This is the November 9 - November 22, 1996 update.
November 22, 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.
Asked all Utahns to celebrate this Centennial Thanksgiving by sitting down with their
families, discussing their core values and defining value-driven activities that will
preserve and enhance their quality of life. Nearly two years ago, the governor convened a
diverse group of Utahns as the Centennial Values Commission. The goal of the
commission was to develop methods for involving the public in a discussion about values
and building a collective commitment to renew and strengthen these values. The
commission held a series of discussions and identified basic values that all Utahns hold in
common. The commission's work led them to two basic conclusions. First, there are
basic values--such as honesty, respect and responsibility--that are shared among diverse
groups and which help build strong communities. The group also recognized that
discussing values with others is a powerful tool for renewing and strengthening them. As
a culmination of the commission's work, a Values Discussion Guide for parents and
educators is being distributed to children in schools across the state the Wednesday
before Thanksgiving. The purpose of the guide is to encourage discussions among
families about values. Governor Leavitt believes that Utah must remain a place of quiet
quality. "Today we celebrate Utah's successes in the past hundred years, but it is also an
occasion to examine Utah's role in the next hundred years," Leavitt said at a press
conference. "Utah is not the biggest state in the union nor are we likely to be the most
powerful economically or politically, but in a world where many reach out for a
sustainable core, we can play a vital role. This holiday season," said the governor, "the
challenge is also present for our business and community leaders to take stock of the core
values everyone holds dear."
Closed a costly tax loop hole. Governor Leavitt called for and conducted a special
session of the Utah State Legislature to address the manufacturers' tax exemption issue.
In 1995, Senate Bill 105 expanded the sales tax exemption for manufacturing machinery
and equipment. The State Tax Commission interpreted the exemption more broadly that
the Legislature intended, creating a larger reduction in the state's general fund than
anticipated. During the special session, legislators voted to limit the tax exemption to
equipment and parts that will be used for three or more years.
Expressed appreciation and praise for members of the administration who have
announced their resignations. Insurance Commissioner Bob Wilcox, Public Safety
Commissioner Doug Bodrero, Department of Community and Economic Development
Director Joe Jenkins and Deputy for Education Corrine Hill announced their resignations
separately during the past month. "These individuals have enhanced this administration
with their expertise in their assigned areas. They will be missed," the governor said.
Commissioner Wilcox has led the Insurance Commission since 1993. Under his
leadership, Utah has gained national recognition in insurance regulation and worker's
compensation insurance premiums have dropped more than $100 million per year.
Commissioner Bodrero has been with the Department of Public Safety since 1984 and
has been director of the department since 1988. With 28 years of experience, he is a well
respected member of Utah's law enforcement community. Joe Jenkins has been director
of the Department of Community and Economic Development for the past four years
during a time of strong economic growth throughout the state. DCED has developed
several key programs under Jenkins' leadership including the Utah Business Resource
Network. Dr. Corrine Hill has been the top education adviser to Governor Leavitt. Her
hands-on experience in schools has been an important part of the governor's initiative to
build world class schools. Wilcox, Bodrero and Jenkins will serve through the end of this
year. Hill will continue through the 1997 Legislative Session.
Joined with the Utah Broadcasters Association to announce the state-wide radio program
"Let Me Speak to the Governor" will again be broadcast on a monthly basis. The
broadcast will air the second Wednesday of each month from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. It is
broadcast on 11 stations around the state. "I am delighted to have this opportunity to
discuss issues directly with citizens," Governor Leavitt said. "I have always enjoyed the
dialogue. It is a wonderful way for me to know what people across the state are
thinking." The program started in February 1993, right after the governor took office, and
continued on a monthly basis through March of this year, when Governor Leavitt filed as
a candidate for reelection. During the broadcast, citizens from throughout the state call
toll-free numbers to ask questions or make comments directly to the governor. The show
averages 18 on-air calls during the hour-long broadcast on a variety of topics ranging
from education to transportation. Peter Mathis, president of the Utah Broadcasters
Association, said the broadcasters are very pleased to provide the program. "We see this
as a service to the citizens of Utah. We appreciate the governor's commitment over the
years to make the program work," he said. Mathis also said that the program's success is
due to the various stations throughout the state that carry the program to their local
listeners. Mathis and the governor thanked Questar Corporation and Mountain Fuel
Supply for underwriting the program's cost. "Let Me Speak to the Governor" originates
each month from KSL Radio in Salt Lake City. Radio personalities from participating
stations throughout the state host the program on a rotating basis. The stations involved
receive the broadcast through a satellite link. The toll-free telephone numbers are
broadcast for listeners to use. Stations carrying "Let Me Speak to the Governor" besides
KSL are as follows: KUTA in Blanding, KVNU/KVFM in Logan, KMTI/KMXU in
Manti, KOAL in Price, KSVC in Richfield, KDXU in St. George, KSGI in St. George,
KALL in Salt Lake, and KVEL in Vernal. The next show will be Wednesday, December
11 at 6:00 p.m.
Helped send the Centennial Christmas Tree to the U.S. Capitol. Governor Leavitt drove
the truck carrying the tree to the Gallivan Center for a celebration. "As we send this tree
and it goes through every state along the way, let it be a symbol to the United States of
America that the spirit of Christmas and all its attendant values are alive and well in
Utah-- not just for the last hundred years but for the next hundred as well," the governor
told the crowd. The 70-foot Engelmann spruce came from the Manti-LaSal National
Forest in Emery County. Utah has also provided a number of smaller trees that will be
displayed at various federal buildings in Washington D.C. This is the first time Utah has
provided the national tree. The state was selected in honor of its centennial year. The tree
will be decorated with 5,000 ornaments hand made by Utah school children in
cooperation with the Utah Arts Council. Box Elder County is supplying a scaled-down
replica of the old Juniper and 119 steam engines that met at Promontory Point in 1869 to
form the transcontinental railroad. The governor also helped the Marine Corp kick off its
annual Toys for Tots program at the celebration.
Called on the Southern Utah Planning Authorities Council to help shape the future of
southern Utah. This came during Governor Leavitt's annual address to the council.
Governor Leavitt challenged the group to be actively involved in the planning process for
the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. He also asked the group to help with
his incremental wilderness plan in Southern Utah. The Southern Utah Planning
Authorities Council was established by Governor Leavitt in October 1993. The council
consists of federal, state, local, and tribal planning authorities. Its area of interest is all of
Washington County, and those areas of Iron and Kane Counties within the Colorado
River drainage.
Return to the Updates.
Return to Home Page.