Corroon's final State of the County address points to the need for a clean place to live in the future

SALT LAKE CITY — A thick haze filled the air over the valley as Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon gave his final State of the County address Tuesday.

"Our future must include clean, healthy air to breathe and water to drink; and clean, safe land to live on," Corroon said from the council chambers in the county government complex. "The smoggy air we see and breathe during inversions should become a thing of the past."

He referred to public service as "a very high calling," and his comments about air quality are a conspicuous example of the bureaucratically complex arena county government is a part of: Salt Lake County is the state's most populous county, with more than 1 million residents; includes the state's capital city, with its own strong and complex city government; and is a focal point of some of the most visible state government operations and initiatives — including the oversight of air quality.

Corroon, a Democrat, took office in January 2008 and has made it clear for some time he did not plan to seek re-election this year. Already there are three Republicans and two Democrats who have announced their candidacy for the office he holds.

In the meantime, Corroon is anxious to divert the "lame duck" label, saying his remaining days in office will be a "355-day sprint to the finish line and a smooth hand-off to the next mayor."

His speech outlined county accomplishments during his two terms, including the "greening" of county government with environmentally friendly LEED-certified facilities, curbside recycling, the creation of the Unified Police Department, new recreation and seniors centers and libraries, updated master plans for unincorporated communities and major changes in the administration of mental health services.

For the county's less urban areas, "We have embarked on a series of transportation studies within Millcreek and Big and Little Cottonwood canyons," he said. "We will keep our momentum going to increase quality of life and green programs."

Corroon said sales tax revenues are up and 14,000 new jobs were created in the county during the past year — a turnaround after challenging economic times that have depleted many county financial reserves and county employees have seen cuts in pay and benefits.

"Forbes Magazine ranks Salt Lake sixth best performing metropolitan area, up from 49th a year ago," Corroon said. "Simply put: the state of Salt Lake County is strong."