Key questions heading into election

In less than 72 hours, Utah's capital city will have a new mayor-elect, and a new era will begin in city politics. We'll also know the fate of education vouchers and numerous other ballot questions, including a large Salt Lake City public safety bond and a proposal to split Jordan School District.

Here are some key questions heading into Tuesday's vote:

Are there any overall tones or trends in the municipal races?

Webb: All elections are local, as the saying goes, but this one is REALLY local, with outcomes determined by local circumstances rather than overall trends. I detect no broad-based anti-incumbent, throw-the-bums-out mentality. Voters are generally happy, as they should be with Utah's strong economy and rising family wealth.

Property tax anger exists in certain locations, but the barbs aren't necessarily aimed at city candidates. Winners will mostly be determined by the quality of the candidates and their campaigns, not by some major trend.

Pignanelli: What LaVarr is actually saying, in a rather long-winded manner, is that the 2007 municipal elections are boring. I cannot determine any themes other than the personal popularity of the candidate.

Polls show Salt Lake City mayoral candidate Ralph Becker will defeat Dave Buhler.

Any chance Buhler can close the gap, and any last-minute surprises?

Pignanelli: Tomorrow, Ralph Becker can be caught on film kicking a dog, receive an indictment for defrauding an elderly couple, then get crushed by a bus, and. ... his corpse will still garner a majority on Tuesday. Such are the political dynamics of Salt Lake City and the quality of the Becker campaign. But Becker realizes a perceived predetermined outcome fosters complacency. The recent appearance of brochures comparing Becker's record to Buhler is to drive his Democratic voters to the polls. You can expect a big push by Becker in the Avenues/Capitol Hill and Sugar House; Buhler will be working his supporters on the east bench and west side.

Webb: The die is cast in this race. Buhler has run an excellent campaign, but Salt Lake City is one of the most liberal and Democratic Party-oriented cities in the country. Buhler needed Becker to make a major mistake or emerge as less than capable and competent. But Becker hasn't obliged, running a smart, good campaign without any fatal flaws. In a race between two capable, likable, substantive candidates, Becker wins based on the city's partisan makeup.