Rocky at heart of debate
Candidates talk about how they would be like Anderson or not
And in the crowded race to replace Anderson, the outgoing mayor who has said he will not seek a third term is proving nonetheless to be part of the debate.
Case in point: One question, posed by KSL-TV reporter and forum moderator Rich Piatt to former state Democratic Party chairwoman Meghan Holbrook, addressed the mayor's role in national politics. Anderson, a Democrat, has irked opponents but thrilled supporters with his outspoken stance on issues like the Iraq war, global warming and the Bush administration.
"Salt Lake City is affected by national politics. Every city is," Holbrook said. "The mayor themselves cannot change national politics. ... I oppose the war in Iraq, but I do not believe it is the role of the mayor of Salt Lake City to lead impeachment efforts in Washington."
Piatt asked City Councilman Dave Buhler how he would repair relationships with government officials across the state "that some say have been damaged over the past eight years."
Buhler, along with several other candidates, was quick to minimize the impact of those feuds.
"I disagree a bit with the premise of the question. ... Our mayor has had some problems. His strong suit is advocacy, not relationships," said Buhler, a Republican. However, he added, "We do need to recognize we don't exist in a vacuum."
Buhler touted his background as a state senator and his current work as a Commissioner of Higher Education and council member as helping him build bipartisan relationships statewide.
Former City Councilman Keith Christensen, also a Republican but Anderson's preferred successor, announced he has formed a Coalition of Mayors aimed at bringing mayors of other Wasatch Front cities together to talk about common goals and ways to achieve them.
Holbrook said intergovernmental relations are "not completely damaged, but they're surely wounded. Salt Lake City can't do it alone. We have to work with other government officials." She promised to call a summit of legislative and business leaders in the first 72 hours of her term if she's elected.
Democratic County Councilwoman Jenny Wilson said she has the chops to work with officials of all political persuasions she's already done so, she said, in her county work and as a member of the Council of Governments and other organizations. Anderson, she said, has not been active in those organizations, and the effect has been felt on issues such as efforts to get a light-rail line built to the airport.
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