Anderson has frequently traveled to speak on global warming at conferences throughout the nation and worldwide. He has also drawn national attention for his outspoken stances on the war in Iraq and the Bush administration.

Christensen said the public is often unaware of the city-related work Anderson has done, a legacy overshadowed by a more visible political advocacy.

"It isn't what Rocky's doing that upsets people. It's how he's doing it," Christensen said. "My approach as mayor will be to focus on the business of Salt Lake City."

Wilson and Christensen disagreed over certain points during Wednesday's forum. Wilson, who has pushed for the county to grant health and other benefits to the partners of gay and lesbian government employees, criticized Christensen for voting in 1997 against a city ordinance that would have banned employment discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Christensen said he supported a broader ordinance that banned all discrimination rather than listing protected categories. But he said if he could do it again, he would support the more specific language.

KUER's upcoming forums will feature Democratic Party chairwoman Meghan Holbrook and Salt Lake City councilwoman Nancy Saxton on April 4. State Rep. Ralph Becker, D-Salt Lake, and city councilman Dave Buhler will talk on April 11.

Four other declared candidates — Centro Civico Mexicano director John Renteria, schoolteacher Robert Comstock, colorectal surgeon J.P. Hughes and Arnold Matthew Jones — have not been scheduled for a meet-the-candidates forum at the university.

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E-mail: dsmeath@desnews.com