Guv's goals are economy, education

PROVO — Gov. Gary Herbert received a warm welcome from Provo's business leaders Thursday.

Speaking to the Provo Rotary Club in the Marriott Hotel, just a few blocks from the office where he worked as a Utah County commissioner for 14 years, Herbert said his immediate priorities are strengthening the state's economy and improving education.

"Our basic infrastructure for growth and development is intact, we are in good shape. We are going to do everything we can to grow the economy," he said. "Our focus will be on protecting the jobs we have and helping local businesses expand their operations. Our focus is going to be on those who are here now."

But he also praised Spencer Eccles and Josh Romney, members of the newly created Governor's Office of Economic Development, for reaching out to businesses to encourage them to locate in Utah.

"Because of the efforts of Josh and Spencer, we have right now 130 entities looking at Utah to either open up or expand their businesses in Utah," he said.

Education, the other key component to the state's future, is more of a challenge, he said,

"I don't believe we can have sustained growth if we don't have adequate education for our children. We must be able to compete in the global market," he said.

But it's a program that comes with a price.

"It's an investment for our future, but it costs money now," Herbert said. "Balancing the budget last year was tough, and the one coming this January will be just as difficult, if not more so. I don't want to candy-coat the challenges. But I'm very certain we will get through it."

At the same time, he urged those present to take an active role in solving some of the community's problems rather than relying on government to do the job.

"The first call ought to be to ourselves. With the federal government, if you spend a dollar to help someone, he only gets 38 cents by the time it gets to his doorstep. Why not give it directly?" Herbert asked. "We don't need to make that first call to government. If we keep that in mind, we will be much happier as a society."

He also urged more civil discourse in working out political differences.

"Sometimes in our zeal to get our point across we don't hear the counter arguments. I think it is important to pull together. Pulling it apart won't help," he said.

Herbert, who was born in American Fork and reared in Orem, said he appreciated coming home.

"I have a fond feeling for Utah County and the influence it has on our state in so many areas," he said. "We've seen the growth that's taken place here and the impact it's had on our state statewide, virtually all for the good."

e-mail: mhaddock@desnews.com