Sierra Club, Hispanic Caucus back Becker

Ralph Becker received endorsements from the Sierra Club Political Committee and the Salt Lake County Hispanic Democratic Caucus this week in his bid to become Salt Lake's next mayor.

"Ralph Becker is the ideal candidate to carry forward an environmental agenda in Salt Lake City for the next four years," said Scott Daniels, chairman of the Sierra Club Utah Chapter's political committee. "Ralph's training and experience in law, urban planning and government give him the skills to be a leader from his first day."

The environmental group circulated questionnaires to Becker and fellow mayoral candidate Dave Buhler. Their responses are posted at www.utah.sierraclub.org/legislative.asp.

"It is an honor to receive this endorsement," Becker said. "As someone who has spent a lifetime hiking, biking and running rivers in Utah, I believe deeply in the work that the Sierra Club does here in Utah, and I am committed to making Salt Lake City a model city in terms of ecological sustainability and land stewardship."

Jorge Robles, chairman of the Salt Lake County Hispanic Caucus, said the group is endorsing Becker because he's the candidate who will "bring our city to new heights."

"Ralph has been known for being inclusive of our community throughout his entire legislative career," Robles said. "He is an incredibly sincere politician who carefully studies every issue. We share his vision of a thriving west side that is part of Salt Lake City's great diversity."

Becker said he appreciates the endorsement.

"If elected mayor, I will emphasize an inclusive approach to city government by reaching out to all segments of our community to encourage full participation in city decisions," he said.