A New Governor - A New Opportunity

During the campaign, Governor Huntsman used the slogan, A New Day for Utah. He is right. A new governor has opportunities at the beginning of his term in office that he may never have again. He has the opportunity to change his cabinet, the individuals who manage the main departments of state government. With a new staff, a new governor can make many program changes and provide new leadership and new ideas.

The real challenge for new governors is to remember that not all of the government changes come from the governor's office. One of the great things about our political system is the separation of powers. While the governor has the opportunity to contribute fresh ideas, the legislature, who enacts the laws, will also have proposals, and the challenge is bringing the two branches of government together. If Governor Huntsman follows through on his plan to work closely with the Legislature, great things really can happen.

At times of disagreement, compromise is critical, and good working relationships at the leadership levels of state government are imperative.

A Balancing Act

During the economic downturns of the last few years, the legislature needed to cut appropriations in order to balance the budget (Utah’s constitution thankfully does not allow deficit spending). Because the previous administration did not want us cutting programs they had developed, and we were not able to cut the budgets deep enough, we were forced to take funding away from highway construction in order to balance.

Trying to decide where to best use tax revenues is always the most difficult assignment the Legislature faces. One of the topics stressed during the campaign season was looking at government efficiencies; where they might exist and how to create more. Since the campaign, Governor Huntsman has said he would like to cut the state budget by one percent. This money could then be used to fund new programs, transportation projects or be given back to the people.

Dollars and 'Common Cents’

This year's legislature will face a two-edged sword. Edge One – we have the highest revenue projections in four years, and we have plenty of people and departments who want to spend it. Edge Two - Many of us still remember the recent economic downturn and are striving to make smart business decisions to avoid another shortfall in the near future.

We are all happy that the economy is doing better, and government agencies have experienced lean years. The problem is we still need to watch our spending. The economies of the 2000’s are not experiencing the consistency of the 1990's. Government, just as the business community, will have to be more flexible and able to react to economic changes. Planning for a successful future requires that we accurately account for realistic projected revenues along the way.

A Driving Force

We are in a transportation crisis in Utah. Tight budgets have put road construction on the back burner. Now may be the time to use much of the new revenue to fund new roads and repairs. Raising taxes is not the answer. Nothing stifles an economy more than increased taxes and government intervention. In fact, just as Presidents Reagan and Bush did to stimulate the federal economy, some lawmakers are talking about a tax cut.

Transportation needs have to come back to the forefront and be funded properly as a prerequisite for economic development.

To Lobby or Not to Lobby

Another hobby horse the media love to ride is lobbyist bashing. They point to lobbyists as the source of all corruption! Now, there is no question that too much exposure to one side of an issue is not healthy for any of us. But businesses, special interest groups and charities, state departments, and colleges and universities all use lobbyists to educate lawmakers on the issues pertaining to their organizations. And sometimes, lunch is the only time we have free. I know at my business I often go to lunch with an industry sales representative because I would never find another time to give them. As part-time legislators, we benefit greatly from these “information specialists”, (lobbyists) as long as we look at all sides of the issues.

Two other great sources of information and advice are the Legislative Research office and the Legislative Fiscal Analyst office. They are able to provide us with important information and good analysis for any legislation we might be initiating or following.

Finally, in a very real way, anyone who espouses an issue and acts upon their feelings by calling their representative or contributing to an organization that actively supports issues is a lobbyist. And they should be. This makes the system work. Even the media, though they hate to admit it, are a powerful lobby through their editorials and columns.

Part-time or Full-time

Many people ask me when Utah will have a full time legislature. I hope it never happens. Sure there are a few people who would love to do this for a living, but I don't think it would be good for Utah. As a citizen legislature, we, like everyone else, are out there making a living and reaping the rewards or penalties of the way we govern. Also, we interact daily with our constituents. Our perspective on government stays far clearer than if we drew a government salary and only went home on weekends and holidays.

When the legislature is in session full time in January and February, most of the people we see are the people lobbying us. It doesn't matter if they are corporate or contract lobbyists or somebody else lobbying for a special interest. They are the people we see day in and day out. Even for that short time, it can be hard to keep a proper perspective. Some of our greatest ideas and counsel come from the people next door.

Approval Ratings - Popularity - Reality

I often find it interesting and amusing when I read the polls after a legislative session. Most of the time the people love the work the governor is doing but believe the legislature is out of touch. And our constituents love the work we specifically are doing, but they question the rest of the legislature. Maybe this is the way it should be, but I have found that it is always easier to find fault with a nameless, faceless entity like “THE LEGISLATURE.” The governor and individual legislators can champion specific issues and enjoy media exposure and high approval ratings. However, THE LEGISLATURE has to deal with all the issues. In reality, it comes back to the separation of powers and how one arm of government works with the other.

In Conclusion

It is my hope that you have enjoyed this article and learned something new about government. We do have a great system, and you can make a difference. We, at Alexander’s, thank you for your friendship and support. Have a Happy New Year!