This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2007, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Dave Buhler says he is the only mayoral candidate who will crack down on crime.
With former police chief Rick Dinse by his side, the mayoral hopeful on Thursday laid out his second "to-do" list, which includes the installation of "crime cameras" at Pioneer Park, if he is elected in November.
Dinse, who was flown in from Los Angeles by the campaign, joined the Salt Lake Police Association in endorsing Buhler at a news conference staged at the Pioneer Police Precinct.
"I have never known him to turn his back on public safety in this city," Dinse said about the two-term city councilman.
Buhler also used the stage to blitz mayoral opponent Ralph Becker, whom he criticized for not passing any crime legislation during his 11 years as a legislator.
"He makes a few very vague promises," Buhler said, "but does not explain how he'll deliver."
Buhler tagged Becker's so-called blueprint on the topic, saying the only specific part is to curb graffiti.
"When it comes to public safety, he's been absent without leave."
Becker, who has a double-digit lead according to the latest poll, brushed off the attack.
"I'm glad to see that Dave is coming along with some proposals on what to do with the future of the city," he said. "Unlike Dave, I have been a law-enforcement officer, I have been a firefighter, and I have been an emergency medical technician."
Becker says he consistently supported legislation focused on drug enforcement, prevention and penalties for DUIs. He also pointed to a comprehensive list of city initiatives dubbed "blueprints," which he began releasing in June.
For his to-do list, Buhler pledged to add five cops each year, assign dedicated officers for each neighborhood, fully fund tactical and Neighborhood Watch programs, purchase a fourth 100-foot ladder for the Fire Department and build a new fire station in southwest Salt Lake City.
He also vowed to help pass a $191 million public-safety bond for police and fire facilities, which Becker also supports.