The upcoming (June 22) Economic Development Summit will not be the usual bigwig gabfest that produces much talk but no practical solutions. Instead, Huntsman will provide 150 CEOs/presidents a chance to critique the economic plan he will detail the first hour of the conference. This approach is fraught with risk as these hardened business veterans could dismiss his proposals. Even more venturesome is the governor's proposed transfer of all the state's economic development activities to the Economic Development Corporation of Utah. Huntsman must embrace such risks because the stakes are very high — for him and the state. His strategies to cure education and transportation defects are dependent upon a strong local economy. More importantly, he promised us he would hit this home run.

Blessed with tremendous talent, Babe Ruth achieved greatness because he took courageous risks. The governor possesses the personal skills, business expertise and popular good will to create approval for his vision. But ultimate success for Huntsman, and Utah, will require confronting and overcoming risks necessary to a robust economy.

• In prior columns regarding Utah health care issues, I have shared opinions about IHC that reflect perspectives that many have conveyed to me over the years in my capacity as a legislator, health insurance attorney, political activist and columnist. Based on the intensity of the responses these sentiments have generated, both pro and con, it is clear that the issue has struck a nerve in the community. Health care is clearly a priority for Utahns, and we should encourage legislators to continue their worthy effort of asking the tough questions. We all benefit from such an important endeavor.

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Republican LaVarr Webb was policy deputy to Gov. Mike Leavitt and Deseret News managing editor. He now is a political consultant and lobbyist. E-mail: lwebb@exoro.com. Democrat Frank Pignanelli is Salt Lake attorney, lobbyist and political adviser. A former candidate for Salt Lake mayor, Pignanelli served 10 years in the Utah House of Representatives, six years as House minority leader. Pignanelli's spouse, D'Arcy Dixon Pignanelli, is executive director of the state Department of Administrative Services in the Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. administration. E-mail: frankp@xmission.com.