For the most part, the candidates shared similar positions during an exceedingly polite debate this week in a stark brick building at the Utah State Fairpark.

Both pledged to use the city's revolving loan fund to help west-side businesses thrive like their 9th and 9th and 15th and 15th counterparts on the east. And both would back more housing west of Interstate 15 to help attract retailers leery of a relatively small population base.

The politicians also agreed 400 West should trump 600 West for the planned TRAX route between the city's transit hub and Salt Lake City International Airport. They want the state to help pay for a new North Temple viaduct that could re-energize the corridor. And both Becker and Buhler said the concept of making city cops enforce illegal-immigration cases is a bad idea.

Becker said walking the west side's "hidden treasure" quickly dispelled myths.

"There is a stigma," he said. "But there's more crime in Sugar House than in any west-side neighborhood. Yet that's not understood or appreciated."

Becker said he often is invited inside to meet entire families on the stump and "you don't see that on the east side."

He wants to overhaul zoning rules to allow new businesses and more housing. And he vowed to turn around the "shameful" neglect of the Jordan River.

Buhler said he would pump $10,000 into community councils for quality-of-life projects, add at least five cops per year, and explore the option of Redevelopment Agency money for the North Temple viaduct.

djensen@sltrib.com