An attorney and a Salt Lake County Council member, Wilde hopes to unseat two-term incumbent Dan Snarr, a formidable foe partly because he is such an affable guy.

"I got to know Dan during my time on the council where I've had a number of dealings with him and other city officials. He's very likable," Wilde says, "But that feeling has been strained during the campaign."

Wilde concedes he's a fan of some of Snarr's efforts, including the 97-acre Fireclay redevelopment project. So what's his beef with the mayor?

"Snarr is a one-issue guy. He's focused on commercial development," Wilde says. "The thing I've really had burned into my consciousness . . . is the feeling that we need to take better care of our neighborhoods."

Wilde says his treks down back alleys and long driveways to condos, apartments and homes in every part of the city have given him an up-close view of what needs to be done.

"I've heard complaints about streets in disrepair, traffic speeding through residential neighborhoods and encroaching commercial growth around Murray High," Wilde says. "And I've experienced these things firsthand."

If elected, Wilde's remedies would include better lines of demarcation between commercial and residential areas, raised crosswalks to slow traffic and additional stop signs.

Wilde also hears grumblings about the city's rising fees, which Snarr maintains are among the lowest in Salt Lake County.

"We've got folks on fixed incomes. Regardless of whether we're lower than other places, there have been substantial increases in the last few years," Wilde says. "I'd follow the same model as on the County Council - tighten our belts and don't raise taxes."

While his gregarious opponent tries to inspire others with his vision and his verve, the more reserved Wilde says he relies on his resolve and his respectfulness.

"I have a great ability to get along with people, to work with others and negotiate solutions that everyone can feel good about," Wilde says. "I'm a peacemaker and won't get in people's faces."

Wilde, a Republican, has even earned praise from elected officials on the other side of the aisle.

"He's very conservative, particularly socially, and I'm pretty liberal," says Joe Hatch, a Democrat and fellow County Council member. "Both of us realize in this divided government we have to compromise."

A friendship formed and now Hatch supports Wilde's candidacy in the nonpartisan mayor's race.

"He'd be an incredible mayor for Murray. No one is more conscientious or works harder than he does," Hatch says. "He's viewed often by both sides as someone who will listen and negotiate toward a compromise."

Hatch notes Wilde went to bat to have Wheeler Farm Park annexed into Murray and helped protect the city's portion of the ZAP tax.

"David would be more effective with the Legislature than the current mayor," Hatch says. "That's important to Murray."

Doug Willmore, chief administrative officer under Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon for the past 10 months, lauds Wilde's even keel.

"He thinks everything through and tries to make well-reasoned decisions," Willmore says. "His intellect, temperament and care for the public good make him the sort of guy who would be a great mayor."

Murray's voters are fortunate, Hatch says. "If Murray needs a change, people could not find a better change than Dave Wilde."

cmckitrick@sltrib.com

David Wilde

* Age: 49

* Political experience: Elected to Salt Lake County Council in 2000 and 2002; midway through his second

term.

* Work experience: Attorney, also publishes a regional newsletter called Rocky Mountain Verdicts.

* Education: Bachelor's degree in psychology and law degree, University of Utah.

* Fun fact: He was thrilled to be able to hand out bouquets to medal-winning speed skaters during the 2002 Winter Olympics.

Wilde on the issues

* Under what scenario would you raise taxes? I'm very concerned with what's going on at the Legislature with tax redistribution. They could hurt Murray significantly in terms of sales tax. It would be cutting into the bone. We need to be able to provide basic services. I will not cut those.

* Under what scenario would you seize private property for public use? I don't think private property should be seized for something like a Wal-Mart. I could see for basic government service needs that benefit the vast majority, but it would be a very rare circumstance.

* City Council candidates

* District 2: Robert Robertson (i), Josh Tillotson

* District 4: Pat Griffiths (i)