Rep. Bill Orton, D-Utah, has hired a Republican as his new press secretary and business liaison.
He hired Stephen N. Sheffield, who like Orton is a tax attorney. Sheffield is also a real estate developer who hosted the Salt Lake Parade of Homes for three years at his Hidden Oaks development.While appointing a Republican may surprise some, Orton said, "I'm not a partisan politician - I'm interested in having people on my staff who can get the job done."
Sheffield will also work as Orton's liaison with Utah businesses. "I can't think of anyone in the Utah business community who could give me better insight into how decisions made in Congress will affect Utah's banking and real estate industries," Orton said.
Sheffield - who has degrees in finance and law from Brigham Young University - started real estate development as a hobby, building his first home while in law school. He has since built 60 custom homes and developed 200 building lots.
Sheffield will work out of Orton's West Valley City office.