Time ticks away for governor

Utah Gov. Olene Walker could be forgiven for thinking about her "legacy" right about now, if she were the type to think about such things.

She isn't.

"We've got a lot to do," Walker said during a telephone interview squeezed between budget meetings. "We're running out of time."

She's working, with under 60 days left in her term as governor, on a massive (and controversial) tax revision plan, a health plan and economic development, public lands and transportation issues. Also, securing the future of Hill Air Force Base.

"I'm very aware that my life will change come Jan. 1, but we still have many things we're working on," Walker said. "We'll work right up to the end."

On Tuesday, the local business community will honor Walker — Utah's first female lieutenant governor and governor — for her work, presenting her with the 2004 Athena Business Leader of the Year award. The award, presented by Wells Fargo Women's Financial Services at the 28th annual Women & Business Conference, recognizes a community member who "demonstrates excellence, creativity and initiative in business; provides valuable service by devoting time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community; and assists women in reaching their full leadership potential."

In other words, the award goes to someone who "promotes women," said Kathy Hillis, vice president of Wells Women's Financial Services. And Walker was an obvious choice.

"The award is given to someone who promotes women, who has been outstanding in both business and the community, and who in general really promotes a woman's 'place,' exemplifying what women can do," Hillis said. "Gov. Walker is a perfect example of that — of a business woman who owned a business with her husband for many years, who has served Utah in many capacities, for a long, long time."

Walker was sworn in as Utah's 15th governor on Nov. 5, 2003, after then-Gov. Mike Leavitt's appointment to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. As lieutenant governor, she focused on a number of issues, including education, health care and work force development. She was instrumental in the formation of the Children's Health Insurance Program and made affordable housing a priority in Utah. The state's housing fund bears her name. She also sponsored a bill, while serving as majority whip of the state House of Representatives in 1985, that created Utah's "Rainy Day" fund.