How he was awestruck at taking charge of a $900 million state retirement system that now tops $15 billion. How his wife was 8 1/2 months pregnant during his first inauguration with their third and last child - who is now in law school. How he manages an $8 billion budget.
Here's another one, this for the history books: Alter participated in his seventh inauguration Monday. His swearing-in makes him the state's longest serving statewide elected official. When his term is up, Alter will have served 28 years.
He also has the second-longest record of continuous service of any current state treasurer in the country, according to the National Association of State Treasurers. He is right behind Grady Patterson of South Carolina, who has 33 years in office, 29 of them before a five-year break and subsequent return to office.
After witnessing the swearing-in of Gov. Jon Huntsman, Jr. - the fifth governor Alter will work with - the 63-year-old Alter said Monday that this term will probably be his last. In 2008, he qualifies for full retirement benefits.
His final term's main thrust, he says, will be to promote financial literacy.
The state's ignominious title of having the most bankruptcy filings per household pains Alter, who has been interested in money since he was a child. The banking and finance major and certified public accountant balances his family checkbook and wants to help Utahns do the same.
He says a to-be-unveiled state Web site will explain interest rates, life insurance and mortgages. There will be sections to help widows, the elderly, singles and students.
Alter says he didn't seek to make history. He was elected in 1980 at age 39 after working as the University of Utah's treasurer. Every inauguration since has been exciting, but he can't forget the first. His wife, Pat, was close to giving birth and as the two walked down the stairs of the Capitol rotunda, Alter smiled to the crowds and whispered to his wife, "Hold on tight. Whatever you do, don't trip and fall."
During his tenure, the Legislature imposed term limits and Alter says he was "OK with that." But then lawmakers lifted the 12-year limit and Alter says he has continued to feel he has more to offer Utahns.
Former Congressman Merrill Cook helped usher in the short-lived term limits and he still believes in them. Cook said Monday that while Alter is a "fine guy," no one should serve for seven terms.
"It's just wrong to have anybody serve in that kind of office for as long as he's served. This may not be a problem with Ed Alter, but somebody else getting into that office serving six or seven terms, the potential for corruption with the fiduciary officer in the state is much higher than for somebody else in a different position," Cook says.
Alter says his office has checks to prevent problems. He adds he would vote for a seven-time governor if he were doing a good job. Alter says he believes politicians should be elected for their experience and capability, not just because they offer change.
"I understand some people believe more turnover is appropriate. I hope I'm able to serve with skill, honor and dignity," he says.
As for the record he holds, Alter doesn't often raise the subject. "It just makes me sound old."
hmay@sltrib.com
