Ralph just released his latest Blueprint for Salt Lake City, and it is a comprehensive vision for our neighborhoods and downtown. You can read the entire Blueprint for Neighborhoods and Gathering Places here.
This Blueprint focuses on three things: neighborhood planning and commercial center development, crime and public safety, and downtown’s re-emergence as a gathering place for the region.
As a professional planner, and as the State Representative for downtown and the Capitol Hill/Avenues neighborhoods, Ralph knows better than anyone that neighborhoods, including the neighborhood of downtown, are the fundamental building blocks of a great American city.
August 22nd, 2007 at 8:13 am
Although not a constituent of Mr. Becker, I value his work he has done as a state legislator. I am an undecided voter (split between Mr. Becker and Jenny Wilson). I think his absence on Capitol hill will leave a huge void in terms of having a voice of reason in state government. Please convince me how leaving his current position to become mayor of Salt Lake will be a benefit. Thanks
August 22nd, 2007 at 8:55 am
Janae, thanks for the question. Ralph has represented Capitol Hill, Downtown, and the Avenues for over a decade, and while Ralph’s leadership on the Hill will be missed, there are certainly members of the current Democratic caucus who could step up into leadership roles in his stead. Ralph’s served as a mentor to other legislators, and he has worked hard to convey both his style and philosophy as a leader to others.
When you look at what Ralph knows best, both from a professional and a deeply personal perspective, it is clear that he is a great fit for Salt Lake City. He has represented the city’s interests at the Legislature for 11 years, he is a professional city and land use planner, he is passionate about environmental issues such as open space preservation, energy sustainability, and improving air quality, and, simply put, from 25 years of working in this field he has a depth of knowledge about these issues that no other candidate can match.
We are at a point where good things are happening in this city, but we need a steady hand at the wheel who has a vision for taking us to the next level. Ralph has the right combination of vision, leadership experience, and mutually respectful relationships with the state and other municipal leaders to take us there.
I encourage you to also contact Ralph directly (though today he might be a little busy with the special session) with additional questions. He is very good about responding to voter’s inquiries.
Thanks Janae.