[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6161472,"mediaKeyId","5441843-8869908312708e0b4ba876ec1fe4154c","parentId",5441843,"title","Transparency, communication and conflicts of interest debated at Mapleton forum","audioSeconds",489,"startMs",4568000,"endMs",5057000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5441843-8869908312708e0b4ba876ec1fe4154c&start=4568&end=5057","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5441843-8869908312708e0b4ba876ec1fe4154c/thumbnail_4568000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6161472/Mapleton/Utah-County/Utah/Transparency-communication-and-conflicts-of-interest-debated-at-Mapleton-forum","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6161472-3c8eb0f0e4f1fc94c392d11f5f1a9b2a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770491610&Signature=MtW4s~uc~XiX7zxqDMRP9z6ZPfXgiov0ZY0Uhggyaf39kY75vwoZ904tQIGHYrQJSFN1QAptcDfhpOG8xVVtP71eIGSXXIXUYoX2Z1K5y2xpfbAjeb9wofdoLf7xV8uBLOd~7Kp7achE6qjqtUy-RZV1ULmhhR9z6qTpafom2Bv4AFe7F8DnJEvnn9UcaMhCXtNm-VpkYJPWVic~w84WF7Z-YUN8tGT7enCShJZrTQug8TfxU3jibqX1Gk2PGscFCPlzm9J9n-hqdjCPTPeA~fmHLgSfAikyRXxmwhLYckVLkrnxgA-zhzQbzryU39tv33y21XLohFcUpui02~XX6A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-07-22T23:51:09.89Z","article","Candidates at the Mapleton forum addressed transparency, public engagement and how officials should manage real or perceived conflicts of interest.

Why it matters: Transparency and public trust were recurring themes, with candidates proposing specific communication practices and dispute‑management approaches that would affect how the mayor’s office and council interact with residents.

Proposals and debate

Claudia Paradise said government should “overcommunicate” and use social media and other channels to share information and explain public actions. She said: “We need to be more engaged in sharing more information,” adding that public officials should explain business‑related decisions to avoid bad optics.

Scott Ligon proposed quarterly accountability reports and public summaries that explain budget performance and upcoming council items, suggesting both recorded meetings and transcripts so residents can follow decisions and the reasons behind them. He said misinformation fills a vacuum when the public lacks clear explanations.

Dallas Higgs addressed specific local allegations about personal financial benefit and described several reimbursements and transactions that, he said, were documented through the city’s procurement and reimbursement processes. He characterized the city’s website and communications as improved under recent efforts and noted the city had hired a communications director.

Other candidates urged non‑digital outreach for seniors and more consistent public records and email trails for vendor interactions. Darren (candidate/council member) said cameras had been restored in the meeting room and recommended using email so there is a paper trail for communications with vendors and contractors.

Conflict‑of‑interest handling

When asked about items where a mayor could have a potential conflict, Dallas described a recent sealed‑bid procurement in which a company associated with him was a low bidder, and he said he disclosed the circumstance and let the council handle the decision. Multiple candidates said disclosure, recusals where appropriate, and adherence to existing procurement rules are essential.

What was not decided

The forum produced proposals for transparency measures but no binding changes to city policy. Candidates described policies they would pursue or enforce if elected, including accountability meetings, improved outreach and documented procurement processes.

Next steps

Candidates recommended continued improvements to the city website, scheduled accountability updates for the public, and targeted outreach to residents who do not use social media.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Meet the Candidate Night- Mayoral Candidates","oneSentenceSummary","Candidates discussed transparency practices, outreach beyond social media, and how to manage potential conflicts of interest; several proposed quarterly accountability reports, improved digital and non‑digital outreach, and open records or email trails for key vendor interactions.","taxTitle","Mapleton, Utah County, Utah","taxId",4708,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6161477,"Mapleton candidates outline budget priorities: safety, infrastructure and creative revenue",1258,3114000,4372000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5441843-8869908312708e0b4ba876ec1fe4154c&start=3114&end=4372","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5441843-8869908312708e0b4ba876ec1fe4154c/thumbnail_3114000.jpg","/articles/6161477/Mapleton/Utah-County/Utah/Mapleton-candidates-outline-budget-priorities-safety-infrastructure-and-creative-revenue","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6161477-01a3450f4394aff8bf1d1fe92a7268d6/orig.mp4?Expires=1770491610&Signature=PWvcfbWmOsK1hH-gP~fg~HRqMHxG4mZqPL3CM~nHeWS39rV-gg8syJ5IzwBDvi-YRw726zVQeZ57jAKjueHSDfQhTsUuoOhJsiJZ~qkiKnXKrotMEk0Kl-lDJajvM-IdIowefBCUy~F1VFnjo7W-Lm-ZgxxfkC2R5qJYzqXz9H-4-VgM-j9lTBiMI37JeZBKkQpJOuQILp2d-1GSeVqTmxTlNXD0SYmyM300v~t1nVhnB1lIN~OFAlPCNMS9karz-svZAP1H8F5hHahn0riTTDV05mz-PNj3J4~9skuyVDNBNMZ~EREeVc6WDdSfSvKvW1AzbEXGY1NqEQi5rPf~VQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City budget and finance emerged as a central theme at the Mapleton mayoral forum, with candidates outlining competing priorities for limited municipal funds and different approaches to revenue generation for infrastructure and services.

Nut graf: Candidates generally prioritized safety and core infrastructure while proposing a mix of traditional and creative revenue sources — from careful use of bonds and impact fees to municipal utilities and developer dedications — to fund long‑term projects.

Priorities and spending

Scott Ligon and others said safety should be “number 1” when allocating the city budget. Ligon listed infrastructure and revenue‑producing services among top priorities and noted the city could reallocate general fund money in some circumstances.

Dallas Higgs described a structured, annual budgeting process, saying the council holds retreats to set priorities and he highlighted recent dedications and trail and park funding secured through development agreements. He warned that sales tax alone would not solve long‑term funding needs and promoted “creative” revenue options such as city‑provided services.

Debt, fees and utility options

Erin (candidate with emergency‑services background) said long‑term bonding can be appropriate “very carefully” and only for projects that are clearly needed and benefit the whole city. Scott Ligon and others mentioned impact fees and utility rate adjustments as potential tools if user charges fall short.

Several candidates discussed pressurized irrigation (PI) infrastructure: Dallas said the city negotiated 12 connections to a high‑pressure PI line under a trail, which will reduce the scale and cost of future PI infrastructure. Candidates also debated whether the city should explore municipal power; Erin said she was “very interested” in studying a local power utility, pointing to examples in nearby cities.

Stormwater and roads

Multiple candidates named stormwater and road maintenance as long‑term infrastructure priorities. Speakers described existing stormwater gaps and basements that flood in parts of the city; candidates suggested phased projects, studies and targeted prioritization to address those needs.

What was not decided

The forum was a policy discussion among candidates rather than a budget meeting. No formal budget or financial commitments were adopted; candidates described options they would pursue if elected.

Next steps

Candidates said outcomes would depend on council votes, public engagement and detailed fiscal analyses. Several pledged to pursue developer negotiations, continue infrastructure studies, and explore municipal utilities or other creative revenue where feasible.","During the forum, candidates discussed how the city should prioritize spending and generate revenue for long‑term needs, citing safety, stormwater, pressurized irrigation connections and potential municipal utilities as central issues.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6161482,"Mapleton candidates debate housing, general plan and property rights",952,2240000,3192000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5441843-8869908312708e0b4ba876ec1fe4154c&start=2240&end=3192","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5441843-8869908312708e0b4ba876ec1fe4154c/thumbnail_2240000.jpg","/articles/6161482/Mapleton/Utah-County/Utah/Mapleton-candidates-debate-housing-general-plan-and-property-rights","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6161482-ce2c6eda05682c9cef7840f49152f8d4/orig.mp4?Expires=1770491610&Signature=PBqO8pAjSzHr4M4fdkTQT5KNQ2-YifqCZhcrTUrkj~5NxDs3DghkXQbnrFwlBeUIyanwdVxSzJogNIxo9VT4YNdOIQ2P41TrhNRswWKwewwv3QRy95ycoUteA3rViLlGuWuYzoh1rmJLG3UD-kbi84QNu10yHUV~96GbpHS8VKLCbybD7pqLZRU2~FwN~77PTm24nru4fNFmooW55jY8jhKANzN3RTkntxv8GY1eq--Hn~iy2qQFCHbhmpKUOLFQgH2Ut0pfUVRIq-CcIicyhqZuSDCliYkQ7T-iWpsBTZwvL1UailnfzOwZl0l4it7NCKGGRqXMlHasWTfffWs~VQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At a Mapleton mayoral forum, candidates returned repeatedly to growth and development issues, including the city’s general plan, affordable housing, accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and the transfer‑of‑development‑rights (TDR) program.

Why it matters: Speakers linked development rules and the general plan to the city’s long‑term character and the availability of housing at different price points. Several candidates emphasized that the general plan and zoning determine what can be built, while others urged creative, local measures to ease housing costs.

What candidates said

Scott Ligon, a candidate, said the city’s general plan sets the framework for density and urged citizens to decide whether the plan’s projected build‑out is what they want: “If it builds up to 35,000 people, it will be just like Provo. So my question is, is that what everybody wants?”

Dallas Higgs, the incumbent mayor in the forum, stressed adherence to the general plan and zoning: “The general plan, the way it's set up today, will work … The studies prove that it works.” He argued enforcement of current zones and ordinances preserves community character while allowing planned development. Higgs also said the city had secured developer dedications and infrastructure as part of recent growth.

Baron (candidate) explained a construction and manufacturing approach to lower housing costs and urged continued emphasis on accessory dwelling units: “What we've done in Mapleton over the past few years is creative, is focused more on the ADUs, accessory dwelling units, and allowing more people to do those cheaper so that you can have a second family in your home.”

Scott and others raised the TDR program as a specific concern. Ligon said there remain roughly 120 TDRs held by about 16 owners (as reported by the city) and suggested a buyback program or negotiated exchanges to control density where desired.

Open space and property rights

Candidates agreed that protecting open space had been a focus, and Dallas described more than 50 acres secured recently for parks through negotiations and developer agreements. At the same time, several speakers warned the city must honor property rights: if owners comply with zoning and statutes, development rights generally follow.

What was not decided

The forum generated debate and candidate positions; it did not produce council votes or ordinance changes. Candidates differed on whether the city should seek additional restrictions on development or rely on the existing general plan and enforcement.

Next steps

Candidates said that future decisions would rest with the mayor and the city council through regular agenda and ordinance processes. Some called for more public engagement so residents can decide whether to keep the current general plan trajectory or seek changes.","Candidates at a Mapleton forum discussed affordable housing, the city’s general plan and transfer‑of‑development‑rights (TDR) program, balancing density, open space and property‑owner rights.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6161486,"Mapleton mayoral candidates push for south-side fire station, faster response times",606,1765000,2371000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5441843-8869908312708e0b4ba876ec1fe4154c&start=1765&end=2371","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5441843-8869908312708e0b4ba876ec1fe4154c/thumbnail_1765000.jpg","/articles/6161486/Mapleton/Utah-County/Utah/Mapleton-mayoral-candidates-push-for-south-side-fire-station-faster-response-times","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6161486-25c8068ba1a86c108bc9f1384d3cbc22/orig.mp4?Expires=1770491610&Signature=Z8UqmeaaDMrbUWWVCfgxtPzSUhJiU0lv1-LCs1LkbAD8qYJotyDHm-YLfifMuINOzjHqbeWwOzpT2N-GRHukKZNTqj3MIXJP07EqVQfxmjGw8dfylR1bopk8-41WUFuTD~tkC16VVUA6qzBhZTAsHPsZ7mHs1G5hzzdMFNqgsmP-jkBc1MVw4BN9IRLkXlr4S3DegkyCmEQCbPUZNlZ9O1e1dMgNY8HPvLXvdRYdHRdQy3ST3e0wBJEFUP-AUrkusn7TZb9KAxBnmM94v7oivghIECvJL0HPM7lbvs2mnkTFRzHT0m5yT3euhXvGv~QsgwdwwuGP3B2N0CdMR1uWpw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At a Mapleton mayoral forum, candidates and current officeholders focused much of their discussion on emergency response times, staffing and equipment for police and fire services, and the need for a second fire station on the city’s south side.

The issue drew repeated attention from multiple speakers. Theron Garrett, a candidate who identified himself as serving a second term on the city council, said, “the number 1 need right now in the city as far as capital needs is gonna be that second fire station down on the South End. Definitely, I think we should start saving for that. We should start planning for that.”

Why it matters: Candidates described response-time gaps in the city’s newer neighborhoods and raised concerns that growth has outpaced public-safety coverage. Several speakers said reliance on volunteer personnel and mutual‑aid agreements leaves the city vulnerable if staffing falls short.

Details and debate

Scott Ligon, a mayoral candidate with a business background, said he had been told response times “down there range from 10 to 12 minutes, which is not, the way anybody wants it to be,” and noted Mapleton sometimes relies on Spanish Fork for some responses. Ligon added that improved station coverage and staffing were necessary to restore the shorter response times citizens expect in other parts of the city.

Claudia Paradise, a candidate, emphasized prioritizing safety in budget decisions, saying “safety should be the number 1 concern,” and urged funding for both the equipment and the staff needed to operate any new facility.

Incumbent Mayor Dallas Higgs (identified in the forum as the sitting mayor) said Mapleton’s public-safety departments are “fully staffed. 100%,” and that budget adjustments were in progress to add an additional fire engineer by the end of the year. He also described previous multi‑jurisdictional consultations and hiring processes used to strengthen the department, and said the city had secured land dedication for a future south‑side station.

Speakers on multiple sides acknowledged staffing challenges. Several candidates and council members said the fire department had historically relied on volunteers and that volunteer availability has declined, making paid staffing and additional stations more urgent. Theron Garrett and others also raised stormwater and infrastructure issues as related public-safety concerns, noting that severe storms could complicate emergency response.

What was not decided

The forum was a candidate discussion, not a governing meeting: there were no motions, votes or binding decisions recorded at the event. Speakers described existing budget steps, ongoing planning and land dedications already made, but no new formal actions were proposed or taken at the forum.

Next steps

Candidates said they would prioritize public-safety funding and planning if elected. Several said the next formal steps for the city council and mayor would include budgeting for staffing and design work for a south‑side station, continuing interagency coordination, and pursuing incremental infrastructure projects to protect response routes.","At a candidate forum, contenders for Mapleton mayor highlighted public safety as a top priority, arguing for a second fire station on the city's south end, improved staffing and equipment, and better planning to reduce emergency response times.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Transparency, communication and conflicts of interest debated at Mapleton forum

Mapleton candidates outline budget priorities: safety, infrastructure and creative revenue

Mapleton candidates debate housing, general plan and property rights

Mapleton mayoral candidates push for south-side fire station, faster response times