This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
After two terms as mayor of Salt Lake City, Ralph Becker has an admirable list of accomplishments and a growing number of disappointments. After two terms as mayor of any city, that would likely be true of just about anyone.
But things have reached a point where the disappointments are casting a shadow over the accomplishments. Where the charges that the mayor has become increasingly detached and aloof are much more difficult to brush off as merely the contempt that accompanies familiarity.
So, after two terms that the incumbent has a right to be proud of, it is time for a change at the top of city government.
That feeling apparently is widespread enough that, after facing only token opposition to his last re-election campaign, Becker this year has attracted four challengers who are not just contrarian gadflies but serious, thoughtful candidates. Deciding who to vote for in the Aug. 11 primary election -- on the mail-in ballots that registered voters should have received by now -- presents a tough call.
The view from here is that Jackie Biskupski is the best of a good bunch.
A former state legislator and now a top administrator at the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office, Biskupski offers much in the way of both political and administrative experience that gives her the best chance to hit the ground running.
Her campaign platform has properly stressed a need for economic development efforts that don't forget small business, greater transparency and inclusiveness in government, improvements in law enforcement and priorities that favor the basic nuts and bolts of public services over some of Becker's grand designs.
Those qualities and promises stand in sharp contrast to the aspects of Becker's administration that have increasingly alienated him from much of the electorate.
The mayor's affection for big-ticket projects such as the new performing arts center, oddly shaped bicycle lanes, unpopular downtown parking meters, the Sugar House streetcar and, perhaps coming soon, a giant bond issue for repurposing city parks and golf courses may indeed leave behind many improvements to the city's livability. But what many people understandably see in those projects, especially when considered together, is a city administration that is confident that it knows what is good for the rest of us and takes little time to ask the taxpayers what they think.
The scandal concerning allegations of individual cases, and an overall culture, of sexual harassment at the Police Department festered for months before finally exploding in the mayor's face. That led to the embarrassing end of Chief Chris Burbank's tenure and gave more credence to the charge that Becker is far too hands-off as a manager.
The other three candidates -- businessman and builder Dave Robinson, activist George Chapman and, especially, City Council Chairman Luke Garrott -- each have much to recommend them. Salt Lake City is fortunate to have them in the race and would benefit greatly from their continued civic involvement.
Garrott, a University of Utah political science professor, offers a refreshing sense of humor and some bold ideas, such as putting solar panels on every roof in town. His academic background and multiple advanced degrees would serve him well in the theory of government, even as his eight years on the council have immersed him in the realities. And his policy of refusing donations of more than $1,000 is admirable, though it may severely handicap his chances of getting past the August 11 primary election.
Robinson's candidacy is a commendable example of someone who decided to quit complaining about what he sees as the failures of city government and actually do something about them. His personal experience as a businessman and developer means he is very familiar with how city government can aid, and impede, the development of everything from affordable housing to a safe water supply. His individual activism extends to gay rights and help for the homeless and people with mental health and substance abuse issues.
Chapman turns out to be much more than just a curmudgeon who objects to high-rise buildings in established neighborhoods. A businessman, engineer and former naval officer, Chapman stresses the need for public transit improvements that put actual service ahead of controversial and expensive projects. He wants more cops on the beat. He claims knowledge and contacts that will help the city compete with the suburbs for high-tech, high-paying jobs.
And Becker's claim to deserve a third term also has much going for it. He did an admirable job of managing the city's budget when the global economic downturn meant that doing so was no fun at all. His time in office has coincided with much economic growth, particularly downtown, in Sugar House and along 400 South. His leadership on important issues from human rights to air quality has been heartfelt and unstinting. More than a few American cities would be lucky to trade their mayors for someone with Becker's devotion and big-picture vision.
Salt Lake City, though, has a chance to get the kind of fresh start that every city needs from time to time. Out of a list of good choices, the best vote would be for Jackie Biskupski.