Governor Bangerter Chief of Staff correspondence, 1985-1992.

This series documents the activities of Governor Bangerter's chiefs of staff and their deputies, the principal agents in setting policy for the administration, coordinating the functions of the executive branch, and monitoring the performance of state agencies. The series contains correspondence, notes, reports, and background files. Governor Bangerter had five chiefs of staff during his administration who served sequentially: Jon Memmott (1984-1987), Reed Seerle (1987-1988), H.E. "Bud" Scruggs (1988-1991), Stephen F. Mecham (1991-1992), and Carol Nixon (1992). There were usually two deputy chiefs of staff at one time, including: Dixie Minson, Douglas Bischoff, Diane Wilkins, Enid Greene, Carol Nixon, and Deborah Turner. The records cover a range of topics which show the interaction between the administration, state agencies, the federal government, and the public.

Fiscal concerns are present throughout ranging from annual budget preparations and capital bonds to more particularproblems. The collapse of the state-regulated thrift and loan industry is one of the most prominent subjects. The federal Interior Department's effort to reduce the royalty rates on coal is another. Management of oil royalties comprising the Navajo Trust fund appears as does the exchange of school trust lands. Other tax issues, including sales tax and the tax on federal retiree pensions, also are discussed.

Economic development, with the attraction of new corporations to the state and the promotion of international trade, was an important concern of the Bangerter administration. Among the specific projects are the bid to host the Olympics, cold fusion, and the solicitation of a new McDonnell Douglas plant. Layoffs at Kennecott Copper generated materials regarding governmental support of the industry and the retraining of dislocated workers.

Regulatory issues covered involve both federal and state governments. These include regulating air quality; solid, hazardous, and nuclear waste;water allocation, including the Central Utah Project; the Kern River natural gas pipeline; and utility rates. Transportation is a prominent theme as well. This includes highway construction; light rail; aviation, notably the attempt to obtain an airport at Halls Crossing in Glen Canyon; and railroads.

Social issues include abortion and public prayer which were heavily litigated during the administration. More routinely considered social issues involve education; job training and employment of the disabled; minority affairs; human services; and aging, women's and children's issues. Reburial of Native American remains is mentioned too.

Personnel matters in state agencies, including the appointment of department heads, commission members, and task forces, are noted throughout. Implementation of the Fair Labor Standards act is covered. State agencies regularly kept the Governor's office apprised of important or controversial topics as well as the status of new or on-going projects.Constituents who felt their problems were not resolved at the agency level contacted the Governor's office for further examination of their cases. Task forces were established on particular matters of concern to the administration. Pending legislation of interest to the executive branch was regularly reviewed.

Participation in professional and political organizations are noted including communications with several Governors' associations and the Republican Party. The administration also was interested in managerial aspects of government such as records access, efficiency in government, and promoting pride in the state and its work force.