In spite of outspoken opposition from the Utah Taxpayers Association, Michael Cragun -- Gov. Gary Herbert's pick for state tax commissioner -- appears to be well on his way to securing the job.
In a 4-to-1 vote, the Senate Revenue and Taxation Confirmation Committee voted Tuesday to approve Cragun for full Senate confirmation today.
The lone no-vote was Sen. Howard Stephenson, R-Draper, president of the Utah Taxpayers Association.
In its November newsletter, the association blasted Cragun -- an attorney -- saying he lacked basic knowledge of tax law and also possessed a "motivating incentive" to raise taxes.
As Davis County commissioner, Cragun proposed raising property taxes 138 percent in order to finance a new jail. After losing re-election, he later became deputy chief of staff to then-Lt. Gov. Herbert and oversaw elections while states scurried to comply with the federal Help America Vote Act.
"You're viewed as a taxer, a hanging judge willing to impose a 138 percent tax increase -- which I've never seen anywhere," Stephenson told Cragun during the Capitol Hill hearing. "Some might be frightened coming to you for an appeal."
Cragun's response was that the State Tax Commission's job is to "collect the right amount of tax," and that his role with the state would be quite different from that of county commissioner.
Several present at Tuesday's hearing praised Cragun, including some who mentioned his habit of citing state election law from memory and keeping the written statute conveniently handy at all times.
If Cragun wins confirmation today, he will step into the slot vacated by Pam Hendrickson, who retires after serving on the Commission since 1997.
The board is made up of four full-time members, each of whom serves four-year terms and can be reappointed without limit. A tax commissioner's annual salary is $112,971.
In an e-mail explaining Herbert's selection, spokeswoman Angie Welling praised Cragun's unique qualifications.
"Governor Herbert has experienced firsthand Michael's keen legal mind and attention to detail," Welling said, "both of which will enable him to implement the laws as passed by the Utah Legislature."
