Lands-policy coordinator quits
His assistant, Stephen G. Boyden, also is leaving. Stevens says a main reason for both is to spend more time with their families.
Stevens continues to serve on the San Juan County Commission, but he will no longer be a trustees of the Utah Navajo Trust Fund, since that position must be filled by a state employee or officer.
A spokesman for the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, which views the public lands office as somewhat opposed to federal environmental policies and in favor of development, was hopeful that the resignations might signal a change of direction.
However, Stevens told the Deseret Morning News on Thursday that he foresees no change in policy. "No, not that I can imagine. I really don't know," he said.
Asked why he retired, he said, "I just feel like the time has come to be a family man. The directions the office is heading, the policy, the philosophy, the funding, the staffing, are pretty well in place and well understood."
The personality of the new director will be important in the office's functioning, he said, "but I don't sense any philosophical change in the office of the governor."
He decided last November that June would be a good time to leave the job, he added. The timing, in which the announcement comes out during a series of changes in the executive section of state government, is coincidental, he said.
"I've been working, oh, 70 or 80 hours a week."
In his resignation letter, dated April 5, Stevens told Gov. Jon M. Huntsman Jr. that he reached his decision "of my own free will, independent of any outside personal or political pressure, criticisms or efforts to persuade me to continue serving.
"My wife, Lynette, and I have been discussing this decision for several months and are in agreement that now is the right time to do other things together."
Stevens wrote that he believes in the wisdom of a periodic change of leadership, "particularly in new organizations," a reference to the land policy office.
The outgoing office chief noted he tried to retire fully twice before but felt driven to accept new challenges.
"The feeling of true partnership between the state and its counties regarding public land issues, including your emphasis on multiple use of these lands, is very harmonious." Stevens called the state's relationship with federal land agencies "most professional and appropriately cordial."
However, SUWA has viewed the public land office as opposed to some federal policies designed to protect the environment.
Comments
- 6.0 quake in China 10:43 a.m.
- Big Ben celebrates 150 years 10:42 a.m.
- North Korean cyberattacks? 10:39 a.m.
- China raises death toll from riots 10:37 a.m.
- 'Smart Home' block party in Provo 10:35 a.m.
- Man injured in Taylorsville stabbing 10:22 a.m.
- Dispose of old TVs 10:16 a.m.
- Man killed in motorcycle crash 10:16 a.m.
- Man pleads guilty in fatal crash 10:02 a.m.
- 16 killed in Somalia 9:23 a.m.
- Jazz brass debate Millsap match
- LDS seminary principal arrested
- 2 men cited on LDS plaza
- Jazz finances not quite so bleak
- HBO defends U. logo use in 'Love'
- Reactions on Boozer speculation
- Cash for Clunkers to get rolling soon
- Utahns among Texans' investors
- Man spots his stolen car
- Jazz rookies quiet Thunder youngsters
- LDS seminary principal arrested
219 - Jazz brass debate Millsap match
144 - Bronco collecting a galaxy of recruits
141 - Jazz talking Boozer trade?
137 - Blazers may offer Millsap a contract
123 - Stadium of Fire flag burning was fake
95 - 2 men cited on LDS plaza
94 - Fairness of BCS debated
81 - Chaffetz eyes challenging Bennett
76 - Letters: Single-payer system best
75
As more and more dads are put out of work in this economy, I've been...
The photographs are mysterious, brooding, dark. They show dimples and...
to Mr. 9:52 Let's see if I have this correct. In order to show my compassion...
If this man was a teacher and wasn't Mormon the people on these boards would...
GM holds many US Military contracts, building vehicles such as the Humvee. ...
Does this mean they will be going back to the Countries they came from?
DUH! we do not tolerate inappropriate relations between adult males and...
53 Banks have failed this year, thousands more, including Utah banks, are on...
did a lot of good for a lot of folks. Unfortunately, his life will be forever...
Has Movsisyan said anything complimentary about RSL fans? If he has, I...
I won't comment at all on this case, since I don't know the details. But I'm...
If all the talk about moving Boozer is serious, then yes, Paul made a...


You can be the first to comment on this story.