"I don't apologize for thinking about the future or working toward the future, engaging the community and achieving the community that we want," he said. "I think it's important that the mayor not only be someone who's managing city government well but develops and leads this city toward the future we want as a community."

Buhler said he plans to personally represent Salt Lake City on the Hill and make regular visits to the Capitol during legislative sessions.

"It has a huge impact on the future of city," he said of having a positive working relationship with the Legislature. "I will not be dependent on lobbyists. If I have to be here every day of the session, I'll be up here every day of the session."

In addition to the revision of liquor laws and funding for a new North Temple viaduct, Buhler said he'll be seeking legislative support for tax credits for seniors on fixed incomes to protect elderly homeowners from being taxed out of their homes; protecting Salt Lake City schoolchildren and taxpayers from "unfair, so-called equalization schemes" in the fight over small school districts; partnering with state and county government to create a downtown arts district; and improving funding to city schools by revising the redevelopment agency statute so schools see the benefits of RDA areas once the charters expire.

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E-mail: jpage@desnews.com