But Buhler said the mayor must do "whatever he can to protect the public interest," and that includes promoting private investment. He worries that without the skybridge, retailers would pull out of the development.

On bridging the divide between LDS and non-LDS residents, both candidates emphasized a focus on shared values. "We have much more in common than we do that divides us," Buhler said.

The two candidates also were asked whether they would take public stands on national and international political issues. Salt Lake Mayor Rocky Anderson has become a national figure in the debates on global warming, the war in Iraq and impeachment of President Bush. The candidates both said they'd cool it a little.

"We have enough issues that the city needs to focus on," Buhler said.

Becker agreed. "To me, the job does start at Salt Lake City," he said, but "there are times we need to stand up and speak out," especially on issues that impact the city, such as the environment.

Wednesday's forum was the third of three scheduled by KUER and the Hinckley Institute. Previous forums have featured candidates Keith Christensen, Nancy Saxton, Jenny Wilson and Meghan Holbrook, who has since dropped out of the race.

Three other candidates — schoolteacher Robert Comstock, colorectal surgeon J.P. Hughes and Centro Civico Mexicano director John Renteria — have been invited to another forum, but it has not yet been scheduled.

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E-mail: dsmeath@desnews.com