But Wilde, Salt Lake County's District 3 GOP incumbent, says he is proud of his record and deserves a second full term. The Murray attorney suggests his opponent, Diane Turner, is a stooge for her capital-based Democratic colleagues, who would steer resources toward Salt Lake City. He notes her son is Councilman Joe Hatch's top aide.

"They get more than their fair share," Wilde says. "I want to be sure we're being fair to my district and the other areas of Salt Lake County."

Turner, a political newcomer who hopes to lend perspective from nearly three decades in public safety to the council, rejects the claim.

"I was born in Murray, I have deep roots in Murray," she says. "As I've gotten to know Taylorsville and West Valley . . . it's such an important area. It needs to be represented strongly, and it hasn't been."

So, it's game on as the GOP hopes to hold its 5-4 council edge - though the countywide council contest between Democrat Jim Bradley and Republican Janice Auger could play a role as well.

On the issues, Wilde and Turner share some familiar focus. Both are passionate about pushing a prudent and fiscally responsible government. And both want to ease congestion - particularly east-west traffic - backing both the Mountain View Corridor and new TRAX routes.

They also agree tax dollars should not be used for a Major League Soccer stadium. Wilde was lambasted by lobbyists and Sandy Republicans for his "no" vote, while Turner insists no taxpayer money should go to a stadium without public approval at the ballot box.

Both candidates support alternatives to incarceration to alleviate jail overcrowding, arguing the move is both financially and socially responsible.

"Jail is just a Band-Aid approach," Turner says. "We need to get people into these programs to get the skills to deal with the issues that brought them into the system."

Wilde agrees, noting drug and mental-health treatment is more effective and less expensive. He claims credit as the council's "number one supporter" of alternatives to incarceration, saying he consistently has fought for funding those measures.

Turner says her 27-year tenure in public safety, including stints as a parole officer and director of a juvenile sex-offender program, would help the council address the challenge.

"Public safety is my passion," she says. "I would provide a unique perspective with my education and my experience that is really needed on the council."

Turner also would champion open space as a necessary component while the county plans its west bench. She hopes to join Democratic Mayor Peter Corroon's reform team, pointing to ethics as a priority lacking on Wilde's watch, and become the second woman on the nine-member council.

If re-elected, Wilde says he would scrutinize excessive spending to avoid tax hikes. Still, he acknowledges his chances with some voters may come back to the stadium saga.

"There are certainly individual voters who will vote against me for the soccer thing," he says, "and there are individual voters who will say, 'That's why I'm going to vote for that guy.' I hope on balance, it will be positive."

In one week, the candidates will see who gets kicked.

djensen@sltrib.com

DAVID WILDE

* Age: 50

* Party: Republican

* Family: Married; four children; one grandchild.

* Career: Attorney; 18 years in small business, publishing newsletter for law firms, libraries and private companies.

* Political: County Council: 2001-2006; chairman in 2002.

* Interesting fact: Makes the best hot brownies anywhere - just ask his kids.

DIANE TURNER

* Age: 54

* Party: Democrat

* Family: Married; three children; one grandchild.

* Education: Bachelor's degree and certificate from University of Utah; master's degree in public administration from the U.

* Career: 27 years in public safety - criminal justice and juvenile justice (half as a parole officer); currently runs sex-offender program for juveniles.

* Political: None.

* Interesting fact: Plays the congas; missed wedding anniversary doing campaign honk and waves.

WHERE THEY STAND

* Do you support the creation of a Unified Police District?

* Wilde: "The Unified Fire Authority has worked well. I believe the Unified Police District would work equally well. I do not support a metro police force that would require all cities to join."

* Turner: "No. It's too confusing at this point. The cities in our district have chosen to have their own police departments. I don't think it would be effective for our district."

* Do you support public funding for a Major League Soccer stadium?

* Turner: "No. I've been very consistent on that from the beginning. The voters should weigh in on that issue since it's their money."

* Wilde: "I've voted no on that. I'm the one who has taken most of the flak from people who are mad about it. I've proven that I don't support public funding for a soccer stadium. I hope I get some of the credit."

* How will you vote on Proposition 3, the sales-tax measure for transportation? How would you rank the four TRAX lines in terms of priority?

* Wilde: "Interesting fact: For." West Valley City, Jordans, airport, Draper."

* Turner: "I already voted for it." West Valley City, Jordans, airport, Draper.