Governor Bangerter Correspondence, 1984-1992.

This series contains the correspondence of Governor Norman H. Bangerter and his personal staff, rather than that of the office staff at large. The series documents that segment of the correspondence deemed of sufficient importance or interest for the Governor to handle directly. There is both incoming and outgoing correspondence. Incoming correspondence includes letters sent in but not responded to, and a few policy materials collected by the office. Outgoing correspondence contains the letters sent by the Governor. If the letter is in response to a letter sent to the Governor, that letter accompanies the outgoing letter and is filed by the date of the Governor's response. The correspondence is with state agencies, federal agencies, businesses and organizations, political groups, other governors, and the public, particularly friends and family.

Thank you notes in appreciation for the Governor giving a speech at some event, or in response to a letter from the Governor, are perhaps themost common of incoming letters. Letters from job and appointment seekers are also common throughout. Birthday cards and Christmas cards appear during December and January. Congratulatory messages on the Governor's election, often with a plug for the writer's cause, appear in 1984 and early 1985.

During the annual legislative sessions there are often letters regarding pending legislation including abortion, taxation, health care, agriculture, education, etc. Agency budget requests also appear at that time or shortly before. There are some letters regarding pending federal legislation, including the Central Utah Project and grazing lands.

Concerns over the actions of several state agencies are expressed, particularly the Public Service Commission, the State Training School, the Dept. of Corrections, and Job Corps. Utah National Guard troops were activated to the Persian Gulf in 1990, so that was a common topic during the year. The execution of convicted murderer William Andrews in1992 also spurred several letters.

Businesses often wrote on their interests regarding tourism and economic development. Particular topics include a St. George water tower, McDonnell Douglas, the Pacific American insurance bankruptcy, and the insolvency of the Thrifts. Governor Bangerter helped promote the Senior Games in Saint George. During his second term, Utah was also seeking the Olympics, and letters regarding that appear. Governor Bangerter was also active in the Republican party and in political associations, so there are frequent letters from other governors, the Republican Governor's Association, Western Governor's Association, and similar groups.

Among outgoing mail, thank you notes are common for gifts received, hospitality provided, and support. These are particularly common during his campaigns, at Christmas, toward the end of a term, or following trips. Congratulatory letters are also frequent for civic, scholastic, athletic, and religious accomplishments; retirement;weddings; birthdays; anniversaries; etc. Reference letters are common throughout. These include letters of recommendation for job and appointment seekers, students wishing to get into law school or other programs, the LDS Church wishing to expand into other countries, awards nominations, adoptions, Republican candidate endorsements, etc. Welcome letters were extended to groups meeting in Utah, particularly if the Governor could not appear in person. Letters of condolence were regularly sent at deaths, both for public figures and personal acquaintances.

Economic development was a common theme in outgoing correspondence. There are letters following his Far East, European, and Mexico trips which follow through on individual contacts made. Other letters encourage American companies to relocate or expand in Utah. Defense cuts which affected Utah bases were protested. Bringing the Olympics to Utah generated letters, as did Governor Bangerter's position as chair of the Interstate OilCompact Commission.

Several letters explain the governor's position on pending legislative action, including taxation and budget issues. Letters regarding his position on the Andrews execution also appear. Several letters appear regarding the National Guard in the Persian Gulf. The Singer-Swapp standoff in Marion, Utah was the topic of several letters, including one written directly to Vikie Singer.