Diane Turner, the Democratic candidate for the County Council from District 3, would give the council valuable expertise as it weighs those decisions. Her extensive background as a probation and parole officer for the state, as director of a successful juvenile sex-offender program at Decker Lake Youth Center, and her education in criminology and public administration would lend a perspective to county government that it currently lacks.

That experience, and Turner's commitment to TRAX expansion and buying land and easements to protect open space, convinced The Tribune Editorial Board she is the better choice for voters in District 3.

David Wilde, the Republican incumbent, has been inconsistent on some issues. He admits to some indecision about the Real Salt Lake soccer stadium deal. Although he believed "from the start" that it should be privately funded, he was convinced by Sandy's mayor and some legislators to vote for the public-private proposal. Later, he changed his mind and ultimately voted against it, but he also made an 11th-hour motion to put the plan on the ballot.

Regarding the possibility of a unified county police force, he equivocates, saying he knows some cities in the county want their own police departments, but he believes a unified force "could work."

Turner and Wilde agree TRAX should be the focus of transportation funding. Turner wants all four proposed lines included. Both candidates are frustrated by the Legislature's derailing of the county's proposal to fund TRAX lines with property tax, though both acknowledge more money would be generated over time by a sales tax increase if voters approve it in November.

Turner supports improved law-enforcement communication systems among the cities and the county. She is a strong supporter of alternatives to incarceration to cut costs and reduce recidivism.

Her informed insight could help make that happen.

* SALT LAKE COUNTY DISTRICT 3 includes all of Taylorsville, parts of West Valley City, Murray and West Jordan.