From Deseret News archives:
Lands-policy coordinator quits
His assistant, Stephen G. Boyden, also is leaving. Stevens says a main reason for both is to spend more time with their families.
Stevens continues to serve on the San Juan County Commission, but he will no longer be a trustees of the Utah Navajo Trust Fund, since that position must be filled by a state employee or officer.
A spokesman for the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, which views the public lands office as somewhat opposed to federal environmental policies and in favor of development, was hopeful that the resignations might signal a change of direction.
However, Stevens told the Deseret Morning News on Thursday that he foresees no change in policy. "No, not that I can imagine. I really don't know," he said.
Asked why he retired, he said, "I just feel like the time has come to be a family man. The directions the office is heading, the policy, the philosophy, the funding, the staffing, are pretty well in place and well understood."
The personality of the new director will be important in the office's functioning, he said, "but I don't sense any philosophical change in the office of the governor."
"I've been working, oh, 70 or 80 hours a week."
In his resignation letter, dated April 5, Stevens told Gov. Jon M. Huntsman Jr. that he reached his decision "of my own free will, independent of any outside personal or political pressure, criticisms or efforts to persuade me to continue serving.
"My wife, Lynette, and I have been discussing this decision for several months and are in agreement that now is the right time to do other things together."
Stevens wrote that he believes in the wisdom of a periodic change of leadership, "particularly in new organizations," a reference to the land policy office.
The outgoing office chief noted he tried to retire fully twice before but felt driven to accept new challenges.
"The feeling of true partnership between the state and its counties regarding public land issues, including your emphasis on multiple use of these lands, is very harmonious." Stevens called the state's relationship with federal land agencies "most professional and appropriately cordial."
Comments
- Payson, chamber seek medical firm 2:49 p.m.
- Protests against Phoenix LDS temple 2:47 p.m.
- Palin's book tour hits Fort Bragg 2:42 p.m.
- Matheson unsure about health bill 2:40 p.m.
- BYU's Lamb, Jorgensen reprimanded 2:38 p.m.
- Mapleton's sewer rate mulled 2:37 p.m.
- Stocks higher on home sales data 2:32 p.m.
- Pitta among Mackey Award finalists 2:31 p.m.
- Five arrested in explosive prank 2:24 p.m.
- Police seek men in home invasion 2:19 p.m.
- Buttars wants to limit gay rights laws
213 - Glenn Beck to enter politics?
211 - RSL wins MLS Cup on penalty kicks
186 - Palin plans tour stop in Utah
178 - BYU records with win
132 - Palin's book shows she's unqualified
131 - Bronco, Kyle rubber match
104 - Officer cleared in Cardall Taser case
103 - BYU cuts Women's Research Inst.
103 - Jazz finally win in San Antonio
99
Utah's only Pottery Barn at Trolley Square, 600 S. 700 East, has...
A little after midnight Wednesday morning, about 21 hours ago as I write...
What? Now which states are broke? Red or Blue? Where on earth do you get...
Re: "I wish I lacked the morals and integrity required to be a conservative...
This isn't going to cause a pollution, environmental, noise, or traffic...
What they said is true. I heard Kyle Gunther on the 1280 'the Zone' say the...
That's the whole article? Please, tell me there is more! Tell me you aren't...
I am still amazed that people who don't like soccer, still manage to post up...
out there who want to manipulate better give some thought to this...this aint...
I love that Max Hall is called Pick 6 by Ute Fans. Do you realize Jordan...
Coach Lamb is a cry baby.... you don't hear the Ute coaches whining about...
Kids at universitys are already forced to have coverage. Look it up, the U of...



You can be the first to comment on this story.