How will HB477 play out?

In the controversy surrounding HB477, the GRAMA legislation, we are more than just interested observers. LaVarr has worked for both the news media and government and was recently appointed by legislative leaders to the working group trying to find the right balance between open records and the right to privacy. Frank is a former legislator (and original co-sponsor to GRAMA) who now lobbies for the Utah Media Coalition and the Utah Press Association — organizations that have fought HB477. Thus, we understand both sides of the debate: the genuine difficulties public officials face in complying with GRAMA, balanced against the need for government records to be available for scrutiny by the news media and citizens.

So whether our experience can provide valuable insights on this issue — or whether we are just political hacks promoting our positions — we do have opinions.

Is there anything in Utah's history comparable to the political firestorm surrounding HB477?

Webb: Not for a long time.

Pignanelli:"Politics is like football, if you see daylight, go through the hole." — John F. Kennedy. Prior legislatures have generated strong reactions with their actions: vouchers and the 2006 referendum to repeal it, the furor and ultimate reversal over the 2000 elimination of the consumer services committee, the 1987 referendum to rescind tax increases. Of course, the "liquor by the drink" 1968 referendum engaged every Utahn — drinker and nondrinker. But these controversies had significant organizations on each side. Conservative, liberal and independent organizations and individuals are deeply opposed to HB477 (85 percent of Utahns according to the Deseret News Dan Jones poll). The supporters of HB477 are small in number (and very quiet). All the players in traditional and new media are interested in this issue, thus making it one of the most emotional in Utah's history.

Why are emotions so high?

Pignanelli: The average voter responds to issues and scandals they understand or touch their lives. Garnering interest for complex matters is difficult. Candidates and political operatives of both parties have, for generations, utilized and promoted Americans' inherent distrust of government. So no one (especially politicians) should be surprised that messing with "open government" spurred this turmoil.