Legislators Keep Top Leaders

None by KCPW

Washington, Utah and Davis Counties Could See Advantages

(KCPW News) In a secret-ballot late Friday, members of both the Utah House and Senate elected to make no change in their top leadership spots. For the Republicans, House Speaker Greg Curtis and Senate President Jon Valentine will remain on the dais. But the number two spot in both bodies changed.

President Valentine will be backed by Senator Curt Bramble of Utah County at Majority Leader.

"Senator Bramble's going to bring an energetic approach to issues," says Valentine.

Bramble ousted the soft-spoken Senator Pete Knudson to win the seat. He is known for his aggressive tactics in advancing his agenda, which included the creation of a driving privilege card for undocumented immigrants.

In the House of Representatives, Dave Clark says he'll be "statesman-like" as Majority Leader.

"Perhaps a little bit more collabortive," says Clark. "I's like to try and build on the positives, build cooperatively with members of the House caucus and the Senate."

Bramble and Clark will be responsible for much of the negotiation in priorities that goes on between the House and Senate. House Democrats elected to keep Ralph Becker as Minority Leader and Senator Mike Dmitrich keeps the same spot in the Senate.

Geographic Advantages?

Three counties could see their needs move up in the list of priorities on Utah's Capitol Hill as a result of changes in legislative leadership. For the first time in years, Washington County has one of it's own in the number-two spot for the House majority.

"I think it's good for Washington County to have a voice," says Representative Dave Clark, who edged out fellow Washington County lawmaker Steve Urquhart to become House Majority Leader.

"It is a growing and dynamic part of the state and they need to be able to have their voice heard as well," says Clark of his Washington County constituents.

State Senators now have their top two positions filled by Utah County lawmakers (Senators Jon Valentine and Curt Bramble) and the other two by senators from Davis County. (Senators Dan Eastman and Sheldon Killpack.)

When it comes to prioritizing funding for roads and other needs, having representatives in leadership can be an advantage for counties.

Email to a friendPosted in KCPW Newsroom and Legislative Coverage. Copyright 2008 KCPW