This is the May 25 - June 7, 1996 update.
June 7, 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.
Took a position that Utah's concealed weapons law needs clarification to ensure that
schools are gun free. "Schools are a place where children should be safe to learn and
grow. We must do everything we can to assure their safety and one way to do this it to
keep guns out." Utah law currently prohibits firearms in schools but the concealed
weapons law allows weapons to be carried without restriction by those who have a
permit. The governor also stated his support of churches in keeping concealed weapons
out of churches.
Encouraged Utah residents to do their part to keep the air clean this summer. Governor
Leavitt signed a declaration declaring the months of June through September as "Spare
the Air" season in Utah. The declaration encourages Utahns to leave there cars home one
day a week and use car pools, mass transit, walking, and bicycles instead. Business
leaders are also encouraged to allow compressed work weeks, telecommuting, and other
trip reduction measures during this season. Governor Leavitt also asked businesses to
voluntarily reduce their emissions during the high ozone periods declared by the Utah
Department of Environmental Quality.
Appointed R. Lee Ellertson as a member and chair of the Industrial Commission.
Ellertson is resigning as a member of the Utah State House of Representatives in District
61 and is replacing retiring Commissioner Stephen Hadley. The Industrial Commission
ensures Utahns have a healthy and safe work environment and are not discriminated
against in the work place or housing market. Its role will be redefined into an appeals
board over the next year as the state transitions into the new Department of Workforce
Services. During Ellertson's 14 years as a representative, he held many committee
assignments including Business, Labor and Agriculture and Health and Environment.
Professionally, he has worked for Reilly Industries of Provo for 35 years and is currently
the acting plant manager. He attended LDS Business College and Brigham Young
University. Stephen Hadley served as chair of the Industrial Commission since 1991.
During his tenure the commission implemented new programs to benefit Utahns. The
new Alternative Dispute Resolution Conference has resolved complaints filed with the
commission more quickly and fairly and has significantly reduced the number of cases
requiring investigation. The commission also established a Fair Housing Office to aid
property owners in complying with fair housing laws and investigates complaints of
housing discrimination.
Governor Leavitt also reappointed G. Edward Leary as the Commissioner of Financial
Institutions. Leary was originally appointed in 1992 by Governor Bangerter. The
Department of Financial Institutions main role is to ensure the soundness of Utah-chartered financial institutions. During his tenure, the department has earned
accreditation from the Conference of State Bank Supervisors and the National
Association of State Credit Union Supervisors.
Honored two model state employees with the 1995-96 Outstanding State Employee
Awards. Recognized were Marge Tempest, Department of Natural Resources Division of
Water Rights, and Joe Thomas, Department of Environmental Quality. Also recognized
were four finalists: Dan Martinez, RaLynne Takeda, Susan Smith and Glen Richards.
"The individuals we are honoring today have continually shown a strong commitment to
the state and citizens of Utah through their hard work and dedication," Governor Leavitt
said. This award is presented annually to honor some of the state's most dedicated
employees in nonmanagement positions. Individuals are nominated by coworkers,
supervisors, or a member of the public. Nominees are evaluated on qualities including
competence in performing functions, creativity in problem solving, excellent relationships
with the public and coworkers, and commitment to a cost-effect and efficient state
government. Forty-two nominations were evaluated by the selection committee
consisting of Lt. Governor Olene Walker, the executive director of the Department of
Human Resource Management, Karen Suzuki-Okabe, and representatives from the Utah
Public Employee Association.
Honored internationally acclaimed Utah sculptor Dennis Smith. Governor Leavitt joined
with Smith to unveil five life-sized bronze sculptures that will be part of Olympic Legacy
Park in Columbus, Georgia. "Smith's sculptures are enjoyed by people across this
country and around the world. Like the world class athletes that will gather in Georgia
later this summer, he represents the best of American artistry," the governor said. The
sculptures depicting children playing sandlot baseball were unveiled at the Memorial Day
Salt Lake Buzz game. They will be permanently displayed adjacent to the women's
softball venue for the 1996 Summer Olympic Games.
Received support for a virtual university. Governor Leavitt met with fellow governors,
legislative leaders and members of the higher education community in several western
states. Leavitt is one of two governors leading charge to form a high-technology
university. The regional virtual university is already moving forward in several states.
Many western governors have engaged in activities to support distance learning,
competency standards and assessment that will lead toward the regional virtual university.
Remembered those who gave their lives to ensure the peace of our country. Governor
Leavitt attended the Annual Memorial Day Commemorative Service in Loa, Utah and
was invited to speak by Mayor Blackburn. "This is a day to remember our ancestors who
have left us a lasting legacy. It is especially fitting that we remember those who gave
their lives to protect the freedoms we enjoy," Governor Leavitt said. The governor also
reflected on the importance of peace and the impression the signing of the last year's
middle east peace accords left on him. Many town citizens and former residence attended
the patriotic memorial service.
Announced that QVC, the home shopping network is coming to Utah. The Department
of Economic Development and the Utah Travel Council have arranged for QVC to
broadcast live from Utah for a week this fall to showcase Utah products and scenery.
"Large and small businesses are the backbone of the Utah economy," Governor Leavitt
said. "The state is pleased about this tremendous opportunity for national exposure for
these companies. In addition, Utah's scenic and cultural attractions and popular tourist
destinations will be featured before a national audience. We are proud to be selected for
QVC's 'Quest for America's Best: Discovery Tour.'" More than 20 hours of
programming will highlight a minimum of 50 Utah-made products from all types of
businesses and will be broadcast from tourist attractions throughout the state. Last year,
20 Utah entrepreneurs were featured on "The Quest for the Best -- QVC's 50 in 50 Tour."
To date the tour's Utah products have totaled more than $1.6 million in sales. Interested
businesses should call the Utah Department of Community and Economic Development
at (801) 538-8640 or (801)538-8775.
Return to the Updates.
Return to Home Page.