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Ed Alter, by his own admission, isn't a political animal.
He doesn't like campaigning and isn't keen on backroom deal making, and yet he has been of one of Utah's most enduring elected leaders; one we suspect polls would show most Utahns couldn't even identify.
Just so you know, Alter is stepping down next week as the Utah State Treasurer, a job he has held for the past 28 years. Think of it. Seven full four year terms! He was first elected to one of the top five positions in the executive branch of state government in 1980. Scott Matheson was elected Governor that year. In fact, Alter's service has spanned the terms of five governors.
Quite remarkable for a man who had to be prodded to make his first run for the office "way back when."
As his term of service comes to a close, KSL honors Ed Alter for his exemplary political career and the good he has done for the people of Utah. We thank him for implementing programs and initiating efficiencies that have allowed him to manage the people's money in honorable and productive ways.
It causes us to wonder if government couldn't benefit from a few more modest and reluctant, yet devoted public servants.
