2007 election questionnaire — David L. Buhler

BIO

Name: David L. Buhler

Age: 50

Occupation: Associate commissioner for public affairs, Utah System of Higher Education

QUESTIONS

• Why do you want to be the next mayor of Salt Lake City?

Because I have the experience, ability and vision to be the best mayor for the people of Salt Lake City. I have worked on city issues every day the past eight years and want to continue and build upon the progress we've made in protecting and enhancing our residential neighborhoods, reducing crime, expanding open space and encouraging the redevelopment of downtown. Progress has been made in each of these areas, but much more needs to be done. I am best prepared to provide the leadership our city needs. I am a doer, not a dreamer. I have a track record of effectiveness on the City Council, in the Legislature and as an executive in business and state government. I have also been a teacher or leader in higher education for the past 17 years.

• What is your opinion of the job Rocky Anderson has done in his two terms as mayor? What aspects of his leadership, if any, will continue in the office if you are elected? In what ways do you envision your administration differing from Anderson's?

I have served on the City Council the entire time that Rocky Anderson has been mayor. He is a passionate advocate for the causes in which he believes. And on city issues, I have supported him when I felt he was right and stood up to him when I felt he was wrong. While a passionate and sometimes effective advocate, he is not an effective executive or manager. And, unfortunately, too often he has been a divisive figure in our community, such as when he has picked unnecessary fights with our neighboring communities or the state Legislature. Nor has he ever really understood how to work with the City Council.