From Deseret News archives:

Huntsman hits ground running

Published: Thursday, Nov. 4, 2004 9:05 a.m. MST
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Economic development was the focus of Huntsman's campaign. He pledged again Wednesday to be "a very, very active governor who is leading the charge in letting the world know we mean business and we fully intend to make this economy world-class competitive."

Although Huntsman also said during the campaign he would institute what he called a "flexible freeze" on hiring, he said Wednesday that the state's 18,500 employees shouldn't think "I'm some sort of ogre on the loose."

Huntsman said he's "just a good ol' traditional manager. If people are performing well in important, substantive areas, they'll have nothing to fear. But we will take a look at specifically some of the areas related to the economy."

The hires that Huntsman makes for his administration could include Democrats, he said. "Stay tuned," he said, adding that his appointments also will take into account the racial and gender makeup of the state.

"I'm going to look at recruiting new talent to this administration, people who perhaps have never thought about serving before," Huntsman said. "I'm going to reach out to a lot of folks who may be surprised."

In his acceptance speech Tuesday night, Huntsman said he may call on his Democratic rival, Scott Matheson Jr., for help. Matheson said he'd be willing. "My commitment is public service," Matheson said. "If I can be of assistance in any way, I'd be happy to do that."

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The Huntsmans, who have six children, have yet to announce whether they will live in the Governor's Mansion, which is located within walking distance from their family home. Huntsman said he does want his children "to maintain some modicum of privacy."

His wife, Mary Kaye, said she just hired a campaign staff member to assist her in the transition to her new role as Utah's first lady. She said she didn't want to jinx the outcome of the election by planning too far ahead.


E-mail: lisa@desnews.com

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Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret Morning News

Gov.-elect John Huntsman Jr. wryly shows the wear on the sole of his shoe. Huntsman is stepping quickly into the role of governor-elect.

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