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Rumpton Era Closes

Click to see original imageGovernor Calvin L. Rampton leaves office Monday noon after an unprecedented three terms at the helm of Utah state government. He will be succeeded by a fellow Democrat, Scott M. Matheson. a newcomer in politics. The 12-year Bampton era has been memorable in many ways, and as “Cal and Lucybeth” move from the governor’s mansion we believe Utahns in general concede they have served with dignity and honor. Mr. Rampton’s leadership extended beyond Utah’s boundaries as he served a term as chairman of the National Governors Conference. The governor himself regards as perhaps his No. 1 accomplishment the reorganization of state government. Formerly something like 157 department heads reported directly to the governor in what he considered an unwieldy arrangement. By consolidating leadership he reduced the number to about 30 – a move he has felt significantly increased efficiency. Development of the Utah economy has been a happy accomplishment during Govemor Hamptons regime. While he doesn’t claim special credit, he strongly encouraged industrial growt and creation of jobs so that Utah’s yotmg people could find employjment at home. In 1964. tah had about 11,000 new people come onto the job market but only 6500 jobs were created. In contrast, last year about 13,000 came onto to the market and 22,000 jobs were developed. Business, industry, and community leaders through the state worked to bring this condition about, sayls the governor. “Groups like U IDA in Utah County helped significantly.” As a result, the effects of the recession were not felt here as severely as elsewhere. In 1964 unemployment in Utah was 2 per cent above the national average; now it’s 2’/z per cent below (5.8 per cent to 8.3 per cent). ‘ State government exgenditures were held down reasona ly well in the Rampton era. In fact percentage-wise in the 196+74 eriod ( ast figures available) YJtah’s climb in spending was figured at 99 per cent owest among states, with the national average at 135 per cent. (National Tax oundation figures.) The Rampton regime will leave a budget surplus of about $17,500,000 whereas there was a deficit of about $6 million when it took over. Everything hasn’t been peaches and cream, of course. Difficult and challenginlg problems continually tested e administration. A mittedly Governor R.ampton’s greatest frustration was defeat of the state land use bill in the election two years ago. The bill, he said, “would have given us aibetter way to plan our own future instead of letting the federal government do it, insofar as lands are concerned? ‘ He sees as the major need in the next five years the development of energy resources without destroggg environmental values. Mr. mpton probably has been Utah’s most traveled govemor, making himself available for addresses and public functions across the state. “Being governor has been a pleasant job,” he says. “Mostly ‘ve been very happy in my duties. Ilve appreciate the friendship and suplport of the people.” The erald joins in wishing Mr. and Mrs. Rampton well and in gongratualting t em for a job well one.