Herbert sworn in, plans to tackle economy first

Praising Utahns and thanking former governor, now ambassador, Jon Huntsman Jr. for laying the groundwork for Utah's rebounding from economic recession, new Gov. Gary Herbert said Tuesday that good things lie ahead for the Beehive State if Utahns will just join fresh partnerships and work together.

In a ceremony filled with prayer, singing, cannon fire and a few emotions, Herbert took the oath of office as Utah's 17th governor around noon in a crowded State Capitol.

Moments earlier, Huntsman signed his letter of resignation and was sworn in as U.S. ambassador to China, where he and some of his immediate family will fly off to within days.

Herbert said all Utahns need to work together, all religions and political persuasions. And while he welcomes and has great affection for all, conservative elements flowed throughout his inaugural speech.

Herbert noted these are times "when storm clouds seem to be gathering, at home and abroad. We face a struggling economy" with a "dizzying national deficit" piled upon "our already astronomical national debt."

"Those who tuck young children in bed at night perhaps wonder and worry the most," he said.

Herbert quoted from a study by the American Legislative Exchange Council showing Utah is likely to recover first among all the states from the recession. ALEC is a renowned conservative group, made up mostly of Republicans.

He said he will be a fiscal conservative, and Utahns should look first to themselves and their neighbors for self-reliance, not the state. And the last option for any placement of power or program should not be Washington, D.C., but rather state and local governments.

"My first priority will be the economy," Herbert said.

Indeed, Utah state government could be facing a $700 million gap when legislators convene their 2010 session in January, a gap between the current year's budget and ongoing state tax revenue.

"Jobs pay the bills — for individuals and for families," Herbert said. And tax revenues from those jobs will provide the funds for education, health care, transportation, public safety and other vital programs.

Herbert said Utah must have competitive tax rates. He didn't mention any possible tax hikes.

Herbert will seek the GOP gubernatorial nomination in 2010, hoping to win the remaining two years on Huntsman's second term.