Comments about ‘Wilson named environmental adviser to governor’

A CZAR appointed by a REPUBLICAN?

I'm calling GLENN BECK.

"...diverse backgrounds and points of view..." and "...a negotiator for the SUWA...". Well then, I can tell what Ted Wilson's point of view will be: close everything. Federal Wilderness designation; ie, foot traffic only - even to the exclusion of mountain bikes AND WHEEL CHAIRS. You didn't need to hire him to know his agenda. Simple association with SUWA says it all; RADICAL ENVIRONMENTALISM. Only ELF are worse.

I hope Noel opens his mind and his heart. Let us hope that he closes his wallet to undue influences.

...and you obviously don't J Dub. He's a proud environmentalist but he knows the necessity of compromise. He is thoughtful and intelligent and is taking this assignment with a commitment to open discussion and study.

Looks like you are the one with a radical agenda. As in, paint someone with a broad-brushed stereotype.

I like the way Gov. Herbert isn't afraid to do what's necessary to get some things done. He may even lose a few votes from the far right, but he just earned a vote from an independent.

Wilson is not a good choice for this position.

First he is a has-been, with little to show for his credit since resigning as mayor of Salt Lake City and taking a job with the University of Utah.

Second, he is a phony. He claims to have been a "Professor" at the U., but because he has only a master's degree, he was only a adjunct assistant professor at the U. Further, he never corrects others when they refer to him as a "former U of U professor".

I could go on, but you get the idea, I'm sure. Governor Herbert has made a poor choice with this one.

Guilty as charged, "I Know Ted". I'll be watching closely and if your prediction of Ted's behavior proves correct, you'll be the first to receive my redaction. What I do know are the operations of the SUWA, and I'm SUPER leary of anyone openly associating with them. To say they have a reputation is grossly understated. I won't be holding my breath as I watch this play out.

(I'm no relation to Ted Wilson).

Wilson is letting his ego get in his way here. He should know that it comes about, not because of his skills in the area of the environment, but because the governor is looking to shore up his support from all parts of the Utah political spectrum in advance of the coming election. Thus, Wilson is a pawn.

If it were not for his ego, and if this were not the twilight of his career, Wilson would know better and decline the invitation.

Ted, you know better than this. Submit your resignation!

Herbert is just using you in a feeble attempt to show he is open to other opinions.

Its a bold initiative by Gov Herbert to at least try to open a dialogue with both "sides" at the table. It will take tact, diplomacy, firmness, leadership, resolve and a good sense of humor to lead this group. If anyone can do it, Ted can.

You can't fault him for being a member of SUWA (a group I greatly dislike by the way) if its the only team in town advocating for conservation, even if it is more extreme than his personal views would be. Just like you can't fault all republicans for the extreme wackos in the party.

The only real problem with the Gov's proposal is that he has included Pat Shea who is one of the most egotistical, self-promoting incompetent windbags on the Utah political scene.

Ted will have his hands full trying to keep Pat reigned in. Good luck Ted, you'll need it.

And good job Gov, from a staunch open use hardcore conservative concerned abaout preserve our natural beauty, for opening a dialogue. Let's hope some "Balance" does come from it.

First, I commend the governer on his willingness to take this on and choose a committee with a diverse range of experience and opinion. To Jdub, you are an example of the problem by choosing 1 committee member to attack. Those with viewpoints opposite yours could just as easily attack Mike Noel. The only way these difficult issues can be solved is to get a diverse group of opinions & leaders around the table including former public land managers. Not everything is a conspiracy. These committee meetings would be interesting to watch however if this group of individuals can't come to a civil consensus there is little hope for the future of public lands in Utah. Show us you can do so. And Ted Wilson is an excellent choice.

I like the choices, just hopeful Ted is at his peak as a concensus builder, this will be one tough job.

This assembly of diverse viewpoints reminds me of the theory in Gov Leavitt's 'enlibra'...

Please keep public land open! There are a few places which should be (and already are, in most cases) protected from rampant development, but there are almost NO places that the public should be shut out of (a.k.a. wilderness - yes, wilderness designation shuts virtually everybody out except those rich elite few who have the time and money to hike through).

In Utah walking is an elitist activity that closes land access to them. Utahan think we have two feet to put on the coffee table.

Compliments to the governor on his staffing decisions here.

Ted Wilson is such a good guy and a great Utahn. If anyone can help reach some middle groud in this state, it is him. He was an excellent mayor for Salt Lake City and is extremely personable.

Before you continue to attack him, just know that he personally lead my scout group and our ward members to the top of the Grand Teton. It is still one of the most memorable trips of my life.

Trying to belittle Ted's credentials is weak. I took a class from him in political science at the U. Pretty sure that makes him a professor doesn't it?

He is an outdoor sports nut! He had a big old Dodge Truck! He is not some environmental fringe elitist. Trying to protect the beauty of the Utah Outdoors from the scarring of strip-mining, oil wells near National Parks, and the syphoning of OUR water to feed the growth of that abomination Las Vegas is NOBEL!

I applaud Herbet's choice and know that Ted can help the Governor work towards smart compromise on protecting our beautiful state and precious resources. Best thing Herbert has done so far.

To Michael Swenson of the Shared Access Aliance:

Why would Herbert appoint an "off-road enthusiast or mixed-use activist" to an ENVIRONMENTAL post? That would be like puting a drug dealer at the head of the DEA. Or a bank robber in charge of Zion's Bank. That makes no sense.

There is plenty of representation in the state legislature for your cause with Mike Noel being the champion. Try working with Mr. Wilson. I think you will be surprised.

The only radical group Ted is not a Member of is PETA.....this is going to hurt Herbert....he will not be re-elected and just lost my vote!

Seriously, you don't know Ted at all. Utah Republicans seem to really enjoy throwing the adjective "radical" around. What is that, exactly? Ted is a Mormon, lifelong citizen of Utah, a community volunteer and someone who believes in passing on a better world to the next generation--a world that hasn't been hopelessly polluted and ground down to nothing by off-road vehicles. Is that radical? If it is, a lot of us are in a world of hurt!

How many people complain about lack of bipartisanship when policymaking lacks balance, yet accuse those who attempt to actually achieve this by working across party lines of allowing themselves to be "pawns"?

I believe it's not ego or foolishness, but a sincere interest in advancing his values of resource conservation that led Mr. Wilson to accept this appointment, and I applaud both him and the governor for it.