Glenden BrownBecker!
With one day left until election day, and the polls looking good and the overwhelming majority of voters already decided, should I worry?
The only poll the really counts is Tuesday’s. I’ve been walking for Ralph Becker for months. I can’t count how many times I’ve gone out, knocked on doors, talked to people. It’s been months of doing stuff that makes me uncomfortable (let’s face it, talking to strangers is not a strong point for me).
I look at Ralph Becker and I see a man who can lead Salt Lake City - not just effectively, not just in a popular way like Rocky or DeeDee, but truly effectively - leading the city in planning as a vibrant, urban center, leading the city as we embrace our identity as a diverse, great, American city, leading all of the city residents, not just those who voted for him.
It’s not just a matter of politics or policies, but style. Ralph Becker has a personal style that invites people to come together - it’s not what he says but what he doesn’t say. Ralph Becker is quiet and not just thoughtful but deeply deliberative. Months ago, a friends whose political judgment I trust said that many people she knew wondered if someone as deliberative could actually reach a decision - I think that’s not a concern. Ralph’s ability to listen, to deliberate, gives those around him space to talk, to discuss, to air ideas and concerns. He allows others the room to come together at the table and process aloud. Then, with a sudden switfness he synthesizes what has been said.
That’s one of the reasons I think Ralph Becker can be a great mayor for our city.
November 4th, 2007 at 7:52 am
I met Ralph finally at the Step It Up rally yesterday. We talked about solar power and he said one of his first jobs out of law school was working on Utah’s solar energy plan. That was in the late ’70s! I’d forgotten how backwards the Reagan/Bush years really were for the environmental movement. Ralph seems like a great guy. I’m sure he’ll make an excellent, green mayor.