From Deseret News archives:

Huntsman chooses work over trip to ball

Ties with Legislature more important, he tells commerce group

Published: Thursday, Jan. 20, 2005 10:14 p.m. MST
 |  E-MAIL | PRINT | FONT + - 
PROVO — As Gov. Jon Huntsman was quick to point out, he did not spend Thursday in Washington, D.C., celebrating the inauguration with his fellow Republicans. Instead, Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert headed to the ball, and Huntsman stayed home, spending the evening addressing the Provo-Orem Chamber of Commerce, which held its annual installation and awards banquet Thursday night.

"I want you to know this may cost me because I'm the only Republican who is not in attendance (in Washington)," Huntsman said, smiling.

Huntsman mentioned a few benefits to remaining a homebody this week, among them the ties he's been able to form with members of the state's legislative leadership, as well as getting settled in the Governor's Mansion.

"I want you to know that it's not going to be tough to get things done this legislative session because I've established some very important relationships," Huntsman said, recognizing Utah County legislators in attendance, among them Senate President John Valentine (R-Orem), House Majority Whip Jeff Alexander (R-Provo) and Sen. Curt Bramble (R-Provo).

Valentine took a moment to agree with the governor as he presented and installed the new chamber board members.

"I really have seen a difference over the last week in the relationship between the legislative and executive branch," he said. "It's wonderful."

Story continues below
Before his remarks, Huntsman said he wanted to touch on his four key priorities for Utah's future but also give those in attendance an idea of what his first few weeks as governor have been like.

Huntsman mentioned aiding those affected by the floods in southern Utah as his greatest challenge thus far.

"There's no how-to manual for being governor," he said. "You just have to kind of lead from your heart, go on good common sense and hope it all works out at the end of the day."

Among his goals for this term, Huntsman mentioned helping small businesses grow through tax reform and communicating with business owners in the legislative process.

"We're going to tap into the voices of small businesses because we are a state of small businesses — 80 percent of our Utah companies," he said. "I might be the governor, but you (entrepreneurs) are making this state work. All that I hope to be is a facilitator."

When asked about the impact of growth on businesses in Utah County, Huntsman said there are challenges as well as benefits inherent in a growing economy.

"The benefits are being in an economy, the state of Utah, that really is going to be the epicenter of growth in the next generation or two," he said. "The challenges are finding the capital, oftentimes identifying the talent and pulling together the resources needed to really grow beyond a small-size company."


E-mail: mdecker@desnews.com

Comments

You can be the first to comment on this story.

previousnext

Latest comments

Jazz will have a tough week, with what should be a easy win against the...

I am very excited for this game. As much as I want the Utes to win, it won't...

Folks, this is very dangerous "game" we are playing here, allowing the...

TCU showdown has big implications

I look at how TCU has been playing all year, especially the past several...

Seniors helped BYU regroup

Do we need anymore evidence that the MWC will continue to be the big three...

you need to move to Sweden, where citizen in fact are guaranteed housing,...

I am a PG fan and wanted to congratulate the girls on a State championship! I...

Reducing game time laughable

I definitely understand the need to train year round. I'm not a collegiate...

TIME FOR CHANGE IN AMERICA. I have a family here in America.... They...

Libs, Silver Grey? That's cleaver.

Advertisements
Advertisement