Becker's public-safety record challenged

"I have supported that bond from the very first time I've been asked about it," he said. "(Buhler) and I have been on the same forums, we've been asked the same questions (about the bond), and I've always answered them in a supportive way."

Buhler, a Republican, also took a shot at Becker's lack of emphasis on public safety in his "blueprints" for Salt Lake City, saying the only specific public safety issue the Democratic candidate seems to be concerned with is vandalism, calling for the the rapid removal of graffiti.

Becker responded to those allegations with a shot at Buhler's "to-do" lists — promises to which Buhler says voters can hold him accountable if he is elected mayor.

"I'm glad to see that Dave is finally coming up with some ideas for the city with these checklists," he said. "I've been coming up with blueprints since June for the city."

Becker addresses the issue of public safety in his blueprint for neighborhoods and downtown, in which he calls for strengthening police presence in neighborhoods and better support of Neighborhood Watch programs. Becker's blueprint also promises zero tolerance for crime — particularly drug use — in city parks.

Buhler calls his opponent's promises "vague."

"He talks about zero tolerance for drugs in our park — that's already city policy — but he doesn't explain how he's going to deliver on that promise," he said.

In the second of his to-do lists announced Thursday, Buhler promises to add video surveillance equipment to Pioneer Park to deter crime, including the sale and use of illegal drugs. Equipment for the crime cameras would cost less than $100,000, he said, though the details about how the program would work are still being worked out.

Getting the public-safety bond passed and constructing the facilities it calls for tops Buhler's to-do list. He also vows to increase the city's police force by a minimum five new officers per year; assign police officers for each neighborhood; better fund CERT and Neighborhood Watch programs; purchase a fourth 100-foot ladder truck for the fire department; and build a new fire station in southwest Salt Lake City.

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E-mail: jpage@desnews.com