Growth, infrastructure and economic development seemed to be the hot-button issues Wednesday at a meet-the-candidates luncheon sponsored by the Tooele County Chamber of Commerce at the Deseret Peak Complex. Eleven of the 12 candidates competing for six open seats on the Tooele and Grantsville city councils spoke to a crowd of government and business leaders.

For the Grantsville City Council Candidates, managing residential growth was the primary focus.

The sole incumbent in the Grantsville race, Todd Castagno, said while growth in Grantsville can't be stopped, it can be controlled. He added that as Grantsville continues to grow, it will be important to preserve open space in order for the town to keep its rural atmosphere.

Another Grantsville candidate, DeRay Sparks, said affordable housing needs to be developed at a rate that keeps pace with the city's growth so future generations of Grantsville residents can afford living there.

"If we don't preserve the community, we're in trouble," Sparks said.

Dave McCall, along with several other Tooele City Council candidates, focused on the need to upgrade the city's infrastructure, including roads, sewer and water systems. McCall said Tooele is currently doing a good job of improving not only old and damaged roads, but the sewer and water lines beneath them that are in need of repair. He said improving infrastructure at a rate commensurate with growth would be the city's biggest challenge, and opportunity, in the future.

"I agree with Mayor Dunlavy that this is the greatest city in the world, but it can be even better than it is now," McCall said.

The availability and quality of water resources was another issue brought up by candidates for both councils.

Teri Ellsworth said water will be one of the defining issues for the city in the future.

"In years to come, water will be fought over," she warned.

Grantsville candidates spoke about the need for economic development more than their Tooele counterparts did, perhaps because many in the city appear ready to rid themselves of the "bedroom community" label.

"Let's get Grantsville out of being a bedroom community for Tooele and Salt Lake," said Mike Colson, who said he would work to keep sections of the town open and available for economic development.

Tooele County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Debbie Winn said she thought the format of the luncheon was successful, although the idea of holding a debate was discussed.

"It started a dialogue," she said of the format. "Sometimes debates can get a little out of hand, and discussing issues back and forth at a moment's notice doesn't always give you the same feeling that speaking one-on-one to a candidate does."

Winn said she was impressed with the preparedness of all the candidates.

"The candidates all know what they're talking about," she said. "They're not just in there for silly reasons, but they're there to contribute to the towns they live in."

Sarah Miley: swest@tooeletranscript.com