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Chuck Davis likes Soldotna the way it is; Peter Micciche wants a change.

That's the essential difference between the two candidates for city mayor as expressed during a luncheon debate hosted by the Soldotna Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday afternoon.

"I think we need to continue to improve, but we don't need to change too much," said Davis, a three-time former Soldotna City Councilman.

Currently serving in his first term on the city council, Micciche told the roomful of business and civic leaders change is coming, and the city can plan how it will be changed.

"We can have it all, but we must be willing to manage change," Micciche said.

When asked about the perception that Soldotna is becoming a retirement community, Davis, gesturing toward his graying hair, said, "I'm aware Soldotna has an aging community. We're also an excellent choice for young families. We have very balanced opportunities."

Micciche said the retirement community moniker is not what he wants for Soldotna.

"We want balance with schools that are fully funded," he said. "I certainly don't want the title of retirement community."

Responding to the question of how the city can encourage young people to come back to Soldotna after college, Micciche said the city needs a balanced economy and needs to be a place where jobs are available.

He said he recently learned that 85 percent of the boats used by guides on the Kenai River are Willie boats, which are not made in Soldotna.

"We need to bring those manufacturers here," he said.

Davis pointed to the predominant health care industry in Soldotna and the number of young doctors locating in the city.

"We do a lot already to encourage (the return of college graduates)," Davis said.

To the apparent delight of those in attendance, former Soldotna Mayor Gary Davis interjected some humor into the debate asking how a small town mayor prepares to become the vice president of the United States.

Both candidates answered affirmatively when asked by standing Mayor Dave Carey if former mayors would be allowed to continue painting fire hydrants in the city.

On a more serious note, Carey wanted to know what impact the mayor should have and what legacy he should leave behind.

"I'd like to look back and see a thriving community with an active winter (season)," Micciche said.

Davis said, upon leaving the office of mayor, he would hope the city is as well off as when he was elected.

"The city's in good shape," he said. "The council meetings are warm and welcoming."

Davis and Micciche were asked how running the city would work in with their day jobs.

Davis, a project manager with Alaska Roadbuilders, said because the city has a strong city manager, the mayor is more of a figurehead.

Micciche, a superintendent with ConocoPhillips, disagreed, saying the mayor should go out with the city manager to visit companies and "make sure those people are aware that this is the place to relocate."

The possible location of a city cemetery was brought up and Micciche said his position is "fairly clear."

"I believe in protecting the integrity of our neighborhoods," he said. "We should consider other sites."

Davis said no two people he speaks to have the same answer about where the cemetery should be built.

"We need to look at the opportunity for (cemetery) expansion," he said. "I am not married to the idea of the airport (site).

The candidates were asked what they would do if they had a magic wand.

Micciche said he would transform the business corridor of the city into a tree-lined, well-lighted place to tell people what Soldotna is all about. He also would like to see the city be promoted as a winter community, not just a place to come in the summer, by promoting the Northern Lights and developing ice skating opportunities.

Davis said, if he had a magic wand, he "would extend summer."

"Honestly, I like Soldotna. I like where I live," he said.

Phil Hermanek can be reached at phillip.hermanek@peninsulaclarion.com.