Michael Clara, 40, a transit planner with the Utah Transit Authority, is an outspoken, blunt, feet-on-the-street community activist who has dressed like a duck and was arrested for trespassing in his attempts to call attention to the unique problems of west-side neighborhoods.

He'll challenge two-term incumbent Van Turner, 60, a small-business owner and life-long Glendale resident, in a rematch of the 2003 City Council race. Turner's roots run deep in the community, and at city hall, where he has worked in consort with the council to guide the city toward lasting, meaningful and positive change.

In 2003, The Tribune editorial board endorsed Clara to represent the diverse west-side district. His hard-charging, confrontational style and tireless support for minority populations seemed perfectly suited for knocking down doors and securing a fair share of city services and projects for the long-suffering community.

But times change, and the qualities required of a councilman change with them. The city's west side, with a TRAX line and a new library in the offing and other community improvement projects in the works, is on the cusp of a recovery. The City Council and the mayoral candidates, thanks to Turner's thoughtful, measured advocacy, are well aware of District 2's problems, and seem committed to solving them. Crime is down, awareness is up, things are getting better. What's needed now is a facilitator, a team player, a Van Turner, to maintain the momentum and help the district turn the corner.

Turner has the respect of his fellow Council members, as evidenced by his repeated election to leadership positions on the council and the city's redevelopment agency. He's an experienced businessman who can help promote commercial and retail business development in the district. And he can point to a track record of success - a new west-side police station, park improvements, the Intermodal Hub and new infrastructure.

It was a tough call, but we believe Clara can best serve the district by doing what he's been doing - grass-roots activism and community leadership. And Turner can best serve the district, and the entire city, by serving on the City Council. He understands that it takes a team to get things done.