Mayor-Elect Ralph Becker Announces Full Inauguration Day Schedule

Themes for the Day Will Include: Open Community Dialogue, the Environment, Sustainability and the Arts

Salt Lake City – Mayor-elect Ralph Becker takes the oath of office this Monday, January 7, 2008 at 12:00 p.m. on the east steps of the City & County Building. Mayor-elect Becker will be sworn in alongside newly elected council members Luke Garrott, JT Martin and re-elected council member Van Turner.

In a day that reflects many of the themes Becker has outlined in his blueprints for Salt Lake City, the Mayor-elect’s inauguration day activities, which are open to the public, include a poetry reading by Utah’s Poet Laureate Katherine Coles, photographic exhibits, a tree planting and time for citizens of Salt Lake City to drop by and meet their new mayor.

12:00 p.m. Oath of Office Ceremony

East Steps

Event Notes: Satellite truck parking will be located on the north and south sides of the building. The entrance point to the event for media can be accessed on Washington Square via the west sidewalk.

1:15 p.m. Ribbon Cutting for Inaugural Art Exhibits

First Floor Gallery

Event Notes: Two visual art exhibits will be on view in the First Floor Gallery of the Salt Lake City & County Building. “Entrada” is a collaborative exhibit by photographer and Salt Lake native, Bruce Hucko, and the first Poet Laureate for the State of Utah, David Lee. In addition, the First Floor Gallery will feature a group show by several of Salt Lake’s finest nature photographers. Following the ribbon cutting ceremony, the exhibit will remain open to the public for 30 days.

1:20 p.m. Brief Media Availability

First Floor

Event Notes: This will be the best opportunity for attending media to ask Mayor Becker a few quick questions following the oath of office ceremony.

1:30 p.m. Reception

Third Floor

2:30-3:00 p.m. Tree Planting Ceremony

Southwest Corner of Washington Square

Event Notes: Participants in this ceremony will include Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon, Representatives from Tree Utah, Salt Lake City Urban Forrester Bill Rutherford, and 3rd and 4th grade students from the Open Classroom Charter School will perform a song.

3:00-3:30 p.m. Scheduled Media Interviews

Mayor’s Office

Event Notes: Media who would like to schedule a one-on-one interview with Mayor-elect Becker should contact Helen Langan at 641-6569 to schedule a specific time.

3:30-4:30 p.m. “Meet Your New Mayor”

Second Floor

Event Notes: This event will be an opportunity for the citizens and staff of Salt Lake City to stop by the City & County Building and greet the new mayor.