Buhler said the mailer about candidates' qualifications, presented as a "Know Your Mayor" game, was particularly unfair. In the ad, Becker, Wilson and Buhler are labeled career politicians who have spent most of their careers "earning a living from taxpayer dollars" and who "have more experience running campaigns than running a business."

"It's really disappointing that (Christensen) would make these kinds of inaccurate attacks," Buhler said.

Becker, Utah House minority leader, said he doesn't believe the information in the flier accurately reflects his experience, but he doesn't see it as negative campaigning either.

"A comparison piece is a common political technique," he said. "It's not surprising that a candidate who puts a piece together like that is going to try to present the comparison in a way that's favorable to that candidate."

Christensen's campaign manager Brian Maxwell defended the campaign literature, saying, "Facts are stubborn things."

Christensen supports Anderson's plans for a $4 million upgrade to Pioneer Park in an effort draw more visitors and shake the label as a haven for crime and drug use. Anderson's plan called for an off-leash dog area at the park, as well as a stage area for concerts and plays.

The Salt Lake City Council approved $1.3 million for renovations at the park, but Christensen says that's not enough.

"If we're not going to do it right, why spend $1 million over there?" he said. "It's time we pay attention to that park."

Both Buhler and Wilson said it's inaccurate to label their plans for Pioneer Park as Band-Aids.

Wilson's four-point plan for the park calls for increased law enforcement to combat the drug problem; more housing options for the homeless who frequent park; more programs and events at the park, such as weekly lunches featuring local restaurants; and increased infrastructure.

It's on that last point that she and Christensen disagree. Wilson said she's not willing to put $4 million into park upgrades — at least not all at once.

"If over several budget cycles we can put more into the park and build, then great," she said. "I'm not against a continued investment. I just think you have to pay attention to all four pieces. Just by building alone, we won't see the park that everyone wants to see there."

Buhler said he believes the $1.3 million approved by the council for park renovations is "very significant."

"If it's a Band-Aid, it's a $1 million Band-Aid," he said, adding that Pioneer Park isn't the only area that has needs. "You're not going to solve the problems at Pioneer Park by throwing money at it."

Becker, who wasn't named in the mailer about Pioneer Park, said renovations to the park need to go hand-in-hand with development around the park "to bring in the mix of people who will enjoy the park."

"It's important that we look at the park and that part of downtown as a neighborhood," he said.

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E-mail: jpage@desnews.com