Shake-up in governor's office — wow!

By Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb
Published: Sunday, June 10, 2007 12:07 a.m. MDT
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Pignanelli: "Holy (expletive deleted)" exclaimed many of us politicos upon hearing of the recent shuffle in the governor's office. (More reserved observers, like LaVarr, utilized gentler nouns.) We were equally shocked the media glossed over this intriguing development with little attention and no analysis.

Ten days ago, Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr.'s chief spokesman, Mike Mower, was reassigned as state planning coordinator, and Lisa Roskelly was named to replace him. The title of Mower's new arrangement sounds impressive, but the planning position is of questionable merit — it hasn't been filled since the Walker administration. (There's even conjecture that the Huntsman administration only became aware of the office during their recent scuffle regarding Lynn Stevens, former state lands director.) Thus, questions abound as to why Mower would leave the situation of much prestige and authority (and immediate access to the governor) for one of minor influence.

Mower is an experienced political operative, famous for an engaging personality. After former chief of staff Jason Chaffetz disappeared, Mower became a force within the governor's office. By controlling and developing messaging for the governor, he created an image of Huntsman as a compassionate and progressive leader. The results were astounding — the governor has approval ratings that are the envy of his colleagues across the country. But Mower was also one of the chief gatekeepers for access to the governor, which earned him enemies. A number of officials blame him for what they perceive as an administration too focused on pleasing the media.

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There are rumors circulating of a palace coup at the governor's office because the PR efforts were frustrating Cabinet and other key officials. Many felt that, while popular, the governor was not fulfilling a substantial agenda. Key lawmakers are blaming Mower and his allies for the current voucher mess and other problems with the legislative branch. Of course, all this is conjecture since the governor and his advisers are tight-lipped. But there is no denying that a significant restructuring is behind the change. (The declarations that Mower is seeking a more relaxed position because of his recent marriage and new stepchildren are not attracting believers.)

The impact of these changes offers equal interest. Oftentimes, political intrigues of this type are fun to watch but cause a hindrance to good government. This time, it will be different.

The current chief of staff, Neil Ashdown, will no longer have to share access and power with Mower. Known as a "nice guy" policy wonk, many feared that Ashdown did not possess the ability to survive in a cutthroat arena. He has more than survived; Ashdown has flourished — which is good news to the state. Key legislators and Cabinet officials respect Ashdown's intelligence and guileless nature. He may not possess Mower's wit, but he does breed powerful friends.

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