This is the July 20 - August 2, 1996 update.
August 2, 1996
Contact Vicki Varela, 538-1503
or Paula Ernstrom, 538-1509
Listed below are the highlights of Governor Mike Leavitt's activities over
the past two weeks. Please call if you have any questions.
Reopened one of Utah's great historical treasures. Governor and Mrs. Leavitt joined with
former First Lady Norma Matheson; Mrs. Jean Maw Nibley, the daughter of former
Governor Herbert Maw; and Department of Administrative Services to reopen Utah's
Governor's Mansion. The mansion was nearly destroyed by fire in December 1993 due
to faulty wiring on the Christmas tree. "The difference between today and December 15,
1993 could not be more stark. This is one of the most outstanding historic restorations in
the country," said Governor Leavitt. "The painstaking work of the many artisans and
craftsmen to restore this architectural treasure is remarkable." The building has been
restored to its 1902 original style while upgrading it to current safety standards including
adding a sprinkler system, new wiring and plumbing, security upgrades and seismic
upgrades. The family living quarters have also been redesigned to provide more security
and privacy and fire exits have been added to the second and third floors. Governor
Leavitt summed up by saying, "This beautiful mansion is not only an outstanding treasure
for all Utahns to enjoy, it is also a place where Utah can welcome the world."
Applauded efforts to solve the low-income housing crunch. Governor Leavitt attended the dedication ceremonies for Aspenview, a new 16-unit affordable housing complex in
Salt Lake County. "Affordable housing is one of the challenges we face as a state,
especially along the Wasatch Front. Every night, the local homeless shelter fills its
available beds and often must turn away people seeking shelter. The Aspenview will
reduce the demands on homeless shelter agencies," the governor said. The project is a
result of joint efforts of the state of Utah, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, First Security
Bank and the Utah Nonprofit Housing Corporation. It is the first such facility located in
unincorporated Salt Lake County. The rents are low enough to serve those people whose
income levels are 30-40 percent below the median income in the area.
Announced the release of $25 million in mortgage funds through the Utah Housing
Finance Agency (UHFA). "Providing adequate affordable housing is one of the most
personal and pressing issues Utahns face during a time of unparalleled growth. These
low interest loans will make home ownership affordable for the first time to
approximately 350 Utahns from across the state with moderate incomes," the governor
said. The 7.47 percent fixed-rate mortgage money is now available to Utah's low and
moderate income first-time home buyers, many of whom may find home ownership less
expensive than renting an apartment. Because one major obstacle for first-time home
buyers is the down payment and closing costs, these loans from UHFA offer zero
discount points, greatly reducing the down payment and closing costs to UHFA home
buyers. UHFA is also offering a down payment assistance program for very low-income
home buyers. In addition, the UHFA mortgage rate is nearly one full point below
conventional rates and may allow many households that would not otherwise qualify for
home ownership to purchase a house. Prospective buyers may qualify for these monies
providing their income and the price of the home they want to buy is below a certain
limit. Limits vary from county to county across the state depending on the size of
household and the location of the home to be purchased. UHFA was established by the
state Legislature in 1975 to provide decent, safe and sanitary housing for low and
moderate income households in the state. UHFA's housing programs have allowed more
than 36,000 lower-income families to buy their own home and have financed the creation
of more than 6,500 rental units affordable to lower income families throughout the state.
These programs are funded through the sale of tax exempt bonds to private investors and
through state and federal income tax credits. Application and additional information can
be obtained by calling UHFA in Salt Lake at 359-5200 or toll-free at 1-800-301-6950.
Appointed Margaret Dayton to the Utah State House of Representatives. Dayton replaces
Lee Ellertson who was recently appointed to the Industrial Commission. Dayton lives in
Orem and will represent House District 61 until the general election in November.
"Margaret understands the issues affecting both her district and the state. Her talent and
commitment to the people of Utah County make her an excellent representative for this
district and an asset to the Legislature," the governor said. After graduating from
Brigham Young University, Dayton spent five years working as a registered nurse. She
has been very active in her community, serving on many committees and boards
including the College of Eastern Utah Board of Trustees, The Utah State Vocational
Applied Technology Council, and the Utah Women's Legislative Council. She has also
served as the state legislative chair for the Utah Medical Association Alliance and has
worked on the Freedom Festival.
Celebrated the 149th anniversary of pioneers entering the Salt Lake Valley. Governor and
Mrs. Leavitt participated in the annual Days of '47 Parade in Salt Lake City. They rode
in a horse-drawn carriage and waved the Utah flag and a centennial banner. The Leavitts
also took part in the Bountiful Handcart Parade and attended the Ogden Pioneer Days
Rodeo to crown the rodeo queen.
Paid tribute to the nation's first female senator. Governor Leavitt accepted the Martha
Hughes Cannon statue on behalf of the state of Utah at the unveiling ceremony. "After
coming to Utah as a young pioneer, Cannon continued to be a pioneer in medicine,
women's rights and politics. This statue honors the legacy Cannon left to our state," the
governor said. In 1896 Cannon won an at-large election against her husband to become
the first women in the United States to be elected as a state senator. As a medical doctor,
she set up the state's first nursing school and later helped found what is now the Utah
State Schools for the Deaf and the Blind. The statue honoring Cannon stands in the
Capitol Rotunda.
Joined with Salt Lake City officials and leaders of the LDS Church to dedicate Ensign
Peak. Upon their arrival in the Salt Lake Valley, early pioneer leaders spotted Ensign
Peak as a place where the whole valley could be seen. From there, they laid out the plans
for Salt Lake City and picked sites for community buildings. The Ensign Peak
Foundation in conjunction with Salt Lake City is creating the Ensign Peak Nature Park to
serve as a memorial to the progress of Utah and the Salt Lake valley.
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