Buhler details his plans for downtown, calls Becker a 'Xerox Man'

When it comes to plans for downtown, Dave Buhler says the "Blueprint Man" should be called "Xerox Man."

Buhler unveiled the latest of his "to-do" lists Friday, detailing what he promises to accomplish downtown and comparing his record with that of his opponent in the Salt Lake City mayoral race, Ralph Becker.

Buhler contends that Becker's blueprint for downtown is a copy of Downtown Rising, a plan created by the Salt Lake Chamber and Downtown Alliance to guide Utah's capital city into the future, without offering any specifics or new ideas.

"He ought to be called Xerox Man because he's basically saying he'll implement Downtown Rising," Buhler said.

Buhler said his opponent "has not really done anything to support downtown" during his 11 years in the state House of Representatives. He compared that with his own record as a member of the Salt Lake City Council the past eight years, highlighting his efforts in helping to shape the City Creek Center project, keeping Nordstrom in the core of downtown, bringing KUTV Channel 2 to Main Street and funding 800 new housing units in the downtown area.

Holding a morning press conference at the Salt Palace Convention Center, Buhler also touted his efforts in the expansion of the facility by keeping costs to the city under control and avoiding the need to raise taxes for the project.

Buhler also made several promises to improve downtown if he's elected mayor, including limiting chronic panhandling in the city by requiring a business license.

"Often people assume these folks are homeless, but usually they're not homeless," he said. "This is their vocation. ... It's something that sometimes deters people from coming downtown. We need to be aggressive."

Buhler also vows to add 1,500 housing units downtown by 2015; aggressively promote an "open-for-business" initiative during the downtown construction period; lobby the state Legislature to allow cities to control the number of restaurants with liquor licenses; restore Utah Theatre and build a Broadway-style theater downtown; work with state agencies to attract corporate headquarters downtown; and provide incentives to local businesses downtown to help them compete with national chains.

"I ask the voters to honestly consider which candidate actually has the history that backs up his promises of being able to deliver for downtown," he said. "I think the honest answer is Rep. Becker really has no relevant record in regards to downtown that would support his promises. By contrast, I've been working on this issue every day as a City Council member for the last eight years. I have tangibles I can show so voters can have confidence when they vote for me that I'll be able to do what I say I will."

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