Salt Lake mayoral candidate David Jones is more aware of issues affecting Utah women than other major contenders for the position, according to a panel from the Utah Women's Political Caucus.
The caucus, an affiliate of the National Women's Political Caucus, rated four mayoral candidates Tuesday during a public forum that attracted about 150 people.Candidates were asked six questions about issues ranging from abortion to the role of neighborhood councils in city government. Their responses were judged by the panelists based on a 1 to 7 point scale, 7 being the most favorable rating.
Jones was rated highest for "a very keen awareness of issues that affect the lives of women," panelists noted. His highest rating, 7, came after he expressed his opinion about government involvement in reproductive choices.
Mike Zuhl, current chief of staff for Mayor Palmer DePaulis, came in second. Comments on rating forms suggest most panelists agreed with his views on the importance of neighborhood councils and affordable housing for families. His lowest rating average, 5.67, came after he answered a question about what he had done during his career to demonstrate a commitment to equal opportunity for women.
Local businesswoman Deedee Corradini finished third. Panelist's comments suggest she may have rated lower because she did not directly answer questions, chairwoman Gwen Rowley said. Corradini's highest average score came when she explained her plans to ensure police respond appropriately to victims of child and spouse abuse and "gay bashing."
Dave Buhler, executive director of the state's Department of Commerce, finished last. Panelists disagreed with his view on the Supreme Court's decision legalizing abortion.
Panelists noted that while they disagreed with his stance on abortion, Buhler answered the question directly and "you could tell he put a lot of thought into it," Rowley said. "He may have not earned any votes, but he earned respect."
His highest rating came when he explained what he would do to broaden opportunities for affordable housing and how he would protect existing low-income housing.
Socialist Workers Party candidate Patricia Grogan did not participate in the forum.
The panel consisted of nine women who are members of the caucus but "currently aren't very active" in the organization, Rowley said.
"No one (on the panel) has been closely aligned with the caucus in recent years and none of them are involved in campaigning for the candidates," Rowley said. "We didn't let everyone in the audience rate the candidates because we were afraid the candidates would stock the audience with campaign workers."
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How they rate
Each Salt Lake mayoral candidate was rated on a scale of 1-7 by the Utah Women's Political Caucus. A 7 is the group's most favorable rating.
David Jones 6.58
Mike Zuhl 5.90
Deedee Corradini 4.47
Dave Buhler 3.26