Becker 'compares notes' with mayors
Also while in D.C., city chief meets with Matheson, Bishop
The 76th annual winter meeting's agenda is packed with panels and seminars on everything from climate change and "green jobs" to tourism and protecting infrastructure, but it also allows Becker to meet other mayors to "compare notes," he said.
"I look at these kinds of meetings and conferences as a chance to both learn what's going on in other communities both from other colleagues and peers and also from experts in the field who are students of cities," said Becker, who was sworn into office on Jan. 7. "It's a good opportunity for me at the beginning of my administration to get acquainted with an organization that is set up to provide service and, based on all accounts I hear, provides superb assistance and service to mayors."
John W. "Bill" Marriott Jr., chairman and CEO of Marriott International Inc., will address travel and tourism while Chicago Mayor Richard Daley will address his city's bid for the 2016 Olympics. There are also sessions on energy grants, a special meeting for mayors of cities that are also state capitals, and housing issues.
"Our job has a very direct connection to our residents and they have an expectation of us not to get bogged down in our political differences but to solve problems in the community and to try to achieve aspirations of the community," Becker said.
While in Washington Thursday, Becker met with Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah, and Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah, and had plans to meet with other members of the delegation or their staffs before he leaves on Saturday.
"Those relationships are so important for the city," Becker said. "I want to make sure that we are well informed both about what's being considered and make sure that the congressional delegation is aware of both issues and funding that are important for the city so that we can hopefully achieve more of our desires."
He said attending conferences such as this, which Salt Lake City's mayor has attended since Ted Wilson was mayor from 1976 to 1985, is important to make sure that Salt Lake City is seen as part of the bigger world.
"Salt Lake City is not only not an island within our valley and within our region or within the state, Salt Lake City is affected by what happens in Washington, D.C., and it is important that the city have a presence here and make sure that we are heard here," Becker said.
E-mail: suzanne@desnews.com
Recent comments
I've read a lot of ridiculous comments in today's edition...
FlowerGirl | Jan. 24, 2008 at 1:59 p.m.
The mayor of SLC should take a regional view, not a provincial view...
Richard Stauffer | Jan. 24, 2008 at 1:57 p.m.
Already enjoying the free trips around the country. Wouldn't...
Bob | Jan. 24, 2008 at 1:41 a.m.
