The city relies heavily on its retailers to fund services. Murray officials are watching legislative agendas for the 2006 session in January for proposals that may include redistributing sales taxes to ding Murray's bottom line. But Snarr's personality has interfered with legislative lobbying on Murray's behalf, Wilde claims.

"I feel like I can work not only cooperatively in Murray government, but I've spent five years in county government," Wilde said. "I've served in an honorable, dignified way."

Independence is one of Murray's hallmarks, Snarr said. The city works with other governments when it needs to, but generally Murray and its services stand alone. The city runs its own power, police, fire, parks and recreation departments, and has its own library system.

"We'll not deny that we are a very independent city," Snarr said. "We control our destiny and provide immediately for our constituents."

Snarr wants to control the city's destiny by fully developing unused land, like the Fireclay district between 4100 South and 4500 South, from State Street to I-15. He initially wanted Real Salt Lake to build its professional soccer stadium at the site, but scrapped that idea when it was apparent Real was not considering Murray (the team chose Sandy). Now, he says 60 of the 100-or-so acres in Fireclay are under contract with buyers who caught Snarr's vision of a transit-oriented development dependent on light rail and a walkable design.

"I don't like areas that have sat for decades and not given great value back to the area," Snarr said. "We can even do better. We can preserve history and bring back much greater value to the properties."

Voters will decide Nov. 8 whether they prefer Snarr's emphasis on development or Wilde's focus on neighbor- hoods. They also will vote for a council member from District Two — either incumbent Robert D. Robertson or Josh Tillotson — and will re-elect incumbent Patricia W. Griffiths, who is running unopposed for District Four's council seat.

"We have a real special feel — a hometown feel — to this city," Wilde said. "There is such a feeling among people in Murray that 'this is my hometown. This is where I want to live.' "

---

E-mail: kswinyard@desnews.com