[Bumped from the comments section]

Although I am unable to vote in tomorrow’s primary, I would like to share a little-known fact about a man that I deeply admire and will always be grateful to, Ralph Becker.

Almost twenty years ago, a small, scruffy group of Moab river runners, scientists and environmentalists started a year-long effort to resist the placement of a commercial, hazardous waste incinerator not far from the shores of the Colorado River through Westwater Canyon. It was 1987 and at the time, Moab’s was a deeply depressed economy and this was a last-ditch effort to keep a year-round employment stream open locally.

Our group initially placed endless calls to leading environmental organizations who refused to support our efforts because such a thing had never been done before, and we were just too small to get involved with. But a chance call one day to the AOG put me in touch with a thirty-four year old SLC lawyer named Ralph Becker who immediately joined with us in taking on this seemingly impossible task.

For the full course of a year, Ralph supported our group with pro-bono generousity; guiding us to be wiser than we often wanted to be, skillfully directing our legal efforts, sharing his wisdom about zoning processes and elections, and working respectfully with our diverse community.

Ralph was a serendipitous gift, and a deciding factor in our ultimate success ~ quietly in the background, and never needing as much as a thank you. Ralph’s dedication to our cause and the river is a blessing that continues to touch our lives today, and we remain grateful to him.

Best wishes, Ralph in your continuing public service…and thanks to all that will be supporting Ralph Becker for mayor of Salt Lake City!

Regards,
Jayne Dillon
Castle Valley (Moab)

Jason Groenewold, former director of HEAL Utah, wrote the following letter in support of Ralph:

Just wanted to make sure that you make it out to vote on Tuesday for
the mayoral primary. Since so few people come out to vote in a
primary, it’s a great way to leverage your vote and influence who may
be the next mayor.

If you haven’t decided on a candidate yet, I’ll share the reasons why
I’m voting for Ralph Becker and would encourage you to do the same.

He came across to me as the most authentic, sincere and thoughtful
candidate. I also felt he had the best understanding of the
relationship between the local, state and federal government. That
understanding is important because a mayor needs to know when they can
act unilaterally and when they have to work collaboratively with the
other levels of government.

I also believe Becker’s background in urban planning will be a real
asset, and he clearly has a passion for environmental protection. The
latter is especially important to me as we face very real local and
global environmental challenges.

Having worked with Ralph when he was in the legislature, I know that
he is accessible and easy to work with. He grasps complex issues, and
can also articulate and advocate for those issues.

I seriously considered Rocky’s endorsement of Keith Christensen, and
after speaking with Keith, I have no doubt that he would be a fine
administrator of the city. I also have a lot of respect for the
Wilson family, and I know that Jenny would advance many of the
policies that I am concerned about. I didn’t have much of a chance to
interact with Dave Buhler, but from the signs I’ve seen, people seem
to like him.

If you’ve already determined who you are going to vote for, then
please just remember to vote on Tuesday September 11th. I mostly
wanted to share my two cents with those who are still on the fence,
and to make sure we all embrace our roles in a democratic society.

Hope all is well,
Jason

We are constantly feeling the momentum of the campaign picking up, and the support for Ralph is broadening thanks to the efforts of our volunteers and supporters. The last few days in particular have been eventful for Ralph’s candidacy:

First, the renowned author Terry Tempest Williams offers this endorsement: “Ralph Becker is a man of impeccable integrity and vision. He understands that all social and economic issues are ultimately, environmental issues. I am supporting him for mayor because I believe he has a deep understanding of not only how a city functions, but how a community thrives. His leadership is understated, steady, creative, and bold.”

Second, Rebecca Walsh of the Salt Lake Tribune today wrote an article encouraging residents of Salt Lake to vote for Ralph in the primary. Highlighting his experience both professionally and politically, she noted that Ralph is solid, progressive, and the most qualified for the position. Go here to read the entire article.

Dan Bammes also highlighted Ralph on his KUER morning show where he talked about Ralph’s knowledge and passion for the environment as well as his detailed plans to improve education in Salt Lake. Go here to listen to the entire segment.

Finally, Monday’s screening of “Who Killed the Electric Car” was a huge hit - around 150 people showed up to visit with Ralph and watch the documentary. Many thanks to the Salt Lake Film Society and all of our supporters who participated in the discussion after the film.

LAST PUSH TO HELP RALPH BEFORE THE PRIMARY

This last week before the primary we are looking for volunteers to come join us at the daily honk and waves to get Ralph’s name out in key areas. The Honk and Wave schedule will be mornings from 7:30-9 a.m. and evenings 5-7 p.m. Check out our event calendar for exact locations for each day.

Also, if you have not already, please contact Matt Lyon matt@ralphbecker.com, if you are willing to help with poll watching on election day.

Festival Weekend! Saturday, September 8th, join the Becker campaign at the Avenues Street Fair. The Greek Festival also runs Saturday and Sunday, September 8th and 9th. We will have volunteers at both events, and hope that you will stop by and show your support by wearing your yellow t-shirts! If you would like to volunteer either one of these days, please contact bianca@ralphbecker.com.

The other night I attended Wasatch Front Forum at Westminster College which focused on the environment. I am, of course, a Becker backer, but this particular forum was such a wonderful reminder of why I first decided to support Ralph. Simply put, he acts upon his beliefs.

At the forum, the audience had the opportunity to ask all of the mayoral candidates questions ranging from the canyons to small neighborhood parks. But the questions that really resonated with me were focused on what actions each of the candidates were personally taking to help the environment and offset their carbon footprint. More than any other candidate, Ralph was able to give clear, concise, and direct answers. He walks or rides his bike to work most days, his car is bio-diesel, his staff carpools and our office recycles religiously (believe me, I’ve been reminded more times than I care to admit). And it is all because we want to help Ralph live up to his word. I was so moved by Ralph’s passion for the environment, his dedication, and his vision for a green city. From better, safer bike lanes to water rights and protecting our water shed, Ralph has a long history of environmental stewardship.

I know that when he is in the mayor’s office Ralph will continue to fight for the environment. I encourage everyone who is concerned with the environment, especially in Salt Lake City, to read Ralph’s blueprint for a green city and remember to vote on September 11th!

P.S. Join us for a free screening of “Who Killed the Electric Car?” Monday September 3rd at 6pm at the Broadway Theatre (111 E. 300 S.)