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As chair of the Governor's Board of Economic Development (GOED), I would like to address some inaccuracies in the April 25 op-ed submitted by Derek Monson of the Sutherland Institute.

Monson argued that recent troubles at the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) were indicative of a much deeper and systemic "disease" within Utah's economic development entities, all of which must be plagued by "ethics and accountability" issues and, consequently, guilty of "crony capitalism."

While I understand that cynicism exists in our society today, Monson's negative commentary necessitates a reply. It's one thing to have your ideological stance on the role of government and business in society, but it seems prudent to understand all sides of an issue before personally attacking business professionals' character and accusing Utah leaders of losing their moral compass.

Let's clarify a few points:

• Unlike the fiduciary, governing board of the UTA, the GOED board is an advisory board. It consists of business and civic leaders throughout the state representing diverse points of view, industries and political parties.

• Our board members' role is to help attract and keep high-paying jobs in the state and counsel the governor on economic development issues. The board consists of some of the finest and smartest individuals I have known, and they always have Utah's best interest in mind. They are willing to make considerable personal and professional sacrifices to serve the state and therefore they deserve our profound appreciation.

• It is important to note that the board is not authorized to expend or commit any tax funds or incentives. By statute, the board recommends actions to the GOED executive director, who may choose to accept or reject those recommendations. This is an important safeguard instituted by the Legislature. Even if they wanted to (and they don't), GOED board members cannot provide incentives or grants to anyone. Accusations of "crony capitalism" toward board members are simply false.

• Because I believe this point is so important, let me say again: The board controls no purse strings. Its role is advisory.

• From time to time, members of the board may have dealings with a specific company seeking an incentive or grant. When that happens, the board member declares the potential conflict and recuses him/herself from any discussion about the company and must be absent during deliberations involving that company.

• The GOED board operates in an open and transparent process. It meets the second Thursday of each month in a public meeting to discuss potential incentives. Members of the media are typically present at the meeting, as is a member of the Office of the Attorney General's staff to make sure everything is done according to statute. Meeting agendas are posted ahead of time, and minutes are posted after the meeting. Anyone wishing to be part of the process is welcome to participate.

• Finally, Monson focused on the fact that members of the GOED board serve on the Sundance Institute Utah Advisory Board. His stated concern is that GOED gave Sundance nearly $4.5 million between 2010 and 2016, so there obviously must be a conflict. What was not mentioned is that most of those funds were appropriated to Sundance by the Legislature and passed through GOED to the Sundance Institute. The remaining $259,000 was awarded through a competitive application process demonstrating return on investment and voted on by the Utah Office of Tourism Board, which operates independently from the GOED board.

• If any Utahan has concerns about the state making an investment in a world-class international event that generated more than $400 million in economic impact to the state over the past five years, they should first contact their legislators before making accusations about the ethics of GOED's board members or employees who serve on the Sundance Utah Advisory Board.

It is obvious that Utah has found the formula for economic success. That formula may bother some, but the results should only bother our competition.

Bottom line: I cannot think of a better place to live, work and raise a family than Utah. We are fortunate to have both a governor who has been determined to make Utah the best performing state for business in the U.S. and a culture that promotes community service and giving back. The GOED board is a great example of this.

Mel S. Lavitt is the chairman of the Governor's Board of Economic Development.