The most popular governor in Utah history will spend his last days in office in a flurry of activity, carrying out a "transition" plan that lends a final Mike Leavitt stamp to several pet projects, includes announcements of who accompanies him to Washington, D.C., and a farewell address to the public.

With his nomination secured to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, Leavitt officially steps down next Wednesday, Nov. 5, as the state's 14th chief executive — a politician who won the governorship three consecutive times and, in one race, by the highest percentage ever logged.

"I'm a smorgasbord of emotions," Leavitt acknowledged in Tuesday press conference that unveiled details of his final days as governor.

Thing as simple as climbing the stairs of the state Capitol are becoming the "final" tasks or activities he'll conduct while governor, he said.

Getting the EPA job means Leavitt has to "conclude my service as governor in a state I love, in a job I love, among people I love."

It also means a fast and furious time of frenzied activity among top leaders, starting with today's planned announcement by Lt. Gov. Olene Walker — the woman slated to be the state's next governor — as to who will be her lieutenant governor.

By Friday, Leavitt will announce "staff changes," more than likely picking those among his closest circle who will accompany him to Washington, D.C., to assist him in his job as EPA director.

On Monday Leavitt plans to deliver a televised farewell speech from the Capitol's Gold Room at 6:30 p.m., followed the next day by a visit to state agencies and a farewell lunch with his Cabinet members.

It is on Wednesday that Leavitt will sign an official resignation document and Walker will take the oath of office on an unusual "Inaugural Day" at the Capitol. The ceremony will mark the first time in the state's history that a sitting governor has not served a full four-year term and has been replaced by the lieutenant governor.

Leavitt described 73-year-old Walker as "one of the hardest working people on this planet," and said he had no doubts she would help fulfill some of the dangling aspects of his agenda.

Still, that transition from a Leavitt administration to a Walker-run government is one that has Leavitt working quickly to put the finishing touches on key public policies he has pushed during his last year in office.

Those include:

• An announcement today on 20 applications accepted for RS2477 roads, an achievement Leavitt said he has worked 11 years to put into place.
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