BECKER RESPONDS TO BUHLER’S LATEST NEGATIVE ATTACK

Becker Welcomes Buhler’s Belated Entry Into the Discussion of Downtown’s Future But Declines to Engage in Similar Negative Tactics

(Salt Lake City) -- After another round of negative attacks from Dave Buhler – this time concerning downtown – mayoral candidate Ralph Becker stated that he welcomed Mr. Buhler’s ideas concerning downtown, although they came rather late in the campaign.

“Reinvigorating downtown as the gathering place for the region is one of my highest priorities. That’s why I released my detailed blueprint for downtown over two months ago – before the primary,” Becker said. “I’m pleased that Dave Buhler decided to join the discussion about downtown this morning.”

Mr. Buhler’s press conference included several negative jabs at Mr. Becker. Hoping to end the campaign on a positive note, Mr. Becker declined to respond in kind.

“Everywhere I go I hear that people are getting a bit weary of Dave Buhler’s negativity and attacks,” Becker said. “I can’t control how he conducts his campaign. So today I’d rather focus in a positive way on how we can improve the downtown area over the next four years.”

Key points of Becker’s “blueprint” for downtown include:

Growing the “24/7” Population Downtown: Becker would expand downtown housing options for all income levels. “We shouldn’t forget that downtown is an important Salt Lake City neighborhood. A stronger residential presence and a larger around-the-clock population is the lifeblood that can bring new life to the bricks and mortar downtown,” Becker said.

Bringing Art & Artists Downtown: Becker would make public art a priority, by fully committing to efforts like Percent for the Arts and architectural competitions (such as the one that led to the design for the downtown library). Becker is also optimistic about the effort to save and restore the Utah Theater by re-envisioning it as a center for the Utah film industry.

Locating Major Cultural and Government Facilities Downtown: Becker will work to ensure that major commercial and state developments are built downtown, rather than in locations that encourage sprawl. “As mayor, I’ll operate under the principle that ‘if there’s only one in Utah, it belongs downtown,’” Becker said.

Downtown Nightlife: Becker would work to revise laws that restrict the location and number of restaurants, bars and similar businesses downtown. “Downtown Salt Lake City should be Utah’s hub of culture and nightlife. To make that a reality, we need to revise current laws that artificially limit the economic and entertainment options downtown,” Becker said.

Implement Downtown Rising and the Downtown Transportation Plan. “These are excellent plans now in place or in the adoption process, and they provide a template to return downtown to the vibrant center is should be,” says Ralph. “I will work with the business community, residents, and other organizations and institutions to get there within a 5-10 year period."