Utah Governor Speaks to Park City Realtors

Governor Gary Herbert, a former real estate agent himself, speaks with Park City Board of Realtors.

Gov. Gary Herbert assured Park City real estate agents Thursday that he knows what they're going through and he's trying to help. A former broker, Herbert reminded a ballroom full of agents at Canyons how difficult it was to be in the industry during Utah's recession in the 1980s. "I have the scars to prove it," he said.

But Utah's economy is growing three times faster than the national average and that will return stability to the marketplace.

"I've never been more optimistic about our future," he said.

Herbert spent the majority of his time explaining his philosophy of how personal property rights and limited government support a strong economy and personal freedom. "I'm a better governor because I was a Realtor," he said. "Private property rights are the basis for freedom." The experience showed him the damage tight government regulation can do and taught him the importance of supporting small businesses, he said. "If we can get the economy right, everything else takes care of itself," he added. "It's the rising tide that lifts all boats."

As a former president of the Utah Association of Realtors, Herbert said he recognizes the power of the collective voice. He encouraged real estate agents to get involved in politics and support efforts to grow the economy and protect property rights. The country's financial situation is hurting Utah's economy and its real estate market, Herbert acknowledged. But Utah can do its part to help the nation by limiting regulation in the state and setting an example for the nation.

He said his administration is also striving to maintain a low tax rate and the only sector not adding jobs in Utah is government, he added.

"It's not by happenstance that good things are happening in Utah. It's by design," Herbert said.

by Andrew Kirk, THE PARK RECORD
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