Conflicts of interest mar vote

I read the article telling about the chummy mix of Politics and Banking on Capitol Hill (June 20). While legislators come from all walks of life, I think it is important that they abstain from voting on any bills, budgets or resolutions which pose a conflict of interest with their professional life or with their own major financial interests. The Deseret Morning News story said that legislators are required to file a written report and verbally announce conflicts before such a vote, but that "by law, Utah legislators must vote on all matters if they are present during the tally, even if they have a clear conflict."

I was flabbergasted at that!

James A. Marples

Provo