Gov. Jon Huntsman’s State of the State address last month did exactly what it was supposed to do — and then some. Huntsman stuck to the traditional script by elaborating on budget priorities, but also managed to convey some higher points: the need for more civic-mindedness, the importance of ethics, and a general sense of optimism about Utah’s long-term future despite present economic hardships.

Tooele Mayor Patrick Dunlavy’s State of the City address last week was similarly effective in communicating the past successes and future challenges of the city, along with much of the same sense of long-term optimism the governor expressed. Dunlavy gave a clear account of the fiscal realities facing the city, but also mentioned projects he’d like to move forward when economic conditions allow.

These two speeches by the leaders of Utah and Tooele show why it’s time for the Tooele County Commission to begin delivering an annual State of the County address.

Annual ‘State of...’ addresses are not mere speechmaking for speechmaking’s sake. They accomplish several very worthwhile functions. First, they give elected leaders an opportunity to speak directly to their constituency and have that message broadcast to a wide audience via the media. Second, they provide a single occasion for those officials to not only give a year-end report but to chart out a course for the future — both potential challenges to be faced and initiatives that could be a boon. Third, and most importantly, they allow ordinary citizens to know how their leaders see the current state of affairs, and to hear what plans those leaders have for the future.

The current county commissioners have generally done a good job communicating with the public via their weekly meetings, by talking with individual citizens and by speaking openly with the Transcript-Bulletin and other media outlets. But these efforts would be greatly augmented by instituting an annual State of the County address. This ‘big picture’ speech would likely reach more county residents than any other message the commissioners could deliver. And it would give residents a clear accounting of what was happening in county government.

There are good reasons why everyone from the president of the United States to the governor of Utah to the mayor of Tooele chooses to deliver an annual address to the people. We urge the Tooele County Commission to consider emulating those examples.