Governor 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 Rampton 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 Governor Rampton’s regime. While he doesn’t claim special credit, he strongly encouraged industrial growth and creation of jobs so that Utah’s young people could find employment at home.
In 1964, Utah 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, says the governor. “Groups like UVIDA 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 1/2 per cent below (5.8 per cent to 8.3 per cent).
State government expenditures were held down reasonably well in the Rampton era. In fact percentage-wise in the 1964-74 period (last figures available) Utah’s climb in spending was figured at 99 per cent lowest among states, with the national average at 135 per cent. (National Tax Foundation 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 challenging problems continually tested the administration, Admittedly Governor Rampton’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 a better 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 destroying environmental values.
Mr. Rampton probably has been Utah’s most traveled governor, making himself available for addresses and public functions across the state.
“Being governor has been a pleasant job.” he says. “Mostly I’ve been very nappy in my duties. I’ve appreciated the friendship and support of the people.”
The Herald joins in wishing Mr. and Mrs. Rampton well and in congratulating them for a job well done.