In his inaugural speech as Utah's 16th governor, Huntsman, a newcomer to elected politics, vowed to make changes in the traditional ways Utah has been governed. To do things differently in order to make improvements is a promise voters have heard before. But many politicians find change is perhaps the most difficult thing to accomplish, no matter how fervent the new leader or how desperate the need.

The process of government and the competing interests of its players discourage change. Innovation - Huntsman has promised new and better ways to expand the economy and create jobs - involves new ways of thinking, and that is often a hard sell. Voters, other elected officials, and perhaps most of all, the legislators who make the laws and mind the purse strings, are all resistant to unproven strategies.

Huntsman also promised that his proposals for change will not be influenced by "personal ambition or political need." He said he will use all the political capital he now possesses as Utah's new governor, if that is required, to strengthen the economy, improve education and shore up the state's infrastructure in the coming four years.

That, too, is a promise that becomes increasingly difficult for the newly inaugurated to keep in spite of sterling intentions on inauguration day. We don't doubt Huntsman's sincerity in pledging to expend all his influence, if necessary, in his first term. But we won't be surprised if the new governor finds he needs - and wants - more than four years at the helm.

Huntsman based much of his vision for change in Utah on economic expansion. He continued a consistent campaign theme that his "single-minded resolve" is to create jobs and strengthen Utah's economic base. Education, health care, better transportation and other infrastructure all depend on that base, he reiterated.

As governor-elect, he kept specific plans to himself except to say they will be new and different. He was no more explicit Monday. He continued to stress that his programs will involve much open-mindedness and some risk.

Huntsman believes his optimism will become a hallmark of his administration. He said he sees the world and the country as "opportunity rich," the state as a potential leader in such areas as biotechnology, aerospace and communication and local communities as providers of an enviable quality of life.

On this first working day of the new Huntsman administration, we share in his hope for a "new day," while recognizing that deeds, not mere words, are the means to that end.