Diversity in Governor's Cabinet a Concern

None by KCPW

Former Cabinet Member Reacts to Shake-up

(KCPW News) A little over a year ago, Governor Jon Huntsman Junior announced the creation of the Department of Community and Culture to be led by the first Latina member of the Governor's Cabinet. Sylvia Haro soon returned to the private sector and was replaced by Yvette Diaz. Diaz has now resigned and the Governor has appointed a Caucasian man to fill the spot. Haro says that's okay, but she worries about other ramifications of the appointment.

"The Department of Community and Culture doesn't necessarily need to be filled by someone from the minority community," says Haro. "I just would like to see more minority representation in the cabinet and other high levels in government to reflect the way the state is put together."

Haro says she knows Palmer DePaulis - the Governor's pick to lead the Department of Community and Culture - and she thinks the former Salt Lake City mayor will do a fine job. With Diaz's departure, there are just four women on Huntsman's 20-member cabinet and one African-American appointee. Huntsman says his cabinet will be representative of Utah's increasing diversity.

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