Becker begins second term as Salt Lake City mayor

SALT LAKE CITY — Ralph Becker began his second term as mayor by looking back at the past four years and highlighting the ways Utah's capital city continues to thrive.

"As we watch our downtown blossom and flourish and change, we are mindful that Salt Lake City is emerging as a model for other urban areas around the country," Becker said after taking the oath of office Tuesday.

"We live in a moment of transformation locally, nationally and globally — a time that calls for our community to evaluate our extraordinary assets and focus on how we can use them wisely to sustain ourselves with health and prosperity for our children and future generations," he said.

Becker was among several local leaders across the state sworn in Tuesday after winning elections in November.

In Ogden, Mike Caldwell was sworn in as mayor during a noon induction ceremony, along with City Council members Caitlin Gochnour, Richard Hyer and Amy Wicks. Caldwell defeated Brandon Stephenson in the race to replace three-term Mayor Matthew Godfrey, who opted not to seek a fourth term.

In Provo, the City Council welcomed four new members — Gary Garrett, Hal Miller, Kay Van Buren and Gary Winterton. And in West Valley City, Corey Rushton was sworn in for a second-term on the council, along with newcomers Tom Huynh and Karen Lang.

Becker was joined on the steps of the Salt Lake City-County Building by Luke Garrott, who was sworn in for a second term on the Salt Lake City Council, and council newcomers Kyle LaMalfa and Charlie Luke.

Holding a figurative mirror up to Salt Lake City, Becker said he sees "a city that wins best in class," a city that has emerged as a leader in accessibility, sustainability and sophistication.

"Salt Lake City is a city distinct on its own, yet part of a greater region and state," he said. "Our city's promise is reflected in its majestic peaks, symbolic of a city that is ascending."

Becker said Salt Lake City is redefining the term "urban area" to describe both a place and an experience.

"No urban place has the opportunity to maintain a mountain, desert and an intensely dynamic and creative human experience quite like Salt Lake City," he said. "We have here a balance in a city that is surely among the most enviable of urban areas."

Garrott, a political science professor at the University of Utah, said the nonpartisan nature of local governments allow them to succeed where their state and national counterparts sometimes fail.