Becker sworn in as Salt Lake's mayor

Ralph Becker was greeted with a warm reception by hundreds of onlookers on this chilly Monday afternoon, showering Salt Lake City's new mayor with applause before he took the oath of office and treating him to a standing ovation afterward.

Becker, a longtime member of the Utah House of Representatives, was sworn into office at the Salt Lake City-County Building by his brother William W. Becker, with another brother, Don Becker, at his side.

Following the formalities and more applause, Becker proclaimed the beginning of "a new era" for Salt Lake City.

"I am honored and pleased to assume the helm of our city government in a place where the mountains soar, where the economy thrives, where historic neighborhoods enrich and where the community spirit welcomes," he said.

Becker was joined on the east steps of the City-County Building by members of the Salt Lake City Council — including Luke Garrott and JT Martin, who also were sworn into office for the first time Monday, and Van Turner, who begins a third term on the council.

Becker called Monday's festivities the beginning of a partnership between the city administration and the City Council, vowing that "together we will succeed."

The new mayor promised an "open, inclusive, transparent and engaging" city government.

"City Hall will reach out," Becker said.

Former Mayor Rocky Anderson, Gov. Jon Huntsman and Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah, also were in attendance.

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