State of State in focus: Biggest surprise is ethics package
Rather than talk "about new programs or the flavor of the month," the governor said the state needs to focus on education, the economy, quality of life and governance. He called for record spending on schools and sweeping executive-branch ethics reforms.
Huntsman delivered his half-hour speech, carried live on local television stations, from the Salt Lake Air Base in front of an audience that included military men and women and their families, as well as lawmakers and other government officials.
Among those recognized by the governor for their sacrifice in service of their country were relatives of the first Utahn killed nearly four years ago in the Iraq war, Marine Staff Sgt. James Cawley.
Cawley's son, Cecil, 12, of Salt Lake City, said afterward that hearing the governor talk about his late father, he "felt like he really knows about him and really, really, cares." He said he was thrilled to shake Huntsman's hand.
And Cawley's sister, Julie Cawley Hanson of West Jordan, teared up as she described how much she appreciated the governor taking time to "remind people there are children who grow up without a father or a mother."
"It's an idealistic experiment," Senate President John Valentine, R-Orem, said of the reforms, which the governor said he would implement quickly through an executive order. "We've got to see how it works. ... There are a lot of unanswered questions."
Both Valentine and House Speaker Greg Curtis, R-Sandy, said they saw no need for the reforms and questioned whether they'd be able to talk to former lawmakers who have joined the administration, including Jeff Alexander, a former member of House leadership.
Lawmakers have long been reluctant to pass ethics reforms, even for the executive branch. Curtis said Huntsman was no doubt attempting to pressure lawmakers to enact their own reforms.
"That's the role of the governor. Absolutely," the speaker said.
House Minority Leader Ralph Becker, D-Salt Lake, said he hoped lawmakers would feel obligated to take action but wasn't holding his breath. Becker said he didn't believe the governor "was doing it to show up the Legislature."
Huntsman told the Deseret Morning News after his speech that was not his intent.
"I'm not sending anybody a message," the governor said. "I'm responsible for managing the executive branch."
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