That means, they say, the center's board should replace three of the five mayors - the three who will be out of office after Dec. 31. One was defeated, another chose not to run again and the third was also defeated - but could be reappointed to the rec center board if the new mayor allows it.

But the center's bylaws and state laws governing special service districts do not require outgoing mayors to step down.

"Each city [in the district] and the County Commission has the authority to appoint its own representative - elected or not," said attorney Michael J. Mazuran, who advises the eight-member center panel. "The term on the board rests with the person - not the position or office they hold."

The current board, organized in 2003, is composed of the mayors from each of the five cities that belong to the recreation district: Bountiful, Woods Cross, North Salt Lake, Centerville and West Bountiful. The County Commission also has three seats.

Residents, upset with the center's ballooning budget, see the changes in mayors as a chance to turn things around.

"This is a real opportunity for them to get someone on that board with legitimate experience in business or marketing, who could make that place a success," said Ron Mortensen, of the watchdog group CitizensForTaxFairness.org.

"Elected officials - especially these elected officials - have shown that their only answer to things is to turn around and ask the taxpayers for more."

Some of the board members' terms expire on Dec. 31. Others don't expire until 2007, even though some of the mayors won't be returning to office.

Woods Cross and Centerville officials have a decision to make.

"I'd like to stay," says Woods Cross Mayor Jerry Larrabee, who was defeated in the election. "I have a number of things I'm trying to wrap up, so I won't be making a final decision until after the first of the year. But I'm a huge supporter of this project and I'd like to see it through."

Even though he chose not to run for office again, Centerville Mayor Michael Deamer says he also is "very interested" in remaining on the center's board.

That is their prerogative, Mazuran says.

"There is provision in the law that says each city may remove its representative, but it's only 'for cause,' and it's up to each city to decide if not being re-elected is reason to warrant their removal," Mazuran said.

County commissioners are also looking for someone to fill a board vacancy left by Darrell Tweede, a resident of an unincorporated portion of south Davis County. His term ends this month, and he asked not to be reappointed.

According to Mazuran, if the position is not filled by a member of the County Commission, the county must advertise the vacancy, giving residents "an opportunity to express interest" in serving.

lorib@sltrib.com