New vision in Utah's old statehouse

Additional information Gov. Jon Huntsman's State of the State Address

FILLMORE — Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. promised Tuesday to continue to focus on four "common-sense fundamentals" during his first State of the State address, delivered in Utah's territorial capitol.

More than 150 lawmakers, state officials and others gathered in the stately stone building for the half-hour speech that touched on economic revitalization, education, quality of life and governance.

Huntsman surprised some by suggesting that hotter levels of nuclear waste could be banned from Utah once and for all during this session of the Legislature.

"My position on this is clear: B and C waste will not be dumped in Utah," the governor said, adding that by the time the session is over, "we should no longer be discussing the possibility" of the hotter waste coming to Utah.

Huntsman emphasized economic development, just as he did during his campaign. "When it comes to economic development, treading water will not be acceptable in my administration," he said.

Tax reform, the governor said, will create "an environment of opportunity" that will help raise Utah wages. He reiterated his call for a change in the formula used to calculate corporate income taxes, eventually eliminating them altogether.

"The last time we had a major revision in the tax code was 1959 — before I was born," the 44-year-old leader said. "It is time for a change."

Also on his agenda is raising the salaries of schoolteachers and state workers. Elementary school teachers would also receive an additional $300 for classroom supplies, Huntsman said.

Ethics reform — at least for the executive branch — also earned a place in the speech. That includes full disclosure, campaign-finance reform and a mandatory, one-year cooling-off period before the governor's appointees can become lobbyists.

The only prop Huntsman relied on was a laminated card listing his priorities. "Each one of these priorities has purpose in helping shape our tomorrow, each a reminder of our common destiny."

Deseret Morning News graphic Key points Requires Adobe Acrobat.

He also spoke briefly about choosing to give his annual speech outside of Salt Lake City. Usually, it's delivered in the state Capitol, but it is closed for renovations. The reason Huntsman was in Fillmore, however, has more to do with his family's roots and his effort to reach out to rural Utah.