SALT LAKE CITY — A day after a new poll showed a virtual dead heat in the race for Salt Lake City mayor, incumbent Ralph Becker and challenger Jackie Biskupski fought to distinguish themselves to undecided voters in a televised debate Wednesday.
It was Becker's call to build upon Salt Lake City's momentum versus Biskupski's demands for change as they scuffled over a range of city issues — from campaign finance reform to mass transit — in the live debate hosted by UtahPolicy and KSL-TV, and moderated by KSL Newsradio's Doug Wright.
It was the latest of a dozen debates in the months since the primary election, when Becker lagged more than 4,000 votes — 15 percent — behind Biskupski. But the most recent poll numbers show Becker has closed the gap, matching Biskupski in a neck-and-neck race.
With less than three weeks until Election Day, the two-term incumbent and his challenger were poised to fire and return political attacks at each opportunity during Wednesday's debate.
Biskupski claimed the mayor displayed "lack of leadership" on issues such as the prison relocation, safety and accessibility in the city's transportation system — which she said has prompted a potential lawsuit from disability groups — and the sexual harassment case leading up to former Salt Lake City Police Chief Chris Burbank's resignation.
"The whole Burbank situation was extremely unfortunate," Biskupski said. "It was not until a full year later that the chief got fired for not handling it correctly. I think that shows a lack of attention to a very serious issue."
But Becker said that's exactly why he pushed Burbank out: He took the issue seriously, and the chief needed to be held accountable when he didn't follow his instructions.
"Since I’ve been in office, we have overhauled our sexual harassment policies and how we handle them," the mayor said. "It’s now a robust and vibrant program with independent intake, review and support for both the potential victims and to make sure we get justice."
Becker jabbed back at Biskupski by challenging the accuracy of her criticisms regarding multiple city issues, including her accusation that he worked a backroom deal with state lawmakers for a sales tax increase through the prison relocation. He also disputed her claims that the city's roads have become confusing and unsafe to travelers and "unfriendly" to people with disabilities.
"Once again, my opponent is simply wrong," the mayor said several times, reaffirming his stance that he always opposed relocating the prison to Salt Lake City, pointing to decreased accidents resulting from protected bike lanes, and citing national recognition for accessibility for people with disabilities.
The debate also heated up when the candidates were asked whether they would be open to campaign finance reform in city elections.
The mayor, who has gained an advantage of at least $300,000 in campaign contributions over Biskupski, said the city "without a question" needs to consider reducing its limits: $7,500 for mayoral candidates, and $1,500 for City Council candidates. He acknowledged that the Utah chapter of the group Move to Amend has proposed to reduce those limits to $500.
"But we also need to look at getting all of this special interest money out of campaigns," the mayor said, criticizing Biskupski for allowing an advertising company — which has a rich history of conflict with Becker — to fund several billboards promoting her campaign.
"As usual, the mayor is trying to taint my character. I had nothing to do with those billboards," Biskupski said, adding that she would support an initiative to block special interest dollars from impacting elections.
On the other hand, Biskupski said a "bigger concern" is the fact that the mayor has been able to garner more than a half-million dollars for his campaign.
"That is a lot of money, and it makes it very difficult for people who don't have money to even run for office," she said.
Near the end of the debate, Wright asked Becker and Biskupski who they would consider their enemies. Becker answered billboard companies because of his longtime stance that the signs visually detract from the city, even though he strongly believes in working "respectfully" with others.
"That's the way I've always conducted myself throughout my career, and that's not going to change," the mayor said.
Biskupski, however, said she's "not aware" that she has garnered any enemies.
"Even though maybe you and I have a differing opinion on a topic, we can sit down at the table and have a very good dialogue around the issue and negotiate and land in a place that will better serve everyone," Biskupski said.
The next mayoral debate will be held at noon Tuesday at the University of Utah's Hinckley Institute of Politics.
Email: kmckellar@deseretnews.com
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