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Richard Piatt ReportingUtah’s governor elect is already thinking about the job ahead. Very soon Huntsman's headquarters will move from the corner of Main and 1st South to Capitol Hill. By the time he moves into the new office, the Governor-elect is hoping to have a few things ironed out.
As a candidate, Jon Huntsman Junior wore down his shoes on the campaign trail. Today pins are being passed around to symbolize his 'shoe-leather' administration. For Huntsman it's a symbol of staying humbled about winning the election.
Jon Huntsman, Jr., Utah Governor-Elect: “I don’t want there to be any question about what I will be as governor. I will be a governor for all the people, that’s just the way I am.”
Huntsman is saying he wants to use the 'best practices' of both the private and public sectors when it comes to moving from a campaign to the business of governing. He and his staff met with Governor Walker and her staff this afternoon to work out a 'seamless transition'. They’re planning to meet with Legislators very soon too.
Priorities include: the budget; putting his 10-point economic redevelopment plan to work; and like President Bush said today, working on tax reform.
Jon Huntsman, Jr., Utah Governor-Elect: “It will be focused on simplicity. It will be focused on inclusiveness, who’s paying, and who isn’t. It will be focused on loopholes and giveaways. I believe we need to start with a fresh slate.”
Huntsman says one of the advantages he has is that he's not a politician and has no political baggage. He plans to start his administration by running the state with a clean slate, and a new attitude.
