secure cheaper electric and gas rates by establishing longer-term contracts with suppliers. He also pledges to work with state and regional transportation officials to ease gridlock on State Route 73.

Lofgren, a computer consultant who served as a councilman from July 2001 to January 2002, also takes issue with the mayor's pay.

"We are trying to be New York, and we forget that we are Eagle Mountain," the 34-year-old said.

One way Lofgren aims to do that is by accepting only $1,000 a month for the job - the monthly stipend Bailey earned as mayor. He said he will lobby the council to lower the higher pay. If that fails, he vows to spearhead a citizens referendum and get voters to do it.

"If that doesn't work," he added, "my plan is to save the money . . . and buy some lots to build a city park. One way or another, I'm not taking the money."

Lofgren also wants to make The Ranches' homeowners association more accountable by requiring it to give residents a full accounting of how their monthly dues are spent.

Lofgren's candidacy, however, could be derailed. He was convicted of third-degree felony theft almost 15 years ago as a teenager and may be barred by state law from holding office.

Olsen, 33, said Eagle Mountain requires a full-time mayor.

"It's important for the Eagle Mountain mayor to serve 24-7 for the city," he said.

If elected, Olsen vows to take a leave of absence from his job as a Utah Highway Patrol trooper.

He said transportation is a prime example of the need for a full-time chief executive. Olsen notes the bumper-to-bumper traffic along State Routes 68 and 73.

As mayor, he pledges to work with state lawmakers, transportation officials and other decision-makers to shift possible solutions into a higher gear.

Olsen also might explore the feasibility of Eagle Mountain getting a police force of its own instead of contracting with the Utah County Sheriff's Office. Not only will he tell businesses about the city, but he also insists he will sell them on the benefits of relocating there.

"A mayor also is a salesman for the city," said Olsen, who aims to do that regionally, nationally and internationally.

Edwards, 33, was unavailable for interviews. His wife, Jennifer, said her husband believes in making Eagle Mountain more self-reliant by paying less for utilities and by bringing in more commercial business to boost revenues and jobs. He also wants to upgrade the city's infrastructure to keep pace with growth. To avoid problems with delinquency, he favors reviving the Youth City Council and increasing recreational opportunities.

meddington@sltrib.com