Mayoral Candidates Spar During Live Debate

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson was not in the audience for KCPW's live debate this morning, but he was very much on the minds of candidates running to replace him. Dave Buhler was mostly critical of Anderson's performance:

"Rocky's been great about going to Washington to participate in the U.S. Conference fo mayors. He's been less great about going to Farmington to participate in the Wasatch Front Regional Council, or neighborhood council meetings to be involved in the city," says Buhler. "Of course we need to be involved on the national level with mayors, but our main focus should be Salt Lake City."

"Dave, you sound like you're running against Rocky," retored candidate Keith Christensen. "Rocky's not in this race."

That was Christensen's first shot at Buhler during an otherwise mild-mannered debate. Last week Buhler took public fire from Mayor Anderson himself, who has endorsed Christensen in the race. In today's debate, Buhler lobbed new criticism at both Anderson and his chosen successor, who owns several gas stations:

"Rocky Anderson hates fossil fuels. Keith has made a fortune selling fossil fuels, so it's kind of ironic," said Buhler.

"Well, Dave's entitled to his opinions, but not his facts. My business is an honorable business. I wonder if Dave's ever bought a gallon of gasoline?" queried Christensen.

"I never said it was dishonorable, Keith. I just said it was ironic," responded Buhler.

"It's not ironic, and to say I've made a fortune . . . do you know how much I make in that business? I don't think you do," answered Christensen.

Christensen then urged Buhler not to ‘get personal' during the final week of campaigning before the September 11th primary.

Early voting is now open at the Salt Lake City recorder's office and Salt Lake County Government Center.

Click here to listen to the full debate sponsored by KCPW and Fox 13 television.

Mayoral Candidates Spar During Live Debate

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