The SLOC named Mitt Romney as its new president
yesterday and the board "experienced a largely symbolic
reorganization designed ... to put the scandalous past to
rest," according to Mike Gorrell of the SALT LAKE TRIBUNE.
While Romney was named to the top post, resignations "were
accepted from three high-profile members -- Verl Topham,
Alan Layton and Earl Holding." The resignations came as
part of a "new code of ethics that toughens conflict-of-
interest rules." The new management committee "reflects
expanded government involvement in Olympic preparations," as
the board agreed to hold open meetings and open its records,
"except where proprietary information is involved" (SALT
LAKE TRIBUNE, 2/12). Romney said he would resign from the
board of The Sports Authority and "if necessary," from the
Marriott board. Romney also vowed the SLOC would meet its
budget: "I will not spend more money than we bring in. No
way. No shortfall is acceptable." He will defer his
$285,000 annual salary "until after the Games are over and
we have made clear we have paid our way." Romney: "The
managers have messed up big-time, but the athletes haven't.
... The few sometimes disappoint, but the many get it
right." Romney's wife, Ann, said, "He loves emergencies and
catastrophes. He would never have considered doing it if it
wasn't a big mess" (BOSTON GLOBE, 2/12). A SALT LAKE
TRIBUNE editorial calls yesterday's transactions the SLOC's
"first step toward recovery" (SALT LAKE TRIBUNE, 2/12).
