This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2007, and information in the article may be outdated.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.
Sugar House suddenly has much of its wonderful weirdness boxed up by boards - and Ralph Becker says Dave Buhler helped hammer the nails.
Barely a week before Election Day, the mayoral hopefuls sparred over the knockout of one of Salt Lake City's most-vibrant neighborhoods during a feisty debate Monday at the Main Library aired live by KCPW radio and KSTU Fox 13 television.
Becker, a state lawmaker, argued the City Council ignored the Sugar House master plan, which includes language on historic preservation.
Buhler, a two-term city councilman and former state legislator, tried to slip the swipe.
"These documents are always a little bit general, and there's always room for interpretation," said Buhler, noting the city has offered grants to displaced merchants and still is studying the area's historic value.
Becker countered that the capital needs to help foster neighborhood centers and beleaguered small businesses, not "push them out the door." And he insisted Buhler's council sidestepped the preservation elements in the Sugar House master plan.
The candidates, who were allowed to volley questions at each other, also tussled over which man would make the city more drinker friendly, solidly oppose school vouchers and be a steward for the environment.
The two blistered each other for their respective work as state lawmakers, either for being ineffective or not progressive enough.
"It's astounding to me that someone who is running for mayor is running on their 11-year [legislative] record when so little was accomplished," Buhler said.
Becker didn't do enough as the Utah House minority leader to protect the state's open-space cash nor did he fight for liquor reform, the Republican alleged.
"It is much more important for me to get things done than take credit," fired back Becker, a Democrat who noted he often would allow Republican colleagues to sponsor his ideas to ensure passage in the GOP-dominated Legislature.
Becker scolded Buhler for his no vote to participate in the Kyoto climate treaty, which Buhler defended. Becker also chastised his rival for pushing to fence in beer drinkers during the 2002 Winter Olympics and for doing nothing during the past eight years on the council to loosen city liquor rules.
Buhler said he always has been receptive to clustering bars but never was presented with such a proposal by Mayor Rocky Anderson. Even so, council members have license to bring their own initiatives forward, which Buhler did not do with alcohol.
Both men said they were surprised to see state liquor commissioner Bobbie Coray wants to mask booze bottles in restaurants - current glass dividers are dubbed a "Zion Curtain" - to make sure Mormon diners are not offended. Neither candidate agrees with her idea.
Both candidates vowed to add more police, address the lack of retail options for Rose Park residents, and consider renewing the DARE program in schools. And each agreed the city's dysfunctional planning department is City Hall's sore spot and desperately needs reform.
Buhler and Becker also pledged to greet the next U.S. president - without protest - if she or he visited Salt Lake City.
"We have myriads of plans. We have miles of plans," Buhler said, setting up his urban-planner foe. "What we really need now is someone who can implement those plans."
In response, Becker touted his "blueprint" initiatives - unveiled this summer - and his 180-day action plan. Leadership, he said, "means more than putting out a checklist a few weeks before an election."
In a rapid-fire segment of oddball queries, Buhler said he would rather run Superman's metropolis than be mayor of Homer Simpson's town. And Becker revealed that he collects rocks and sends text messages "periodically."
* The Salt Lake Tribune and KUTV are hosting a debate between Dave Buhler and Ralph Becker tonight at 6:30. It will air live on Channel 2.