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Ralph Elihu Becker Jr.
Ralph Becker.jpg
34th Mayor of Salt Lake City
In office
January 7, 2008 – January 4, 2016
Preceded by Rocky Anderson
Succeeded by Jackie Biskupski
Personal details
Born (1952-05-30) May 30, 1952 (age 73)
Washington, D.C., U.S.
Political party Democratic
Spouse Kate Kopischke
Residence Salt Lake City
Occupation Urban planner
Website Salt Lake City Website
Ralph Becker

Ralph Elihu Becker Jr. (born May 30, 1952) is an American politician and attorney. He used to be the leader of a group of politicians in the Utah State House of Representatives and was the 34th mayor of Salt Lake City, Utah.

Who is Ralph Becker?

Ralph Becker is a person who has worked in government for many years. He was born in Washington, D.C., in 1952. He is known for being a politician and also an attorney, which means he is trained in law.

His Early Life and Education

Ralph Becker grew up and later became an urban planner. This job involves designing and planning how cities and towns should grow and develop. It's about making sure cities have good roads, parks, and buildings.

His Time as Mayor

Ralph Becker served as the mayor of Salt Lake City, Utah, for two terms. He was the 34th person to hold this important job. His time as mayor started in January 2008 and ended in January 2016.

What Does a Mayor Do?

A mayor is the top leader of a city. They are like the city's chief executive officer. The mayor helps manage the city's services, like police, fire departments, and parks. They also work to improve the city for its residents.

Key Responsibilities of a Mayor

The mayor of a city like Salt Lake City has many duties. These include overseeing the city's budget, which is how the city spends its money. They also work with the city council to make new laws and plans for the city.

Before Becoming Mayor

Before he became the mayor of Salt Lake City, Ralph Becker was involved in the Utah State House of Representatives. This is a group of elected officials who make laws for the state of Utah.

Role in the State House

In the State House, Ralph Becker was the Minority Leader. This means he was the main leader for the political party that had fewer members in the House. His job was to speak for his party and help guide their ideas and votes on new laws.

What is a Politician?

A politician is a person who is involved in politics. This means they work in government, often by being elected to a public office. Their main goal is to serve the people and make decisions that affect a community, state, or country.

How Politicians Help Communities

Politicians like Ralph Becker help make rules and plans for how society works. They listen to what people need and try to solve problems. This can include things like improving schools, building new roads, or making sure everyone has access to important services.

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