"We talked about how surreal this whole experience has been," he explained.
Hours later, the 36-year-old Republican was shuffling between offices, getting cornered for meetings and trying to digest the political tidal wave that had washed his boss, Nancy Workman, temporarily from office - thrusting him into the limelight.
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"This is a hell of a life experience," he said.
No longer deputy mayor - where he was Workman's political arm for nearly four years - Dayton sounded the tone of reformer. "I don't see this as an opportunity," he told Clerk Sherrie Swensen during Tuesday's swearing-in, "I see it as a responsibility."
Don't expect "Dayton" emblazoned across county doors and signs or any bold pronouncements. In fact, the former aide to Sen. Bob Bennett has no plans to even move into his boss's office. He will huddle soon with county department heads and division directors to restore order in an office riddled by scandal.
"I still see this as Mayor Workman's administration," he said in an interview. "But I want to make sure things are done right."
During his first address to the County Council, Dayton said he would like to see a sense of stability, security and peace in the time leading up to the Nov. 2 election.
Yet, some changes are in store. Dayton expects no new hires, but does plan to shuffle key staff members to "surround myself with people who will give me the best advice." His top advisers probably will differ from Workman's.
A lawyer - Dayton earned a law degree from Brigham Young University after getting a bachelor's degree in political science from Weber State University - he also intends to implement "everything I can" from an independent investigative panel's expected report on county vehicle abuses.
And, in a conciliatory gesture, the newly appointed head of the state's second largest government called on the County Council to impart "any wisdom you may have."
During his college years, Dayton held top positions with the College Republicans. In his 20s, he ran a legislative campaign for political newcomer Pat Butler and later worked for Bennett, including a stint in Washington.
In 1997, he joined the county's payroll as projects specialist and quickly rose to staff counsel to the County Commission. When the new form of government replaced the commission, Workman named Dayton as her top lieutenant. He has spent the majority of his tenure as deputy mayor, lobbying for the county at the Legislature and other governmental agencies.
Dayton is married to Kat Boden Dayton - a spokeswoman for the House Republican Caucus - and the couple have a 1-year-old boy, Zeke.
Despite his rising-star status, Dayton insists he has no plans after the election, going so far as to say he has "no expectation" to have a job at the county if Workman fails to win a second term. As for seeking office on his own? "I'm not even thinking about that right now."
Meanwhile, as Tuesday's political fallout crashed in the boyish Republican's lap, Dayton lauded many of Workman's works. Besides the recycling program, curb-side cleanup and creation of a county fire authority, which he called "big accomplishments," he praised Workman's hold-the-line-on-taxes policy.
During his short time as acting mayor, Dayton expects the budget, Salt Palace expansion and reauthorization of the popular Zoo, Arts and Parks (ZAP) tax, to be top priorities.
But he acknowledged it will be tougher now, while operating on the inside.
"It's a harder place to be," he said. "It's unpleasant to make decisions that affect people's lives that determine winners and losers."
Nevertheless, the new mayor whisked his suit coat off a hook and rushed out the door Tuesday afternoon when the intercom sounded his first meeting.
Alan Dayton has a county to run.
djensen@sltrib.com
The independent Citizen Review Panel looking into Salt Lake County's practices and procedures for vehicle use will take public comment today from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in Room N2003 at the County Government Center, 2001 S. State St., Salt Lake City. Panel member Vern Della-Piana will listen to the comments from interested residents, who will each be given five minutes. Written comments also will be accepted.
Alan Dayton
Age: 36
Experience: Salt Lake County deputy mayor since 2001; aide to Sen. Bob Bennett in Washington; interned for Rep. Jim Hansen.
l Education: Law degree, Brigham Young University. Bachelor's degree in political science, Weber State University.
l Family: Wife, Kat Boden Dayton, and a 1-year-old son, Zeke, live in Salt Lake City.
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