Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
Mike Leavitt goes to Washington with the best wishes of the KSL Editorial Board, along with an expression of gratitude for a job well done as Governor of Utah.
Since being elected the state's Chief Executive in 1992, Leavitt has proven to be a hard working, innovative and capable administrator. One national magazine credited him with overseeing the "best managed state" in the nation. Indeed, he is known for his studious grasp of key issues, his creative ways of communicating his views and his penchant for novel initiatives.
If there's vulnerability in his visionary style, it lies in the shear number of initiatives he proposes and the reality that some never achieve fruition.
Now, if confirmed by the U.S. Senate, he'll take his proven and likeable leadership style to the nation's Capitol. Heading a major and controversial government department with its built in bureaucracy will be significantly different than governing a relatively small, albeit vibrant Western state.
KSL believes he is up to the task.
Along with many other Utahns, we're concerned he'll be leaving office mid-term, thus reneging on a promise he made to voters during his last election. However, the elevation of Lieutenant Governor Olene Walker bodes well as the ship of state continues to navigate challenging times.
All in all, KSL is pleased with the appointment of Governor Leavitt. President Bush made a good choice!
