Mayoral candidates Lewis Billings and Dave Bailey went head to head in a public debate Thursday in preparation for the Nov. 8 election.

They addressed issues such as iProvo, transportation, economic vision for the city and what each would do to enhance to quality of life in Provo.

While both candidates committed to see iProvo through to completion, Bailey said the project has been flawed from the beginning with projections high and off target. He promised to provide solutions to see the project through. Billings, who has overseen iProvo since it’s conception, said he was excited about the technology, and that the city took on the project because private businesses did not have the resources to provide it.

Both agreed on the need for an alternate transportation route to Salt Lake City and a performing arts center in Provo. Billings focused on strong aspects of the city and promised to develop them further,

“We have a safe city and crime is low,” Billings said. “We have a great trails and park system and we’re improving that even more.”

Billings encouraged people to become informed and participate in city events that will make them a part of Provo.

Bailey expressed a need for a change in the ranks.

“We need vision and new leadership,” Bailey said.

He believes he can provide that by focusing on capital improvement projects, helping to provide services and creating a culture to entice people to come to Provo.

Vision for iProvo:

Billings

· Complete the project in a timely fashion

· Obtain 7,000 more subscribers

Bailey

· Take a fresh look from the people outside the project

· Hold public hearings to educate the public about their Internet choices

Transportation:

Billings:

· Initiate a multi-regional and state effort to look at the statewide problem

· Work with the Utah legislature to find a source of funds

· Create a parallel transportation corridor to Salt Lake City

· Work with UTA to create a better transit system inside Provo

Bailey:

· Implement a commuter rail between Provo and Salt Lake City

· Negotiate with UTA to develop a better rapid transit system

· Entice commuter air traffic to Provo Airport

· Review traffic signals and see if the cameras function

Vision for economic development:

Billings:

· Keep utilities at the lowest cost in Utah county

· Create a 24-hour community in downtown Provo where people can work, live and play

· Create scheduled, regional air service at the Provo airport

· Recognize and work with BYU entrepreneurs

Bailey:

· Bring tourism money to Provo by marketing the city as family friendly

· Make Provo the gateway to Utah Lake, Sundance and the Unitas

· Attract new businesses that will bring new jobs

· Utilize vacant space in downtown retail areas

Goals to enhance quality of life in Provo:

Billings

· Use technology to enhance Provo

· Continue to improve parks and trails

· Reach a goal of having walkable access to trails or parks within a half mile of every home

· Provide more opportunities for students and community members to give service

Bailey:

· Start a recycling program using BYU’s system as a model.

· Offer tax incentives to companies who would manufacture electric cars and to people who would use them

· Develop a downtown recreation and entertainment district

· Build more skateboard parks