Becker, Buhler debate booze

Dave Buhler can't name a song by Hannah Montana.

Ralph Becker doesn't know how to play a musical instrument, unless the kazoo qualifies.

Those were just a couple of things voters may not have known about the two candidates for Salt Lake City mayor prior to Monday morning's debate at the Salt Lake Library auditorium. They discussed the issues, too, restating their respective positions on hot topics such as the environment, law enforcement, ever-increasing property taxes and liquor laws in the city.

The latter issue sparked a back-and-forth battle between the candidates, each criticizing the other for not working hard enough to make laws more accommodating to people who want to have a drink downtown.

"It is of upmost importance that our downtown be welcoming and inviting for everyone in our community," Becker said. "In order to do that, we need to make some changes to our liquor ordinances, and unfortunately my opponent has been resisting that in recent years on the City Council."

Becker specifically cited the city ordinance that prohibits the operation of more than two liquor establishments per block face.

"That prevents the kind of congregation of establishments that people look to for a vibrant downtown," he said. "I think that's really important if we're going to create the kind of downtown, the kind of activity we want downtown."

Buhler, a two-term member of the Salt Lake City Council, smiled and shook his head during Becker's comments, then refuted them when it was his turn to speak. Buhler said he's always been open to any revisions of the ordinance proposed by Mayor Rocky Anderson, but the mayor "never actually sent us a proposal."

Buhler pointed to his record in the state Senate, "where I actually sponsored two bills to make the laws more reasonable." One of those bills passed, allowing purchases at state liquor stores to be made with credit cards and checks.

"In 11 years (in the state House), Rep. Becker has sponsored zero bills," Buhler said. "Most of these are state laws, which he made no effort to change in 11 years."

Becker countered by challenging other areas of Buhler's record, including his vote in the Senate in 1996, which sought to modify the membership of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission to include a representative of alcohol license holders.

Becker also cited Deseret Morning News articles in which Buhler was quoted opposing a change in the liquor laws in anticipation of the Olympics and favoring "beer gardens" and designated drinking areas over allowing those drinking alcohol to roam freely.