Deseret News | Reader comments: Salt Lake mayoral race is a tossup

Reader comments
Salt Lake mayoral race is a tossup

Camille Cook | 8:03 a.m. Sept. 8, 2007

I'm not surprised Keith Christensen is in last place despite his spending the most money. Republicans don't like the fact Ross Anderson is supporting him. Democrats don't like the fact he has been a Republican. Independents I have talked to don't like what they have sometimes perceived as his negative campaign.

J Golden Rockwell | 8:32 a.m. Sept. 8, 2007

If Rocky is slamming Buhler, that's about the best recommendation that I can think of.

SLCJane | 9:03 a.m. Sept. 8, 2007

After giving all the candidates a hard look, I've decided to vote for Wilson. She is substantive and experienced -- and she has good ideas for how to run SLC. I like her emphasis on investing in the West Side, which could really use a boost these days. Also, let's face it, the SL County Council, with its stand on soccer, has done a lot more to stand up for us than the legislature has ever done.

Comments continue below

Fluffy | 10:12 a.m. Sept. 8, 2007

I thought Becker and Christensen presented themselves the best in the KRCL debate, however I really think any of the candidates would be effective. I tend to think Wilson and Buhler would be most likely to let their personal biases stand in the way of the work. It'll be nice to have a mayor that works. I've seen Rocky's name on a lot of city improvement signs and seen him make a lot of public appearances and he has certainly spoken up a lot of national issues, but you know what, that is why we elect officials at a national level. I am tired of having such an antagonistic leader at the helm. It'll be nice to have a change.

Chad | 10:17 a.m. Sept. 8, 2007

Its good to see Ralf Becker move up in the polls, he really has the best vision for SLC

Chad | 10:29 a.m. Sept. 8, 2007

I'm glad to see Becker come up in the polls, he really has the best vision for SLC

Rich | 10:57 a.m. Sept. 8, 2007

As a 'true' liberal, I see Jenny as the archetype of the limousine (or, nowadays, SUV) liberal, entitled to her wealth and the mayorship by her pedigree. She's just not me (which she might be happy about too). This is a bummer, 'cause I like to vote for women in general.

Stenar | 11:10 a.m. Sept. 8, 2007

I like to support women also. Go HILLARY! But Jenny Wilson really irks me. She has little experience, and is clearly riding her father's coattails. I was especially annoyed when she said that people who don't think she has enough experience are sexist. She hasn't even finished her first term in public office. Beyond that, she's clearly an elitist with her children in private school and driving two huge SUVs. She thinks she should just have the mayor's office handed to her because her father was mayor.

I'm supporting Ralph Becker for mayor. He has real experience and is a true environmentalist.

Me | 12:00 p.m. Sept. 8, 2007

Regardless of who is running, I will write in "Rocky Anderson" as my vote. He is the best mayor of SLC history.

Cassandra | 12:45 p.m. Sept. 8, 2007

Jenny Wilson has yet to complete a term. Was the county council a stepping stone to SLC mayor? Will the mayorship be merely a stepping stone to something bigger and better?

My vote goes to Dave Buhler. He's hard working, honest, a fiscal conservative, understands both city politics and the west side. He has the support of both city councilmen from the west side. He works well with everyone but Rocky and his buds.

Bob | 1:39 p.m. Sept. 8, 2007

My vote goes to Keith Christensen. He is the most qualified to become mayor of Salt Lake City. It shouldn't matter about the political party that someone is representing but rather the quality of the person.

SaltLaker | 1:42 p.m. Sept. 8, 2007

I'm really disappointed in those Becker supporters attacking Wilson. Becker and Wilson are both strong progressive leaders and the attacks on her make me less proud to be a Utah Democrat. The negativity by Becker supporters toward a candidate whom shares their liberal beliefs has helped me decide to support Jenny Wilson. I'm tired of witnessing the pettiness by liberals attacking a candidate who has spent her lifetime fighting for the causes they care about.

Stenar | 2:11 p.m. Sept. 8, 2007

Becker supporters are not attacking Wilson. I am only pointing out her obvious flaws, such as the fact that she drives two HUGE SUVs, while claiming she is for air quality. She even said during the debate that we need to educate the public about how their individual actions affect air quality. Maybe she should start at home and get rid of those huge SUVs. What a hypocrite!

SaltLaker is clearly a Wilson campaign staffer trying to deflect attention away from Wilson's lack of experience and lack of credibility as a progressive and stop the momentum towards Becker.

Deseret Dawg | 2:46 p.m. Sept. 8, 2007

In analyzing both this poll and the Tribune's poll, one fact is obvious: Dave Buhler is likely to be one of the winners on Tuesday. Not only does he NOT have ANY effective competition for his core constituency, but he has the LDS vote overwhelmingly locked up.

In contrast, both Ralph Becker and Jenny Wilson are fighting for the same general constituency. But while Becker is clearly surging, and doing so at the best possible time, Wilson seems to be static and even sputtering a bit. In addition, the Tribune poll reveals Wilson has twice the negative rating as Becker. Jenny Wilson is increasingly perceived to not only be somewhat of an extremist, but also a "legacy" candidate. Consequently, I believe all these factors combined can propel Becker past Wilson on Tuesday to become the second finalist.

If I lived within the Salt Lake city limits, I would vote for Buhler simply because I prefer his vision for the community. However, Ralph Becker, as a moderate Democrat with a solid legislative track record, would be a good second choice. At the very least, Becker would bring back diplomacy and civility to City Hall.

Arc | 3:18 p.m. Sept. 8, 2007

This is amazing. I know SLC mayor is important, but where have I seen other races, like WVC city council at large primary with 7 running. At least the SL Trib had something.

That said, Becker is a nice guy with good experience. Anyone that Rocky wants (Keith), is going to loose.
Buhler would do fine, and so would most of the others. At least SLC has a good choice.

leroy | 6:40 p.m. Sept. 8, 2007

I think I'll vote for Larry Craig as a write in

Gordon | 10:03 p.m. Sept. 8, 2007

Please for sake of all Utahns....elect Dave Buhler. The capital city mayor has been an embarrasement to the citizens of Utah for too long.

WC | 11:00 p.m. Sept. 8, 2007

Becker is too passive. I'm voting Jenny

Douglas | 8:10 a.m. Sept. 10, 2007

Becker would be the best and most effective leader. Wilson needs some more time before she can stand on her own. I look forward to voting for her in the future, but at this time, we need Becker. Buhler is a nice guy, but I want a mayor that represents me and the Salt Lake City that I want. I'm sorry that Christensen isn't doing better because I think he has some great ideas; but I feel like Becker needs my vote too much.

On Tuesday, I will proudly vote for Ralph Becker.

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