Mayor Rocky Anderson announced Wednesday the creation of a dedicated question-and-answer line for the city's senior population. Officials expect a dial tone by the end of the year.

The phone line is the brainchild of Claudia Sorensen, a city resident whose suggestion earned her two round-trip tickets aboard Southwest Airlines as the winner of Salt Lake's "Senior Citizens' One Wish" contest.

The idea was pitched with 100 others in a city-sponsored contest designed to improve seniors' quality of life.

"This group of people has given so much to Salt Lake City throughout their lives," said city spokesman Patrick Thronson. "It is only fitting that the city do something in return to make their lives easier."

Some seniors urged the city to improve transportation. Others recommended building a greenhouse that seniors could operate.

Yet the city's favor fell upon Sorensen, who suggested a hot line for any questions and concerns seniors have about government. The top prize was airfare for two to any Southwest destination.

jstettler@sltrib.com