* Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert knows Utah better than any other elected official. He is unique in that he understands and cares about the state as a whole as well as the individuals and issues unique to various regions.
* House Speaker Greg Curtis is often referred to as Utah's Tom DeLay, but that is largely unfair. He is a strong and feisty leader who never backs down from a fight.
* I have known Sen. Orrin Hatch since I was 3 years old, so I admit to wearing rose-colored glasses when it comes to evaluating him. He is a uniquely gifted man who has been a tireless and effective advocate for Utah and the principles that most Utahns hold dear.
* Rep. Jim Matheson has done a tremendous job representing his district and provides the best constituent service of perhaps any congressman in the country. He has taken a strong leadership role for moderation and consensus building as a Blue Dog Democrat within the new Democratic House.
* Former Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson was a very bright and driven public servant who, unfortunately, let his ego and ideology occasionally distort his vision of his city's and state's best interests.
* Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker is a breath of fresh air after Rocky. His more subdued, less confrontational manner has been the perfect start for what I think will be a more quietly effective administration.
* Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon joked that he liked the description the media gave him as boring but effective. I agree with the effective, and actually find some of his proposals and innovations fascinating. His approach to government and management will have a long-lasting impact on Utah.
