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Gene Kennedy and Paul Nelson reporting It's out with Rocky and in with Ralph. Salt Lake City's new mayor was sworn in today.
As he promised to "discharge the duties of [his] office with fidelity," Ralph Becker received a standing ovation from the more than 700 people in attendance at today's mayoral inauguration. "I think there's an electric feeling here, and I hope it will continue," said Becker supporter Naomi Jergensen.
Becker says he expects to go through a learning curve in this new position. "I will appreciate the patience of the people of Salt Lake City while I learn a new job," he said.
Both Becker and the city council are hoping for a less contentious relationship than former Mayor Rocky Anderson had with city leaders. Some are already noticing a change. "There's a gentleness and positiveness that I'm excited to work with. It's a new tone," city councilwoman Jill Remington Love said.
City councilman Eric Jergensen said, "I think the thing the council is excited about is there won't be the level of angst and turmoil."
Becker agreed, saying, "I think people are ready for a different style of government and a different approach to how we make decisions in government."
Despite past disagreements, former Mayor Anderson is leaving with no ill feelings. "I really wish Ralph and this new council the very best," he said.
The council will have a full plate because Becker has an ambitious agenda for his first six months in office. "Were gonna focus on education, environmental measures and social justice measures," Becker said.
"I'm really hoping he can do something about the air quality. I think that's a terrible problem in Salt Lake right now," Naomi Jergensen said.
Rep. Jennifer Seelig says she's particularly pleased with Becker's plans for open space and comments he has made "helping define our city for the natural landscape."
Becker wants a green city. Among his environmental hopes is cleaning up the Jordan River Parkway. Also among his goals is creating a registry for domestic partnerships and launching a downtown cultural district featuring diverse artwork.
It's a broad range of ideas. "It's all right here, and I think if we can work together as a community, we're gonna be taking big leaps here," Becker said.
Mayor Becker will detail his agenda Jan. 15 in his first State of the City address.
