Yet Steve Harmsen and Jenny Wilson - the candidates running for a Salt Lake County Council at-large seat - appear nearly identical in their shared stands for a more active council as well as ethics reform.

Wilson, the daughter of former Salt Lake City Mayor Ted Wilson, says the council's mission ought to be reviewed as the body enters its second term.

"Public involvement is minimal," she says. "We need community input in the county to reform it."

If elected, she would launch a citizens committee to keep an eye on impropriety and consider systemic changes in the council's relationship with the auditor's office. "We need an independent eye to examine how the scandals could happen," she says.

Harmsen would like the council to have expanded powers when addressing complaints and serve as more of an ombudsman between the mayor's office and residents.

"There's too much opportunity for political intrigue," he says. "If the council were a third leg to that stool, it could solve some of the acrimony."

If re-elected, Harmsen would work to create a non-government council to filter ethics issues and establish a telephone and e-mail hot line to field anonymous complaints.

Both vow to hold the line on taxes, fight development in the foothills and fund more open space.

Wilson calls for a countywide audit of open space. "We need to look at it globally in order to prioritize," she says. And Harmsen wants to see the existing open space funding allocated, then "put more money in it."

But the candidates differ on how the council handles the budget.

Wilson would break the budget into subject areas for council members to give a hands-on review. "They rely on the mayor's office infrastructure and council aides too heavily," she says. "They need to take more initiative."

Harmsen worries dividing the budget review into areas of expertise "creates kingdoms" and could lead to funding favoritism. But he would like the council to be more active in reviewing performance measures and salaries for full-time employees.

Both candidates think the image of county government can be improved and see an opportunity after next week's election.

Wilson, hoping to stanch the council's all-male makeup, says she can make a difference through careful research. "It's not being done by this council," she says. "The internal knowledge is there, but the facts and figures in terms of making a decision are often lacking."

For his part, Harmsen wants to convince the electorate that the council will fight for a safe and politically free workplace. "That's our job. That's our task," he says. "It's not as bad as it was four years ago, but it needs to be better."

djensen@sltrib.com

Steve Harmsen, 62, Republican

* Education: Accounting degree from the University of Utah, law degree from The George Washington University.

* Political experience: Salt Lake City commissioner, 1972-76; one term on Salt Lake County Council.

* Work experience: Salt Lake City prosecutor, two years; 26 years in business with Steve Regan Co.

* Fun facts: Named anchorman of Delta Gamma Sorority at U.; picked on national game show "The Dating Game" in 1970.

Jenny Wilson, 38, Democrat

* Education: Bachelor's degree in communications from the University of Utah; master's in public administration from Harvard.

* Political experience: Four years on staff of former Congressman Bill Orton.

* Work experience: Sundance Institute and Sundance Group, four years; chief of staff and communications director for Orton; director of volunteers for 2002 Winter Olympics, three years; Voices for Utah Children, one year.

* Fun facts: Once knocked chicken off a serving platter at a White House dinner while sitting next to then-Secretary of State Warren Christopher.

Where they stand:

Do you support vehicle allowances for top officials?

* Harmsen: "No. I voted for no car allowance in 2001."

* Wilson: "I favor mileage reimbursement for official business instead of the allowance."

Would you support a police district?

* Harmsen: "I do not support a Metro Patrol or Police Force."

* Wilson: "Yes. Although there are many hurdles to overcome."

Should the county improve ethics reforms?

* Harmsen: "Yes. Ethics reform has been my charge from day one."

* Wilson: "Yes. Elected officials should lead and set the example."

Would you support making county elected offices nonpartisan?

* Harmsen: No

* Wilson: Yes