Property taxes have not increased in the city, Snarr said, with the slight exception of library taxes, which the city council raised as a commitment to education. "I definitely support it because I think education is one of the top priorities in the community," he said.

Murray has its own electricity plant, rates for which are slightly higher than those for Utah Power customers. The difference in cost is manifested in service, Snarr said.

"We've adjusted our rates . . . to reflect the cost of providing service," he said. "The alternative is that you provide lousy service. The whole thing is all about reliability, all about service, taking care of your infrastructure today so you're a beacon to businesses tomorrow."

The push for a major league soccer stadium will also likely be a central part of the mayoral race this fall, as Wilde opposes using public bonds to land the Real Salt Lake stadium in Murray. Snarr, who has actively recruited the stadium, has not proposed an alternative funding method to a $30 million bond to help pay for the arena.

"If Murray is really going to pursue this," Wilde said, "they have to step up and say where the funding is going to come for this."

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E-mail: estewart@desnews.com; kswinyard@desnews.com