Of the nation's 50 largest cities, Sacramento's unemployment rate is the fifth worst.

As the candidates make a final push for votes, Capital Public Radio asked each person what they bring to the table in terms of helping Sacramento's ailing economy.

Steve Hansen works for a biotech company.  He says the city would expand and stabilize its economy by moving away from its reliance on construction and government jobs.

HANSEN: "We've got many people in midtown who have companies making applications for the I phone, software,  we've got a  burgeoning biotech cluster out by UC Davis Medical Center. "

Phyllis Newton is an attorney who represents architects, engineers and urban planners.

NEWTON: "I think I bring a maturity and a judgment and significant business experience to the council."

David Turturici is also an attorney.  He says crime prevention deserves a greater emphasis. 

TURTURICI: "My priorities are spending for public safety making the city more livable so we could attract business to the city."

Joseph Yee owns an architect firm.  What he brings to the table sounds like an audit. 

YEE: "I think it is important to establish priorities, to re-evaluate what the City does, how it does it, to see what efficiencies can be gained."

Information Technology Analyst Neil Davidson says the city should build arenas in the 2000-seat range to lure visitors.

DAVIDSON: "They go down there, they shop, they eat, and they see the show. I'm hoping adding those kinds of venues will bring that kind of extra revenue to the city,"

SCHANZ: "I'd like to take our empty parking lots and unused spaces, really take advantage of the Railyard opportunity we have downtown and really do a smart, mixed-use infill development project."

A seventh candidate, Michael Rehm, declined requests to be interviewed.