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Richard Piatt ReportingThe three leading candidates for Salt Lake City mayor will debate again tonight. Public television and radio will broadcast the forum, during which each candidate will try to convince voters to choose him. But each is also trying to do that on his own.
The life of a candidate: posing for a newspaper photo, meeting new people, and listening to what they want from their mayor. Even attending official news conferences if you're the incumbent like Rocky Anderson.
In each case, it's tough to get your message out. That's why we let each candidate pick one to talk about. Molonai Hola chooses to focus on new life for downtown--what he calls his 'vision'.
Molonai Hola, Candidate for Mayor: "I think one of the main keys to revitalize downtown is leadership. And it takes a leader to get people together to form consensus."
Rocky Anderson also has a vision for downtown. There are tough times on Main Street, no question about it, but occupancy is up overall. Anderson urges voters to let the momentum keep going.
Rocky Anderson, Salt Lake City Mayor: "The voters are going to look at the tremendous progress we've made over the last three and a half years and say to themselves--why on earth would we switch horses mid-stream?"
The goals are similar for Frank Pignanelli. As he meets with angry small business owners, he finds there is a sharp difference about how the city will get there. He calls management style: 'key'.
Frank Pignanelli, Candidate for Mayor: "Salt lake City is becoming an island. In fact, he brags about it. And Salt Lake City cannot be an island. Yes we should be progressive, but we should be leading out."
In this race, voter interest varies a lot, especially for next week's runoff election. But the meter is running for each candidate who is trying to motivate people to cast a ballot in whatever way they can.
The primary election for Salt Lake City mayor is next Tuesday. It will narrow the candidates to just two. The general election is November 4th.
