Cragun confirmed by Senate

Michael Cragun was confirmed Wednesday as a state tax commissioner by the Senate, 22-5.

Sen. Howard Stephenson, R-Draper, said he voted against the appointment because Cragun lacked an extensive tax background.

"My concern is about the makeup of the commission and the entitlement I believe taxpayers have when they appear before the commission," Stephenson said.

Cragun, who has served as a Davis County commissioner and as then-Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert's deputy chief of staff, received a favorable recommendation Tuesday by a Senate confirmation committee.

The chairman of that committee, Senate Majority Assistant Whip Wayne Niederhauser, R-Sandy, told the Senate he, too, had been concerned about Cragun's experience.

But Niederhauser said he became convinced Cragun met the requirements of the post after hearing testimony about his experience administering election law in the lieutenant governor's office.

Cragun, appointed to a four-year term, will replace the commission's retiring chairwoman, Pam Hendrickson.

— Lisa Riley Roche