Hispanic named Rocky's top aide

After being criticized during his re-election bid for not having enough high-ranking Hispanics at City Hall, Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson is bringing a notable Hispanic on as chief of staff.

Sam Guevara, president-elect of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, will take over for outgoing chief of staff David Nimkin, who is leaving Anderson's administration on friendly terms at year's end.

Guevara said his appointment will go a long way toward healing any rift between the mayor's office and some members of the Hispanic community, which is the largest ethnic minority group in Salt Lake City.

"They felt there wasn't a Hispanic at a Cabinet level position, and therefore Rocky wasn't getting the input he needed," Guevara said. "Well, he's got it now."

While Guevara officially isn't part of the city's cabinet, as chief of staff he will be on hand for cabinet meetings and help ensure access to the mayor.

Nimkin couldn't be reached for comment but in a press release said his 18 months at City Hall were "an immensely rewarding experience."

"While I have discovered that politics is not what I want for the rest of my career, I look forward to staying involved with the mayor's office and working on important city issues," he said.

Guevara will start work Dec. 15, working with Nimkin for two weeks before going solo Jan. 2. Guevara will be Anderson's third chief of staff, following Nimkin and former city councilwoman Deeda Seed.