Dear Friend,

While much has been accomplished, there is so much more to do for Salt Lake City to achieve its potential as a great American city.  That is why earlier today I announced my intentions to run for re-election as Salt Lake City Mayor!  Please visit www.ralphbecker.com to learn more about the campaign, join our email list, or make a contribution today.

I have been fortunate to lead Salt Lake City in this transformative time.  Since the 2007 election, our City has made major strides in social justice, downtown and neighborhood vitality, sustainability and livability, and open government.  Together, we passed Utah’s first non-discrimination ordinances, secured funding for a street car line to Sugar House, worked with Salt Lake County to designate nearly $500,000 annually for cultural activities downtown, developed a policy on Open Government, and more.  But even with our success, many endeavors are in progress and there are others that need renewed attention and energy.

In these troubled and transformative economic times, Salt Lake City must continue to be creative and steadfast to realize our vision and meet our goals.  Over the next four years, improving the mobility and infrastructure within Utah’s Capital City needs be a top priority.  Our fiscal health, energy, air, and quality of life depend on us completing the TRAX line to the airport, expanding street car lines in Sugar House, downtown, and potentially the west side, and continuing to build trails and bikeways throughout the City.  We need to fulfill our pledge to divert 50% of the City’s waste from the landfill by 2015.  With the City Creek Center slated to open in 2012, we should seize the opportunity to create a truly vibrant downtown by pursuing cultural opportunities, supporting local businesses, providing housing opportunities, and promoting an active nightlife.  Future generations depend on us to protect our open spaces, watershed, and natural areas that make Salt Lake a great place to live.

Thank you for your support of my campaign four years ago, and I hope to earn your support again in 2011.  I encourage you to visit www.ralphbecker.com, join our email list, and make a contribution towards my candidacy.  We have also posted an announcement video and a summary of the last four years online. 

Over the next few months, we will continue to update www.ralphbecker.com so please keep in touch.  I hope to see you on the campaign trail!

Sincerely,

Ralph Becker