Clustered for the first time Monday, Salt Lake City's key mayoral hopefuls took turns doing résumé recital, highlighting a collective dedication toward a still-greener, safer, more mobile capital city willing to embrace small business.

The diverse field politely touted everything from political pedigree to administrative chops during a one-hour event, more introduction than debate, at the S.J. Quinney College of Law at the University of Utah.

The eight panel members were even unified on one point: that their respective style would be less polarizing than current occupant Rocky Anderson, and pay off for Utah's capital. But in keeping with the evening's theme, Republicans and Democrats alike stopped short of sniping at Anderson, instead defending his "magnificent" environmental legacy.

Still, Monday's warm, fuzzy feel is sure to give way to white-hot rhetoric this summer as the group digs in for an expected million-dollar race.

For now, the one-upmanship is mild, focusing as it did on experience.

"This starts sounding like 'better, better, better,' " said Keith Christensen, a former city councilman and a business owner, who suggested ticking off goals such as more parks and safe schools is, well, safe.

"You need to focus on qualifications," he said, insisting his business acumen distinguishes him from the field. "That's what it's all about. It's about who's qualified to deliver the 'better.' "

Each contender made their case despite a modest crowd dominated by campaign operatives and an awkward format that allowed candidates to pre-select customized questions.

County Councilwoman Jenny Wilson argued that she has administrator's skills - she noted her push for ethics reform and open space at the county - with a progressive's sensibilities. City Councilman Dave Buhler, a former state senator, pointed to a record of problem solving and bipartisan support, as well as "inroads at the Legislature." Centro Civico Mexicano Director John Renteria reiterated his advocacy for the city's west side. And City Councilwoman Nancy Saxton focused on her stewardship of the central-city neighborhood as well as her independence.

"Who hasn't sold out for influence?" she asked. "I'm never going to be one of the favored insiders . . . because I listen to you."

Ralph Becker, an urban planner and the House minority leader, wants a complete network of trails, upgrades in education and more transit connections. And he points to his decade on Capitol Hill as an effective collaborator. Meg Holbrook, former Utah Democratic Party chairwoman, says she would be a "bridge builder" to solidify Salt Lake City as the regional center for culture, education and the arts.

"We need to start acting like the capital city," she said.

And J.P. Hughes, who joked that it was difficult to set foot in a law school as a physician, provided the comic relief.

"You can't lose whoever you vote for," he said. "And I'm dead serious about it."

Most of the panel pointed to diverse backgrounds, having split time between business, public service and nonprofit work. And they vowed to continue Anderson's environmental awareness, including, Wilson pledged, rules for green building and expanded recycling.

"The next mayor really needs to bring it home," Saxton said of Anderson's environmental push.

Candidates also promised a devotion to diplomacy. Holbrook said she would break bread with state leaders within 72 hours, if elected. And Christensen unveiled his idea for a "coalition of Wasatch Front mayors," so that "we can speak with one, clear voice to the Legislature."

"We do need to recognize we do not exist in a vacuum," Buhler agreed.

Though officially nonpartisan, Democrats in the race outnumber Republicans two-to-one, among the primary contenders. Understanding the capital's left-leaning demographic, Becker, Saxton, Holbrook and Wilson made references to their Democratic-party affiliation. The race's big-gun Republicans, Buhler and Christensen, steered clear of party talk.

Two declared candidates, schoolteacher Robert Comstock and Arnold Matthew Jones, did not show up for the candidate forum.

The rest agreed the mayor's role should be civil service, not to promote any agenda.

And, says Becker, the new leader must be visionary with an eye on "what this city can become."

djensen@sltrib.com