Utah Executive Branch News

Dept. of Commerce Appoints New Director to Division of Public Utilities

2007-10-19T19:21:04+00:00

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah - Francine A. Giani, Executive Director of the Utah Department of Commerce, announced today that Jeffrey P. Millington has been selected as the new Director of the Division of Public Utilities (DPU). The appointment was facilitated by the recent move by former DPU Director, Constance B. White, to a new position as Program Director with the Western Renewable Energy Generation Information System (WREGIS).

"The State of Utah is fortunate to attract a person of the caliber of Jeffrey Millington. His engineering and MBA degrees, together with his many years of industry experience, uniquely qualify him to direct the Division of Public Utilities during these changing and challenging times. Jeff's understanding how utilities plan and operate will prove invaluable in performance of the Division's statutory mandate to "promote the safe, healthy, reliable, efficient and reliable operation of all public utilities" and to "provide for just, reasonable and adequate rates, charges, classifications, rules, regulations, practices and services of public utilities," said Francine A. Giani, Executive Director of the Utah Department of Commerce.

"Connie White has been an invaluable part of state government for 24 years," said Francine A. Giani, "She has been a great leader, colleague and friend. We are sad to see her go but wish her continued success in her new job."

About Jeffrey Millington

Jeffrey Millington has held the following positions with Questar Gas since 1989; Gas Production Coordinator, System Engineer, Design Engineer, Marketing Engineer, Commercial & Industrial Account Manager, Gas Supply Engineer, and Senior Industrial Engineer. He previously worked for American Express from 1985 - 1989 as a Senior Operations Research Analyst and Industrial Engineer. Millington also taught Business Calculus and Statistics classes at Salt Lake Community College from 1990-1991. He holds a Masters of Business Administration from Utah State University and a Bachelors of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Utah. Jeffrey Millington is married and resides in Salt Lake City, Utah.

About Constance B. White

Constance B. White held the following positions with Utah Department of Commerce since 1984; Director of the Division of Public Utilities, Executive Director of the Department of Commerce, Director of the Division of Securities, and Legal Counsel to the Department. White also served as a Commissioner with the Public Service Commission from 1995 - 2005.

About the Division of Public Utilities: The Division promotes the public interest in utility regulation and works to assure that all customers of regulated gas, electric, telephone and water utilities have access to safe, reliable service at reasonable rates. The Division supports the Utah Public Service Commission (PSC) in all matters within the PSC's jurisdiction.

Utah Man Faces Criminal Charges for taking $150k from Utah Investor

2006-10-18T20:11:11+00:00

"Victim promised 10% return on government contracts, loses money in scam"

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah - The Division of Securities and the Attorney General's Office announced today that criminal charges have been filed against Bennie Smith Jr., of Salt Lake City. Smith faces three second degree felony charges for securities fraud and theft along with two third degree felony charges for sales of an unregistered security by an unlicensed broker-dealer or agent. Division investigators allege Bennie Smith Jr. solicited $150,000 from one investor to use for government contracts that turned out to be fake and spent much of the investor's money on personal bills. Charges were filed by the Utah Attorney Generals Office in Third District Court On August 22, 2006. To date, law enforcement officials are still seeking Bennie Smith's arrest.

"Bennie Smith Jr. convinced the victim this investment was secure," said Wayne Klein, Director of the Division of Securities, "If the investor had checked him out with the Division of Securities a costly lesson could have been avoided."

According to charging documents, Smith approached the investor in 2001 with the promise of a 10% return on promissory notes for his company, Blacksmith Management Group, which allegedly performed contract work for government and military facilities. Smith told the investor her $166,000 deposit would be secured by real estate Smith owned in Salt Lake City. The investor gave Smith a cashier's check for $166,000 and was paid back all but $32,000 on her investment, which she then agreed to roll into a new promissory note. In March 2002, Smith called the investor saying his company was awarded a secret government contract and he needed $8000 to purchase a trailer and computers. Smith said her deposit would be secured by his real estate in Las Vegas valued at $2.5 million. The investor turned over a cashiers check for $8000 on March 22nd which was deposited into Smith's account. Over the next three months, the investor sent Smith two additional investments totaling $35,000. In October 2002, Smith gave the investor a promissory note for $75,000 and a deed of trust to the Las Vegas property. In January 2004, Smith told the investor he had acquired a contract in Florida to make 50,000 doors and needed $75,000 to buy manufacturing equipment. The investor sent Smith a check for $75,000 and was given another promissory note.

To date the investor has not received any return on her $150,000 investment. Smith failed to disclose to the investor that his $2.5 million dollar property in Las Vegas had over $1,260,000 in liens against it and that he was not licensed to sell securities in Utah. The Las Vegas property was sold in foreclosure and the investor received no proceeds from the sale.

"Con artists beware! The Attorney General's Office and the Division of Securities will tag team against you and make sure you pay for your crimes," said Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff.

Investors are urged to contact the Division of Securities to make sure anyone offering investments is licensed, by calling (801) 530.6600, toll free at 1.800.721.7233 or logging on to www.securities.utah.gov.

Defendants are presumed to be innocent unless they enter a guilty plea or are found guilty in a court of law.

50th Anniversary of the Interstate System

2006-06-16T18:22:42+00:00

SALT LAKE CITY - UDOT is celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Interstate System by hosting a farewell event for members of the commemorative convoy from the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO).

What: AASHTO has organized a coast-to-coast convoy, featuring approximately 20 trucks, buses, recreational vehicles and cars, to travel along Interstate 80 to commemorate the original convoy of Lt. Col. Dwight Eisenhower in 1919.

The convoy will enter Salt Lake City on the evening of Saturday, June 17th to meet with local transportation professionals. The convoy departs on Monday, June 19th.

Speakers: Gov. Jon M. Huntsman, Jr., UDOT Executive Director John Njord, Idaho Department of Transportation Executive Director David Ekern

Photo-op: Governor Huntsman will ride his motorcycle with the UHP motorcycle troopers to lead the 20-vehicle convoy from Sugarhouse Park onto eastbound I-80.

Other motorcycle participants: John Njord, UDOT Executive Director Robert Flowers, Public Safety Commissioner Speaker Greg Curtis 25 UHP motorcycle troopers

When: June 19, 2006 8:15 a.m.

Where:
Sugarhouse Park
West Hills Terrace
2100 South 1300 East
Salt Lake City, UT

In 1919, Eisenhower traveled from Washington, D.C. to San Francisco. The difficult trip took over two months and was his inspiration for the interstate highway system. As President, Eisenhower signed the legislation making the interstates a reality on June 29, 1956. The convoy will reach Washington, D.C. on June 29th to celebrate the anniversary of the 1956 Federal-aid Highway Act.

National Search by Advisory Group to Seek Head of Committee of Consumer Services

2006-05-01T15:31:30+00:00

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah - Francine Giani, Executive Director of the Utah Department of Commerce, announced today that at the request of Governor Jon M. Huntsman, Jr., an advisory panel and search committee has been put in place and tasked with undertaking a national effort to find a staff director for the Utah Committee of Consumer Services (CCS).

"We are anxious to move this process forward," stated Mike Mower, Deputy Chief of Staff for Governor Jon Huntsman, Jr. "The Director of the Committee of Consumer Services has an important role and specific charge to advocate for Utah utility ratepayers."

"With rising electric and natural gas rates being such a national issue affecting the pocketbooks of citizens in every state, it behooves us to expand our search for a qualified candidate," said Giani. "We owe it to the Committee of Consumer Services and every Utahn to find someone who can hit the ground running."

Established in 1977, the Committee is Utah's utility consumer advocate, representing residential, small community and agricultural consumers of natural gas, electricity and telephone service mainly before the Utah Public Service Commission.

Giani will serve as the chairman of the CCS Search Committee and will be joined by Dr. Laura Nelson, the Governor's Energy Advisor and a former CCS staff member; Claire Geddes, consumer advocate; DeeJay Hammon, present chairman of the CCS; Utah State Senator Karen Hale, (D), Salt Lake County; Utah State Representative J. Stuart Adams, (R), Davis County; and Scott Gutting, President of Energy Strategies, Salt Lake City.

As part of the nationwide search, the Search Committee will oversee the recruitment by placing a job announcement in utility industry professional journals, newsletters, and websites. Interested candidates should send their resumes to the Department of Commerce, 160 East 300 South, P.O. Box 846701, Salt Lake City, Utah 84114.

For more information please contact Mike Mower, 801-541-1981 or Francine Giani, 801-971-8130.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission 2006 Drum Major Awards Luncheon

2006-01-13T16:51:20+00:00

Who:
The commission takes this opportunity to recognize those individuals in our community who demonstrate a commitment to Dr. King's ideology. Speakers include:
The Honorable Governor Jon M. Huntsman, Jr., guest speaker
Yvette D. Diaz, executive director, Department of Community and Culture
Thurl Bailey, keynote speaker

When:
Friday, January 13, 2006 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Where: Utah Cultural Celebration Center
1355 West 3100 South, West Valley City

Note:
Honorees include:
-Adopt-A-School of the Year, North Star Elementary
-Community Based Organization of the Year, Utah Issues Center for Poverty and Research
-Volunteer of the Year, Pamela Atkinson and Pastor France Davis
-Teacher of the Year, Dovie Goodwin
-Special Recognition for Outstanding Service Award, Representative Duane Bourdeaux
-Adopt-A-School Sponsor, State Farm Insurance
-Corporate Sponsor, American Express

Amber alert reunion young brothers to see couple receive special award

2006-01-12T21:02:18+00:00

Who:
Elaine Runyan-Simmons and members of the Utah AMBER Alert Advisory Committee; award recipients Mike Butcher and Chasity Angell; Tyler and Steven Morton, the two brothers who were the focus of a recent AMBER Alert; Judy Cline, their custodial grandmother; and law enforcement officers involved in the alert.

What:
The Rachael Runyan Award will be presented to the Ivins couple who responded to an AMBER Alert and helped police safely recover 2 young brothers who had been abducted. This will be the first time that the children will have the opportunity to meet and thank the couple and others involved in the AMBER Alert. The award presentation is being made on the 10th Anniversary of AMBER Alerts. An announcement will also be made to tell Utah children about a national poster contest which focuses on "Bringing Our Children Home." The winning artist will be awarded at a celebration in Washington, DC, along with his or her parents and teacher on May 25, National Missing Children's Day.

When:
10:00 a.m., Friday, January 13, 2005

Where:
Attorney General's Office, East State Capitol Building-Suite 320, Salt Lake City

See a movie and help a mentor

2006-01-12T20:59:42+00:00

Who:
Attorney General Mark Shurtleff, Chair of the Board of Directors for the Utah Mentoring Partnership.

What:
Attorney General Mark Shurtleff and the Utah Mentoring Partnership will host the second annual movie fundraiser to help low-income families, at-risk youth, single mothers and others involved with mentoring programs across the state. Donors are invited to attend a complimentary breakfast and a private screening of the inspirational movie "Glory Road."

When:
Saturday, January 14 Continental Breakfast at 9:15 a.m. "Glory Road " begins at 10:00 a.m.

Where:
Jordan Commons, 9400 South State Street, Sandy, Utah

Notes:
Tickets are being sold for $10 each and are available at the door or by calling Dave Johnson at 538-1357. Special thanks to our donors Larry H. Miller Group, Bonneville International, Prosper Inc., Unspam, Nu Skin Enterprises, Ray Quinney & Nebeker, O.C. Tanner, Ultradent, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, KUTV, City Weekly, Boyer Company, and Utah Association of Realtors . More information about the Utah Mentoring Partnership is available at www.utahmentors.org.

Former Associate Counsel to the Utah Legislature Named New Head of Consumer Protection

2005-12-22T21:12:10+00:00

"Role at Legislature saw new Division head draft many of the laws he'll now enforce."

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah -- Francine Giani, Executive Director of the Utah Department of Commerce, announced today that a former Associate General Counsel to the Utah State Legislature, Thad LeVar, will become the new Director of the Utah Division of Consumer Protection.

A former public school teacher in Arkansas and Texas, LeVar holds degrees in secondary education, music performance, and law from Arkansas State University and Brigham Young University. Since April of 2004 he has worked for the Division of Consumer Protection as an Administrative Hearing Officer. Before coming to the Division, LeVar was an Associate General Counsel to the Utah State Legislature where he drafted legislation in numerous subject areas, including many of the laws enforced by the Division.

"The wealth of experience Thad brings to this position with his knowledge of laws put in place to protect the citizens of Utah as consumers is invaluable and something that lets him hit the ground running," said Giani. "His work at the Legislature in helping elected officials draft the laws specific to Consumer Protection makes him a perfect fit to head the Division."

As Administrative Hearing Officer for the Division, LeVar has served as presiding officer for administrative hearings, drafted administrative orders and administrative rules, coordinated Division responses to Legislative issues, testified before Legislative committees, and corresponded with legislators and lobbyists on behalf of the Division.

As a regulatory agency, Consumer Protection regulates and enforces a variety of laws relating to consumer issues in Utah. The Division also provides education to consumers through press releases, news media, and presentations to schools, community groups and businesses and through the publication of brochures. The Division also provides registration for business opportunities, charities, credit service organizations, health spa facilities, personal introduction services, professional fundraisers/fundraising consultants and telemarketers. For more information about the Utah Division of Consumer Protection go to www.dcp.utah.gov.

An active member of the Utah State Bar, LeVar graduated from the J. Reuben Clark Law School of Brigham Young University. LeVar and his wife, Yvonne, make their home in Tooele with their son, David.

Utah Sees Dramatic Increase in Values from Oil, Gas, Minerals and Coal; Governor Huntsman Encouraged by Economic Development Potential

2005-12-21T16:50:33+00:00

Salt Lake City, Utah -- The Utah Division of Oil, Gas and Mining is predicting a 50-percent increase in the production sales values of the state's extractive industries. "In 2004, the total value for oil, gas, minerals and coal was $4.2 billion," said John Baza, OGM Division Director. "For 2005, our projections indicate that number will jump to $6.3 billion."

"Much of the excess revenue in the state's budget is attributable to the recent robust activity in the extractive industries," said Utah Governor Jon M. Huntsman, Jr. "The collection of severance taxes and mineral lease monies far exceeded estimates, which assisted our efforts to bolster funding for education, transportation and other key initiatives."

Utah's job growth rate for natural resources employment (which consists primarily of extractive industry jobs) has been very strong in 2005. In November, natural resources had the biggest percentage increase over the same period in 2004. "It's important to note that those figures don't even include the jobs in the construction industry associated with building the facilities needed for the drilling of more than 800 new oil and gas wells this year," said Baza. Additionally, the average cost of drilling and equipping each new oil or gas well is approximately $2 million. Those capital investments made by the extractive industries are also important economic drivers for local economies along with the aforementioned increase in production values. The state will set another new record in 2005 for the number of well permits approved by OGM. With the current level of industry activity, there will be 1,600 applications approved for calendar year 2005.

According to the Department of Workforce Services, the monthly average wage for mining in Utah is $4,609, which is 75-percent higher than the statewide average for all industries. "Mining continues to be an important engine of growth for Utah. These jobs are safer, higher paying and offer steady employment," said Governor Huntsman. "Mining brings greatly needed, positive economic development to our more rural, non-metropolitan areas of the state."

Though the production sales values for 2006 will depend on a number of economic factors including the pricing of various commodities, Baza said he would not be surprised to see the number reach $7 billion. He said most of the increase would take place in the oil and gas industries. He also stated there is potential for growth in the oil shale, tar sands and uranium industries, which could further boost the figures for coming years.

Senate Response to the Governor's Budget Recommendation

2005-12-09T21:57:24+00:00

Lyle Hillyard, Senate Chair of the Executive Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement today on behalf of the Utah Senate Majority:

"We are impressed and grateful for the current success of Utah's economy. A number of factors, including prudent state fiscal policies have resulted in a budget surplus - for which we are very thankful. It appears we will have more funds this year than anyone anticipated.

"We look forward to the implementation of tax reform, including significant tax cuts, without harming infrastructure, schools, or other state priorities.

"We also anticipate being able to spend more on the WPU and public education salaries.

"At the same time, we recommend a cautious, deliberative approach. We understand the dynamics of boom and bust cycles. We've been through this before. We are acutely aware that much of the state's new money has come from fairly volatile sources, such as severance tax, corporate finance tax, and capital gains tax.

"We applaud the hard work of Governor Huntsman and his staff, particularly their emphasis on education, transportation and economic development. We appreciate his effort to take care of state employees while holding down the state FTE count.

"William Sloan Coffin said, 'It is one thing to say with the prophet Amos, 'Let justice roll down like mighty waters, and quite another to work out the irrigation system.'

"Starting next Wednesday, the Utah Legislature will be working out the irrigation system. We'll take a hard look at the numbers and craft a tax cut and budget plan that will serve the state well.

"We encourage citizens to be fully informed, and actively engaged in the policy-making process."