Disclosure

It occurs to me that in the interest of complete disclosure I should state here that I am officially employed by the Becker for SLC Mayor campaign. So, to my legion of followers and every-word-hangers-on...there you have it. I outed myself.

There is a very well-written article in Sunday's Salt Lake Tribune about the campaign kickoff tour yesterday, which highlights in particular the depth and breadth of supporters:

"Ralph knows we don't live in a citadel," said Rebecca Chavez-Houck, who helped introduce her Avenues neighbor before a small gathering at City Creek Park. "There is no moat at 21st South. There is no moat at 600 North."

Former state Sen. Paula Julander agrees that the urban planner's temperament, along with his dedication to historic preservation, sets Becker apart from a mayoral field already crowded with 10candidates. "Ralph's key element is listening," Julander said.

...

Tony Milner, a Salt Lake City resident who introduced the candidate at Rose Park Elementary, said it "touches my heart" that Becker would first stop at a west-side school that serves minorities.
"Ralph is one of the very few political leaders that actually gets it," Milner said. "He realizes there's actually a west side to the city."

...

Jon Nepstad, an urban planner who turned out at an early stop with his dog, says he'd like to see more neighborhood connectivity in the capital. His fellow planner, Nepstad says, is up to the job. "The mayor needs to work in a more collaborative, not antagonistic, way," he said. "[Becker] will do a good job."

The roving campaign camp was also joined by state Sen. Scott McCoy, D-Salt Lake City, and City Councilman Eric Jergensen, who both have endorsed Becker.

But for downtown business owner David Ibarra, the mayor's race is not a popularity contest. "We have one time to get it right," he said about the capital's planned makeover. "I believe Ralph, with his heavy planning experience, is the perfect match."