Theresa Garza Ruiz, a former Jackson County legislative employee, rode to victory in 2006 with little money, endorsements or name recognition.

Garza Ruiz says she’s using the same grass-roots techniques in her bid to repeat that victory in Tuesday’s Democratic primary.

But Ray Salva Jr., who is making his first bid for elected office, says he’s set to surprise the incumbent as he’s worked hard, going door-to-door in key neighborhoods.

The winner will run unopposed in November.

Garza Ruiz stresses continuing to open up to public scrutiny how Jackson County operates, especially its budget process. “Openness is still often lacking at the county,” she said.

Garza Ruiz wants to target more county resources to help create new jobs, potentially by working more closely with municipal governments. She also wants to find ways that the county can better address the growing problem of home foreclosures.

Salva describes himself as a “candidate for the working people.” The leadership skills he developed in private industry over the last 20 years would be valuable to bring to county government, he said.

Salva also wants to explore getting guarantees of jobs for county residents before county officials back any development tax breaks. Salva, who is beginning law school at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, said going door-to-door has shown him how much residents like a chance to voice their views on county government. “I’m energized by this,” he said.

DEMOCRATS

THERESA GARZA RUIZ

•Age: 40

•Address: Blue Springs

•Occupation: Government relations director for American Cancer Society

•Education: BA in criminal justice and completing master’s degree in public administration at Park University

•Previous elected office: One term on Jackson County Legislature

•Website: www.vote4theresa.com>

RAY SALVA JR.

•Age: 40

•Address: Blue Springs

•Occupation: Sales and service representative at Centranz, which builds transmissions for heavy equipment.

•Education: Bachelor’s in business administration and a current UMKC law student.

•Previous elected office: None

•Website: www.vote4salva.com>