But UAC officials see things differently. In the UAC's reply to the media suit, attorney Bill Peters' defense is fairly matter-of-fact.

"UAC affirmatively asserts that it is a private not-for-profit corporation" and exempt from GRAMA requirements, Peters claimed in the UAC response to the suit. He goes on to say the public has no interest in Walsh's dismissal because "he is not a public official." References to the association's Web site were "taken out of context and provides a false impression."

Finally, Peters, who did not return calls for comment, says various counties' participation in the UAC is strictly "voluntary," with services that counties can "elect to participate."

Betsy Wolf, who has championed open government for more than 16 years in Utah, begs to differ.

"If the association of counties is funded by county government dollars, serves on numerous boards in the name of county government and acts on behalf of county government in a number of capacities, then it should be held to the same accountability standards as any other government agency," Wolf said.

A judge has yet to rule on the request by the Deseret Morning News, AP and Society of Professional Journalists to join the suit. If not allowed, O'Brien said they will request to file at least as friends of the court, which would allow them to let the judge know their opinion.

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E-mail: gfattah@desnews.com