In addition, both women offer voters impressive educational and professional credentials. The choice is between Democrat Jen Seelig, a doctoral candidate in political science at the University of Utah, and Republican Kelli P. Dickerson, a certified public accountant.

The Tribune's editorial board recommends Seelig partly because of her experience in government. She was appointed this summer to fill the remainder of Democrat Duane Bourdeaux's term in District 23 when he resigned the seat, so she already has a leg up on the job.

She also served a four-year term on the Salt Lake City Planning Commission and has worked in city government for both the mayor's office and the City Council.

Seelig's political philosophy seems to be grounded in her belief that people experience life differently depending upon their economic, religious, cultural and generational circumstances. As a representative of one of the state's most diverse legislative districts, she wants to overcome public misconceptions about her community and foster public involvement.

Seelig and Dickerson agree that the Legislature erred in its failure to provide dental and vision benefits for the most vulnerable Medicaid recipients. Seelig would like to see more community health centers and a focus on wellness and preventive care. Dickerson is concerned about people who fall just above the income cutoff for Medicaid benefits.

Dickerson argues that society is "grossly overtaxed" and she would support a flat tax as fairer. She believes, however, that the two-track income tax system approved by the Legislature's special session is too complicated and a "CPA employment act." She stresses that her constitituents do not receive equal educational opportunity compared to wealthier neighborhoods, and that schools could provide the needed programs if they were more efficient.

The two candidates provide a clear choice. We would choose Seelig.

* HOUSE DISTRICT 23 includes most of northwest Salt Lake City that is west of I-15 and north of I-80.