Utahns want reform in Legislature

The new poll shows that Utahns back changes that local Democratic Party and minority party legislators propose — even though there is almost no chance that the Republican majority in the Utah House and Senate would change laws as the minority Democrats and citizens wish.

For years, local Democrats have introduced "political reform" bills in the Utah Legislature, only to see them die, sometimes without even a public hearing.

Last week, as part of a nationwide push by the Democratic Party to make ethics reform a major issue with voters this year, Utah Democrats from both the state House and Senate held a press conference in the Capitol to call for more transparency in government.

The press conference was held in conjunction with the unveiling of the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act by Democratic leaders in Congress.

"As always, the Democratic Party is at the forefront of ethical reform and government transparency," said Utah Democratic Party Chairman Wayne Holland.

Democratic legislators have a slew of bills this year dealing with ethics reform.

"Ethics is in such public view," said Rep. Pat Jones, D-Cottonwood Heights, "that now is the time to stop gifts" from lobbyists to lawmakers.

However, Thursday the GOP-controlled House killed an attempt by Jones to ban most gifts valued at more than $5. (Rep. Jones is the wife of Dan Jones and a principal in Dan Jones & Associates. The media outlets write all poll questions; the polling firm conducts and tabulates the surveys.)

Instead, the House passed House Majority Leader Jeff Alexander's bill that would require more disclosure of some gifts valued at $5 or more. Musci praised Alexander's bill, saying disclosure is good, if only one step down the needed road of reform.

Other ethics reforms sponsored by Democrats include a bill defining what can be done with personal campaign contributions; a bill requiring a one-year time period to elapse before someone who has left the Legislature can become a lobbyist; and a bill that would require a two-thirds majority to pass a redistricting bill in the House.

Senate Majority Leader Peter Knudson, R-Brigham City, says that while the Democrats' comments make a "beautiful political statement," they didn't tell the whole story.

As chairman of the Senate Ethics Committee, Knudson said he has never witnessed a violation by a member of the Legislature.

"I respect the fact (the Democrats) want to address several areas," Knudson said. But "it's too early to tell" what the outcome will be for a number of ethics-related bills. Knudson pointed out that there are reforms being proposed by both Democrats and Republicans.

But Claire Geddes, longtime citizen activist, said more than a decade of lobbying for a variety of ethical reforms has taught her that the Legislature is resistant to change.

"Money does buy access, and that buys influence," Geddes said.