We believe incumbent Mayor Dennis Nordfelt, 62, is the candidate best equipped to fill that role.

His challenger, Adam Leffler, 34, has a solid background in business, finance and real estate, but no experience in city government. We believe he is sincere about wanting to bring a youthful spirit to city government, but we're not convinced that is what West Valley City needs most.

Nordfelt offers not a new face but one that is familiar within the city and, just as important, is well-known and respected among state, county and local leaders.

Nordfelt, who spent 16 years as West Valley's police chief and was the city's 2002 Olympics coordinator before being appointed mayor three years ago, has built a network of influence among the state's movers and shakers that can be beneficial to the city.

He is chairman of the Wasatch Front Regional Council and is vice chairman of the Salt Lake County Council of Governments. He also works on the state economic development committee.

Nordfelt can tap into those networks of influence to help solve, among other things, the knotty problem of moving the city's 117,000 people to work, shopping and school each day. He rightly sees transportation as a regional problem that requires big-picture vision - and regional cooperation.

Leffler, on the other hand, promises creative solutions, but is vague on the details. He would increase the city's police department by one-third - 20 additional officers - but does not explain where he would find millions in additional revenue to pay for their salaries and training.

He favors light rail over rapid bus transit and would help "incubate" new businesses with tax incentives and city-funded promotions, but he is fuzzy on how those things would be financed, except to say he would pursue private sources rather than increasing taxes.

Nordfelt understands the inner workings of local government and how to make it work better. West Valley City should continue to profit from his knowledge and experience.