Thank you again for your interest in the site selection of the proposed Public Safety Complex for Salt Lake City. Last week, I announced that Library Square is no longer an option as a location for a new Public Safety Building and Emergency Operations Center. As part of our ongoing commitment to make Salt Lake City one of the most open and transparent governments in Utah, the Mayor’s Office, in collaboration with the Salt Lake City Council, will be continuing opportunities for the public to offer input on the proposed locations for a new Public Safety Complex. I have sought continued input from a number of experts in urban design, and I am confident that our objectives and values for site selection fully align with the public input we have received.

During the month of June, the Mayor’s Office will hold a series of Open Houses to give you an opportunity to review and comment on proposed site locations and learn about the criteria and steps used in the selection process. I encourage you to attend an Open House or send us your input.

Schedule for Public Meetings and Open Houses:

Thursday, June 11 – Thursday, June 18, 2009 (weekdays)
4:30 – 6:00 p.m.
Public Safety Complex Open House
City & County Building, First Floor Gallery
451 South State Street, SLC

Tuesday, June 16, 2009
7:00 p.m.
City Council Public Hearing
Salt Lake City & County Building, City Council Chambers
451 South State Street, SLC

Monday, June 22, 2009
4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Public Safety Complex Open House
Sweet Library
455 F Street (9th Avenue), SLC

Tuesday, June 23, 2009
4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Public Safety Complex Open House
Sprague Library
2131 South 1100 East, SLC

I also encourage you to contact the Mayor’s Office or City Council Office with your input.

Mayor’s Office
801-535-7704
mayor@slcgov.com

City Council Office:
801-535-7600
council.comments@slcgov.com
City Council Office 24 Hour Comment Line: 801-535-7654

Please visit www.slcgov.com/psb for updates on the latest details. Please also take the opportunity to submit your comments online.

Thanks again,

Mayor Ralph Becker

Purchase Tickets Online

Additional Information

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 8, 2009

Statement from Mayor Ralph Becker
I am concerned that news coverage this morning regarding the impact of state immigration legislation may cause alarm in our immigrant communities and I want to clarify both the effect of the legislation and Salt Lake City’s position. The legislation (S.B. 81) was passed by the 2008 Legislature but does not go into effect until July 1, 2009.

The law requires state and local agencies to confirm the legal residency of anyone seeking public benefits. Public employers must confirm the legal residency of any new employees, and private contractors doing business with a public employer must also use a Status Verification System with all their workers. These provisions merely comply with federal requirements.

The aspect of the law that was the subject of controversy this morning is the requirement that the Utah State Attorney General must negotiate with the U.S. Department of Justice or Department of Homeland Security for the enforcement of federal immigration and customs laws within the state by state and local law enforcement personnel.

I have been personally assured that the Attorney General will not negotiate an MOU that will require Salt Lake City or other jurisdictions to enforce immigration law. The MOU may provide such authority but it will not be a mandate and Salt Lake City police officers will not be cross deputized. Salt Lake City police officers will not begin to enforce immigration law.

United States Attorney for Utah, Brett Tolman, has also offered the opinion that due to recent court cases, illegal immigrants cannot be prosecuted in Utah or other non-border states merely for their presence in the state unless they have committed a crime.

My Administration has worked hard to create a relationship of trust and cooperation in our immigrant community and an environment in which both victims and witnesses of crime are willing to come forward to assist our Police Department in resolving criminal cases. Police cannot deter or solve crime if victims and witnesses are afraid to cooperate with the police because they might be deported.

I want to assure everyone concerned that this legislation does not require a change in our policy and that all our residents can continue to feel safe in cooperating with the Salt Lake City Police Department to solve any crime in which they are a victim or a witness or in which they can provide valuable information.

My office spoke with Representative Noel today and expressed our opposition to cross deputization of Salt Lake City police officers. Representative Noel assures me that his intent is not to mandate Salt Lake City police officers enforce federal immigration law. Representative Noel also reassured me that he does not intend to seek retribution against Salt Lake City for declining to deputize our law enforcement officials to enforce federal immigration law. I look forward to a continuing dialogue with Representative Noel and his colleagues in the legislature as I advocate for the interests of Salt Lake City’s immigrant residents.

###

Dear Supporter,

Just over one year ago, I was elected Mayor of Salt Lake City thanks to the many volunteers and contributors like you. It has been an amazing journey. I am grateful everyday. Thank you for being part of this experience.

I’m writing today, to ask for your support once again. In 2009, my administration will launch a “Capital City” campaign, an organized effort to raise the profile of Salt Lake City to match other great American cities, such as Denver, Portland, Boston, and Seattle. Under this vision, Salt Lake will not only be the economic, cultural, and political hub of Utah, but we will be a national leader and icon for our programs on the environment, public safety, culture, transportation, and education. Salt Lake will be known for its vibrant business districts and historic neighborhoods. We will serve as a model and set the standards on what a participatory, collaborative, and transparent government can be.

To move this effort forward, I ask for your financial support. My staff is working hard inside the Mayor’s Office, but I need your help to advance a political agenda and raise excitement about our city. I need to participate in statewide politics and support causes that advance Salt Lake City. I must reach out to other Mayors and City Council Members to ensure complementary policies and practices are developed. I need to build relationships with national public officials to make Salt Lake City a political leader for the entire region. Although the City is already making positive national headlines, more needs to be done.

I understand well our time of economic uncertainty. But amidst all of the troubles and while others are shying away or stepping back, now is the time for us to be confident, push forward, and seize this opportunity to build the great American city we envision for Salt Lake City.

I have enclosed a contribution envelope with this letter and I encourage you to contribute whatever you can, and help us move this vision forward. You may also contribute online at www.ralphbecker.com.

If there are any questions or topics you would like to discuss further, please contact Matt Lyon 801-597-8888 or at matt@ralphbecker.com.

Sincerely,

Ralph Becker
Deseret News: Salt Lake mayor says all recognized need to ‘kick us into gear’
Salt Lake Tribune: Salt Lake City Mayor Becker leads with gentler style