Governor won't allow nepotism on his staff
Governor says his hiring protocol should hold to high standard
"This policy will help us avoid any future perception of favoritism," Huntsman said in a statement detailing the new policy. The only employee apparently affected is Layne Palmer, who has stepped down from an international trade post.
Palmer's daughter, Jami, is the governor's executive assistant. Both worked for Huntsman during his campaign. Layne Palmer earned slightly less than $60,000 annually in a job described by the governor as facilitating the visits of international dignitaries.
His title, however, had been director of international diplomacy and trade for the state. But after questions were raised about Palmer's qualifications, Huntsman ordered the title changed to better reflect his actual duties.
The governor himself has filled the international director's role, most recently during a visit to Mexico City to pitch a new alliance with the Mexican government. The state's economic development efforts were moved into the governor's office this month.
Palmer will still work for the governor — as a consultant to Huntsman's privately funded Utah Policy Partnership. The group is an outgrowth of the governor's transition team and is headed by Utah Jazz owner Larry Miller.
For example, Hopkins said, Palmer will provide "logistical support" for upcoming town meetings throughout the state on economic development that will be held by Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert.
The new policy announced by Huntsman "prohibits the hiring of any politically appointed Executive Branch employee who has an immediate familial relationship with a member of the governor's senior staff," including the executive assistant.
"I hold my staff to a higher standard than what is required by law for state employees," Huntsman said. The law requires only that no one can be in a supervisory position over an immediate family member.
The governor initially didn't see a problem with hiring Palmer, according to his spokeswoman, Tammy Kikuchi. "When it was brought to light, the governor said, 'You know what? We need to hold ourselves to a higher standard,' " and came up with the policy.
"He is new to the job. We all are," Kikuchi said. "There is a learning curve."
Huntsman pledged during the campaign to promote ethics reform, chiefly in the executive branch. The new policy is the first in writing for employees of the new administration, Kikuchi said.
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