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On this historic day of transition, KSL joins Utahns in saying farewell to Governor Mike Leavitt and welcoming his successor, Olene Walker.
We wish Governor Leavitt the best as he assumes one of the toughest jobs in Washington – Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. He’s up to the task, though. He’s proven his keen administrative abilities during his 11-year stint as Utah’s chief executive. Utah is a better place today because of the service rendered by Mike Leavitt.
We expect to see additional progress under the able leadership of Governor Olene Walker.
“Grandmotherly” is a word used far too frequently to describe her. Yes, she has a couple of dozen grandchildren – even great-grandchildren – but Utahns will soon discover considerable substance beyond that benign image.
KSL fully expects the state’s first female governor to have a positive overall impact during the time she serves. We’re especially gratified to hear that education tops the list of her priority issues. Stellar leadership will, indeed, be needed to guide Utah through the implementation of a competency-based system of education, including somehow finding a realistic way of paying for the many reforms that are on tap.
Many vital and far-reaching decisions await the administration of Governor Olene Walker as it proceeds beyond this day of transition. Along with her many constituents, we’ll be watching with vested interest.
