The first speaks of a rapidly rising west side with charming neighborhoods, reasonable housing prices and hidden jewels such as the Jordan River. The latter hollers about decaying public parks, weak political representation and neighborhoods that aren't getting their "fair share" of city resources.

Two-time incumbent Van Blair Turner - the optimistic entrepreneur in this race - is defending his Salt Lake City Council District 2 seat from the outspoken J. Michael Clára, who unsuccessfully tried to unseat him four years ago.

Both candidates speak of wresting resources for their side of town. But while Turner talks of steadiness in promoting linear parks, a new Glendale library branch and the removal of a tire recycler - initiatives already planned - Clára demands sweeping change.

"We don't feel we are getting our fair share," Clára said. "If things don't change, the west side is going to turn into a ghetto."

Turner has called the same west-side neighborhood home for the past 60 years, graduating from schools that his children and grandchildren later would attend.

He built his business on the same California Avenue corner where his father operated a small grocery. Turner now runs Firehouse Floral and the Hook & Ladder eatery at that location.

"I always wanted to make my living on that corner," he said. "That is what I have done."

For the past eight years, Turner has split his time with City Hall - to which Clára quips, "If he was doing a good job, I wouldn't be running."

Turner insists his two terms have been productive. He took partial credit for a west-side police precinct, a transit hub and the planned Glendale library.

He also declares himself one of the council's "strongest advocates" for after-school programs and an unwavering supporter of a $192 million public-safety bond.

"Conditions down here [on the west side] are better than they have been," he said. "You can't say nothing has been done."

As for a third term? Turner said his priorities haven't changed.

He wants to see the new library completed and the tire recycler moved out. He wants more after-school programs, more open space and more speed bumps to slow neighborhood traffic.

Those are not enough, counters Clára. The west side still gets second-class treatment.

Clára - who has topped Turner in campaign fundraising, $6,400 to $2,400 - is no stranger to politics. The former Texas police officer is a mouth-in-the-microphone type of guy who has championed minority rights as a community activist.

He has condemned the state's training requirements for teachers of non-English-speaking students as weak and recently spoke out against educational vouchers as chipping away at public-school funding without providing enough support for the poorest of children.

Although beaten in his previous fight for a council seat, Clára said he cannot help but re-enter the ring. The west side needs a more assertive leader.

Even from the sidelines, Clára has influenced city policies.

He helped in the grass-roots drive to rid west-side neighborhoods of noisy freight trains on the 900 South rail line - a move that now is on track.

"We cannot accept the kibble and bits [of the city's resources]," Clára said. "We need to sit at the banquet table with everyone else."

A transit planner for the Utah Transit Authority, Clára said he would push for improved parks, a more distinct commercial district - perhaps a 9th and 9th concept - and a city planning process that is more conducive to small business.

Yet Clára's chief campaign issue sounds more like a question: "Where's our fair share?"

jstettler@sltrib.com

* Age: 60.

* Family: Wife, Wendy; seven children.

* Education: Graduated from South High in 1965; studied business at the University of Utah.

* Career: Owner of Firehouse Floral and Hook & Ladder eatery.

* Civic service: Salt Lake City Council, 2000-present; member, Glendale Community Council, 1990-98.

* Fun fact: Once owned a travel agency known as Firehouse Travel.