Governor changes chief of parole board

MURRAY — The governor has changed the leadership of the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole, replacing chairman Keith Hamilton with his deputy.

In a decision announced Thursday, Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. announced Curtis Garner will serve as chairman of the parole board. The reason for the replacement was not immediately clear.

Spokesman Mike Mower said Thursday that Huntsman "felt it was time to make a change in leadership at the Board of Pardons."

Hamilton is serving his second term on the board. His current term expires in 2010. Mower said Hamilton has not been forced out nor resigned, but the governor will likely be rotating leadership on several boards in the future.

"Keith Hamilton has asked for a two-week leave of absence but is still on board at this time," parole board spokesman Jim Hatch said.

In another change, Ted Boyer was appointed as the new chairman of the Utah Public Service Commission, replacing Ric Campbell.