Does Ethics Reform Petition Go Too Far?
One of the major issues, aside from States’ Rights, at the Utah Capitol last year was ethics reform. In an effort to disassociate itself from anything remotely resembling the federal government, Utahns have come together with a petition to enact a bill that would impose tighter restrictions on legislators and make things more transparent. Many Utahns are gung-ho for legislation that would inhibit bribery and ill dealings of lobbyists, allow only qualified candidates, and promote transparency in government. During the 2010 session well over 20 bills and resolutions were introduced with the intent of clarifying campaign finance laws and setting up an ethics reform committee. In the end a lot of bills were passed an lots of reforms were made, but a petition is being circulated bring to the ballot this November a bill that would set up an ethics commission comprised of 20 members that would oversee a wide gamut of government activity.
