Deseret News | Wilson named environmental adviser to governor

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Wilson named environmental adviser to governor

VOLLEYBALL | 12:04 p.m. Nov. 4, 2009

A CZAR appointed by a REPUBLICAN?

I'm calling GLENN BECK.

J DUB | 12:47 p.m. Nov. 4, 2009

"...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.

Open minds | 12:50 p.m. Nov. 4, 2009

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

Comments continue below

I know Ted... | 1:06 p.m. Nov. 4, 2009

...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.

Way to go Gov | 1:34 p.m. Nov. 4, 2009

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.

Robert | 2:11 p.m. Nov. 4, 2009

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.

J DUB | 2:35 p.m. Nov. 4, 2009

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.

Carl Wilson | 3:50 p.m. Nov. 4, 2009

(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.

Anonymous | 6:34 p.m. Nov. 4, 2009

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.

Ted can do | 7:27 p.m. Nov. 4, 2009

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.

Fly on the wall | 7:40 p.m. Nov. 4, 2009

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.

MarkS | 10:16 p.m. Nov. 4, 2009

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'...

Common sense | 10:29 p.m. Nov. 4, 2009

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).

Anonymous | 10:44 p.m. Nov. 4, 2009

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.

Mike Ridgway | 12:04 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009

Compliments to the governor on his staffing decisions here.

I'm surprized at you people | 12:24 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009

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.

Anonymous | 12:35 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009

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.

I know Ted | 8:14 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009

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!

No you don't know Ted | 8:46 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009

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!

@ Carl Wilson | 11:25 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009

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.

RKH | 3:48 p.m. Nov. 5, 2009

Sounds like "Team of Rivals," the book that chronicles Lincoln's assembling of his cabinet from among former rivals/opponents, would be a good read for many. You have to admire the Gov's confidence to move forward rather than his fear to be bound across imaginary lines. Also, sounds like the committee members will most likely be able to perform their own internal checks and balances. Way to go, Gov!

Amos | 9:42 p.m. Nov. 5, 2009

Ted was a good mayor and a good professor. But what I don't get is how come he never ages?

@8:14 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009 | 9:45 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009

"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!"

Who is radical? You have already determined not to vote for Herbert based on his willingness to get opposing opinions at the table for collaboration? That sounds like leadership qualities one would want in their elected officials. This advisory committee has no legal power and you would base your vote on that? And for those others quick to abandon their party based on a single act of bipartisanship, well I support the governer's decision, am not of his party, and this decision will not sway me to vote for him but I wish this committee AND the governer the best of luck.

Some Guy | 8:12 a.m. Nov. 13, 2009

Here we go again. If you combine Wilson with the former BLM leadership you will get a whole bunch of land closures. Utah does not need more "Wilderness". You people who think any off the oil highway travel is trashing Utah need to get more than 5 miles off the highway. I truly hope we get more than "Closed" signs but that is the only tool federal agency know how to use.

Utahns if you want to ride your ATV you better write your represatatives and participate in the political process. You can see SUWA has there place at the table and it is at the head.

Get your pen out and participate, donate and write letters NOW!

Ricardo | 9:20 a.m. Nov. 13, 2009

Sounds like the proverbial "fox in the hen house" to me. Way to go Gov (insert sarcastic tone here).

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