Jon Huntsman, Jr.

Also see Jon Huntsman's answers to a detailed questionnaire on the top issues

Birth date:  March 26, 1960 
Birthplace:  Palo Alto, California
Current city of residence:  Salt Lake City
Family members:  Married Mary Kaye Cooper.  They have six children, including four teenagers.
Education:  Salt Lake public schools, the University of Utah and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania.
Current occupation:  Chairman and CEO of Huntsman Family Holdings Company LLC.
Hobbies/Interests:  Music, raising six teenagers, running, mountain biking, foreign policy, community service.

Using 150 to 200 words, please state your reasons for running for governor. What compels you to take on this tremendous responsibility?

Our state is at a crossroads.  We cannot simply maintain the status quo and expect to meet the challenges immediately before us and on the horizon.   Economic revitalization is the key to Utah’s future.  Without quality, high paying jobs and a strong, vibrant economy, we will be unable to afford a world-class education for our children, fund our growth needs, or preserve our unparalleled quality of life. 

As one who has been active in business, public service and the community, I recognize the legacy left by our forbearers and what it will take to move us successfully into the future.  To secure meaningful results, the next Governor of Utah must be able to “think outside the box,” build coalitions and rise above special interests – I will bring those qualities and commitments to our state government.

As a candidate for governor, what are your key campaign messages?

Economic revitalization.  A stable supply of quality jobs is the centerpiece for my vision of a prosperous Utah.  Good jobs empower families to buy homes and leave them with enough to invest in their own dreams and financial security.  If we are going to afford everything we need for education, infrastructure, and the like, our base of quality, high paying jobs must increase.  To accomplish this, our state’s economy must be highly competitive and attractive for local entrepreneurs, businesses and those who wish to move to Utah.  As governor, I will be an advocate for Utah jobs across America and around the world.

World-class education.  Utah must provide its children a world-class education both as a duty owed to our children and out of economic necessity.  Few states spend a larger percentage of their tax dollars on education than Utah.  Clearly, we are committed to our children.  As governor, I will create a system that uses education dollars effectively while increasing standards and accountability.  I support giving parents choices, starting with the Carson Smith Special Needs Scholarships Bill.  Education dollars must go to classrooms and teachers, not needless bureaucracy and red tape.  Well spent education funds not only help our children develop their unique and God-given talents, but also provide skills and creativity necessary for a prosperous Utah.  Local control of education is fundamental.  I will return control of education to the local school boards and communities by reducing state regulations.

Livable communities.  Utah is faced with unprecedented growth.  Along with that growth is the need for transportation and infrastructure improvement, water resources, parks and recreation, homes, schools and the like.  We must plan now for growth to preserve Utah’s quality of life – which is second to none.

What do you consider to be the top three issues currently facing Utah?  Please list them in order of priority to you and your candidacy and explain why they are important to you and to Utah.

• Economy - we are under performing and must do better to pay for our future.  
• Education – we will do nothing more important than provide a world-class education for the next generation.
• Quality of life – our legacy of “civilization” is as important for our generation as it was for generations past.  This is defined by our quality of life. 

What are your most important business or political accomplishments? How would those accomplishments help you be a more effective governor?

I have enjoyed a successful professional career in business, public service, and in the community.  I have held key management responsibilities in helping to build the Huntsman companies into one of America’s largest and most successful family businesses – a business that was not here 20 years ago and a business that still deals with the struggles and challenges faced by every business.  The state of Utah would benefit greatly from application of common sense business principles which I would bring to Utah’s chief executive office.  Businesses constantly struggle and succeed to do more with less – so should government.  I will bring that mindset to the Governor’s office.
 
During my career at Huntsman, I have been involved in all aspects of a major multi-national corporation that today has sales of ten billion dollars in annual revenue.  Our family business is headquartered in Utah and operates all over the world.  The Huntsman family works hard to build our business and give back to the community.  Effective leadership in any capacity requires the ability to set priorities, establish objectives and develop strategies for achieving those objectives.  I would apply those same principals as Governor as I have done in my business and other pursuits.

I am particularly proud of my service as the first President and CEO of the Huntsman Cancer Foundation, which was responsible for the creation of the Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah – now a leading center for cancer research and care.  Not only do we employ a significant number of people with high paying wages, but we are fighting disease and making a real difference in people’s lives.  I know the value of good jobs.  I have helped create them and I will do the same as Utah’s Governor.

I have had numerous experiences in the business world that have helped to shape and form my views.  The following is a summary of some of capacities in which I have served in business:

Business

• Senior Vice President for International Huntsman Corporation, Vice Chairman
• Huntsman Cancer Foundation, first President and CEO
• Board of Directors, three Fortune 500 Companies
• Huntsman Family Holdings Company LLC, Chairman and CEO

Political

I have always believed that public service is a sacred responsibility and I have devoted much of my life to serving the people of Utah and our country, including in the following capacities:

Reagan Administration

• Special Assistant to the Chairman of the Republican National Committee 
• White House Staff Assistant to the President

 First Bush Administration

• Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Trade Development
• Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for East Asian and Pacific Affairs
• U.S. Ambassador to Singapore (youngest U.S. Ambassador in a century)

 Second Bush Administration

• U.S. Trade Ambassador – Senior U.S. Official responsible for trade negotiations and policy with Asia, South Asia and Africa

Republican Party

• Utah Executive Director of the 1984 Reagan Bush Campaign
• Active in Utah and nationally at leadership levels in the George H. W. Bush, Bob Dole and George W. Bush presidential campaigns
• Elected Utah delegate to three Republican National Conventions

What are your most important civic or community accomplishments or involvements? How would those accomplishments help you be a more effective governor?

I believe every person has a solemn obligation to provide some type of meaningful service to his or her community.  I have had the opportunity to serve in various civic and community capacities, including the following:

• Envision Utah, Chairman
• University of Pennsylvania, Board of Trustees
• Institute for Advanced Study at Princeton
• International Advisory Council of the Singapore Economic Development Board
• San Francisco Federal Reserve Bank, Branch Director
• Intermountain Health Care, board of directors
• University of Utah David Eccles School of Business, advisory board
• Utah State University School of Business, advisory board
• Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, national board of directors
• KSL’s Family Now Campaign, Chairman
• Karl Malone’s Foundation for Kids, board of directors
• Traveler’s Aid Society/Homeless Shelter, advisory board
• YWCA, board of directors
• Utah Opera, Chairman
• Utah Symphony, board of directors
• Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce, board of directors
• ARUP Laboratories, board of directors
• KUED Television, board of directors

Through my civic, community and educational service I have interacted with a wide variety of people on a diverse array of issues.   As Governor my ability to build bridges among diverse interests and get things done will be increased by the credibility and goodwill I believe I have earned through my service in the community.

What skills, talents, and strengths do you have that enhance your ability to be an effective governor?

Utah’s Governor must have multifaceted experience.  The Governor is Utah’s CEO and must know how to be one.  Utah’s Governor must understand education but not be captured by status quo interests.  The Governor must have the credibility, expertise and skills to negotiate with the federal government, other states, foreign nations and private interests in helping to grow our economy and provide for a prosperous future.  Utah’s Governor must be able to “think outside the box,” build coalitions and rise above special interests.  Utah’s next governor must be able to get in any door around the world in pursuit of Utah’s interests.  I have dealt with Heads of State, CEO’s and community leaders and have the skills to build winning coalitions that can make real change.  I believe I will bring these and other abilities to the Office of Governor – more so than any other candidate.

Why do you belong to your political party? Why is your party the right one to lead Utah at this time?

The Republican Party is in harmony with my personal philosophy.  My party stands for, among other things:  Family and traditional values; limited government; personal freedom coupled with individual responsibility and accountability; economic opportunity based on a free market; constitutional government; and, judges that interpret the state and federal constitutions in accordance with original intent – not their personal political preferences.  The Republican Party is about getting back to basics, simplifying our tax code, unburdening the economy from government regulation, educating children not politicizing them, optimistic about the future and trusting in the people – not political elites -- to make their own decisions.