SALT LAKE CITY – Gov. Gary R. Herbert has nominated Sen. John Valentine as chair of the Utah Tax Commission.

“Sen. Valentine is a leading advocate in the Senate for sound tax policy and an outstanding public servant who will do a great job leading the Tax Commission,” Herbert said. “He’s a well-respected tax attorney who has authored a number of the tax laws the commission will carry out. He is an honorable man and the ideal choice to serve in this position.”

Valentine specializes in tax law at Howard, Lewis & Petersen in Provo, Utah, where he is a managing shareholder. He has served in the Utah Legislature since September 1988, when he was appointed to the House of Representatives by then Gov. Norm Bangerter. He served 10 years in the House including stints as chair of the Rules and Executive Appropriations committees as well as majority whip before he was appointed to the Senate in 1998 by then Gov. Mike Leavitt. Valentine served as senate president from November 2004 to December 2008.

“I am excited to face the challenges that come with being appointed chair of the Utah State Tax Commission,” Valentine said. “Commission Chair Johnson has done a professional and quality job in performing the very difficult tasks of administering the tax laws of the state of Utah. I hope to be able to fill that role and fairly administer the tax laws passed by the Legislature.”

Valentine will replace outgoing Chair Bruce Johnson who served 16 years on the Tax Commission and four years as chair.

“On behalf of all Utahns, I want to thank Bruce for his dedicated and skillful service over the past 16 years,” Herbert said. “He is nationally recognized as a leading expert in tax policy and we have been fortunate to have him in this important role.”

Valentine’s appointment is subject to approval by the Utah Senate.

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