But a slight philosophical rift may provide a window into how the hopefuls would combat the capital's growing pains.
Ralph Becker says the idea of posting cameras across the city - like London does - violates privacy rights. His opponent, Dave Buhler, takes a different tack.
Buhler is pushing for cameras in Pioneer Park to help scrub the square of drugs and other crime. And while the candidate says he doesn't want cameras lining every street, he would consider some expansion if the Pioneer pilot program proved effective.
This discrepancy marked one of the few during a debate Wednesday high above the city on the 23rd floor of the Wells Fargo Center.
The idea was for the candidates to delve into downtown economic development at the forum hosted by a nonprofit business group. Instead they flayed each other for being ineffective, and sparred over The Gateway, Pioneer Park, crime control and a planned sky bridge.
On the issue of policing crime with closed-circuit cameras, Becker expressed hesitation.
"It may be appropriate in some very narrow circumstances as a shock factor to remedy a high-crime area," he said. "But it's not appropriate for Big Brother to look over our shoulder."
He said he supports the Pioneer Park plan, primarily because police are on board.
Buhler stressed his proposal for the drug-riddled park is only a pilot program - although he would be open to placing lenses in more locations.
Closed-circuit cameras have become a trend in cities across the world, particularly near subways and other public-transit centers. Such surveillance was credited with helping police round up suspected bombers in London.
"Having cameras is a deterrent, there's no doubt about it," according to Paul Masto, a retired Secret Service agent and partner for Utah's Global Security Capital Group, which specializes in high-tech equipment for the Department of Homeland Security.
When people are on a public right of way, Masto said, "you have no reasonable expectation of privacy."
While not backing either candidate, the Utah Division of Homeland Security agrees the addition of cameras at Pioneer Park undoubtedly would do good.
"Cameras provide an added measure of security," said Jeff Nigbur, a homeland-security spokesman. "When people know there are cameras around, they tend to not commit crime."
Unlike periodic police patrols, he said, cameras could canvass the park 24 hours a day. Nigbur reported no immediate concerns about privacy.
Even so, civil libertarians regularly raise flags over such surveillance.
On other points, both mayoral candidates agreed the LDS Church and its development partner have the right to determine whether retailers at City Creek Center should open Sundays as well as whether restaurants there should serve booze. But they sparred a bit about the proposed Main Street sky bridge.
Becker, a state lawmaker, said he would prefer not to see it, but pledged his support since the decision has been made. He also lauded developers for bringing housing to the project along with a water feature in an ode to the City Creek development's namesake stream.
Buhler backs the bridge and points to multiple Gateway skywalks. The city councilman also corrected his rival on the proposed Main Street bridge. It has not been formally approved, he noted, suggesting the next mayor may play a role in that decision. Buhler pointed out the City Council simply has amended the master plan to pave the way for the bridge while also insisting on a detailed list of construction amendments.
For months, Becker has said he will not stand in the way of the skywalk, always noting the decision had been made.
A recent Deseret Morning News-KSL poll gives Becker an 18 percentage point lead, while just 11 percent of likely voters are undecided.
Voters will select between the men - to replace Mayor Rocky Anderson - on Nov. 6.
djensen@sltrib.com
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* JEREMIAH STETTLER contributed to this story.
Here are other highlights from Wednesday's debate between Salt Lake City mayoral wannabes Ralph Becker and Dave Buhler.
On The Gateway
* "It was a big mistake," Becker said. "It sucked the life out of this city."
* Buhler praised the open-air retail center, saying it gives shoppers an option while the Main Street corridor undergoes demolition for the City Creek Center.
On Pioneer Park
* Becker insisted the city has been derelict in its duty and needs a zero-tolerance drug and crime policy. He called for more activities outside the Farmers Market and said the city must honor the park's heritage.
* Buhler wants crime cameras in the park; and he called on Salt Lake County to open up more jail beds for criminals. He said plans for an off-leash dog park will help the image.
On effectiveness
* Buhler slammed Becker for an anemic record during 11 years at the Legislature and said "almost every word he speaks is another plan."
* Becker noted he has been elected to the Utah House six times, "not once then turned out of office" - a reference to Buhler's single state Senate term in the mid-90s.
On Rocky Anderson
* Management, listening and consensus are not the two-term mayor's strong points, Buhler said. But he said people may be surprised that he differed with Anderson on public policy only about a half-dozen times.
* Becker commended the mayor for taking the lead on climate-change awareness as well as unpopular social-justice issues. He said Anderson's legacy may not be fully realized for 10 to 15 years.
