Becker Pleased With Administration's Progress

Jul 07, 2008 by Eric Ray

(KCPW News) Today is Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker's 180th day in office. As part of his campaign, Becker promoted a 180-day plan to make progress in several key areas, including public education, the environment, and equality.

"I wanted to take advantage of the momentum that comes out of a campaign, and new relationships with the city council and a couple of new city council members, and accomplish as much as was possible in those first six months. So we were driven," says Becker.

Becker's plan included the appointment of an Education Partnership Coordinator, the acceleration of funding for bikeways in the city, and the establishment of a city registry for domestic partnerships - all of which were accomplished. The plan also included an overhaul of the city's planning division. Despite several changes Becker has made in that department, there are some who aren't happy with the progress.

"When an organization falls into disrepair, you don't just make some changes in the organization and bring in a few new people and leadership and expect it all to change overnight," says Becker. "I think part of the continuing unhappiness in a few quarters, and I really think it's growing smaller by the day, is dissatisfaction over the pace of change. And I share that."

On July 17th, Becker will host - and KCPW will air - a town hall meeting to discuss the mayor's first six months in office. That meeting will take place in the City Library auditorium at 7pm.

Click here to view Becker's 180-Day Action Plan.

Click here for today's Public Square interview.

Email to a friendPosted in KCPW Newsroom. Copyright 2008 KCPW