GOP rivals like 'aggressive'

ST. GEORGE — Nolan Karras and Jon Huntsman Jr. are two of a kind when it comes to describing one of their personal characteristics.

Utah's next governor needs to be "aggressive," both men said during a locally televised debate on the Dixie State College campus Tuesday night.

"I believe the job of governor comes down to three things," Karras said. "The education formula has to be right, and we have to have a skilled workforce; we must have and nurture an entrepreneurial environment; and we need government to be more efficient and accountable."

A closer working relationship with the federal government would help resolve issues such as the number of illegal aliens who live and work in Utah and the use of public lands.

"In this particular issue, I believe we need to fall back on the rule of law and use them," Huntsman said. "As governor I'll look at the laws that act as magnets to draw undocumented workers to the state."

Utahns need to force themselves to look at outcome-based education and ask themselves what they're getting out of the system, Karras said.

Huntsman voiced concern about low morale among teachers and stateworkers because of poor pay. But he also emphasized a need to "dust the cobwebs" off the corners of state government and seek out places to trim the budget.

Karras said he would like to install a network of people across the state that could feed information directly to the governor's office.

"I'd like an economic briefing on the state, from every corner of the state," he said.

Huntsman agreed and said economic development needs a statewide vision and a specific business plan, something he said he is ready to offer voters.

"I believe I have as deep and as complete a resume as any governor in Utah has ever had," Karras said during his closing statement. "When you add a 25-year public service career, I believe I don't need any on-the-job training."

Huntsman said he would bring a fresh set of eyes and ears to state government. "I think that's good. I've served my communities well and loved it," he said. "I'd like to give the next few years of my life to this great state."

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