If it is your primary mode of transpo, I see no reason why your commuter shouldn't be as nice as possible! The bike should fit the job, but should also be as comfy, well fitted, and highly functional as it can be! The Trek Portland, which is billed as a commuter-specific bike, is pretty darn nice.

I have powergrips on my utility bike because then I don't have to carry bike shoes around when I get where I am going, or I don't have to carry non-bike shoes with me when I ride. If not for that problem, though, I would definitely go with my normal spd (I don't think having "mountain" clipless on a road-style bike is a problem on the slightest, although I am not sure I would go the other way around, just out of lack of experience). But my routes have little stop and go or possibility for someone cutting me off so I have to bail.

Security is almost a non-issue around here- we have very little theft or other crime. I feel really fortunate to be here!