The case for ethics reforms

Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. said last week that the specifics of how lawmakers should reform Utah's ethics laws were "pretty simple."

He's right.

Chief among these is to stop the practice of allowing lawmakers to accept gifts in excess of $50 from lobbyists and special-interest groups. All gifts from such sources should be banned, regardless of value, period. In addition, politicians should be prohibited from using campaign funds for personal reasons and from pocketing leftover funds as personal income. And anyone who leaves the Legislature should have to wait a couple of years before he or she can return as a lobbyist, putting an end to the notion that public service can be a road to riches.

Huntsman also told this newspaper he wants an independent commission to handle political redistricting after the 2010 census. That, too, is a good idea. Utah is certain to receive another congressional seat in that census, and the fight over how to create four districts out of three could be an opportunity for political mischief. There is no way to completely divorce politics from redistricting, but removing the process a step from elected officials could help change the focus from preserving political power to ensuring that communities of interest are represented.

After watching the House Ethics Committee deliberate over accusations against Rep. Greg Hughes, it should be obvious that the House needs to adopt stricter ethics rules concerning conduct as well. Hughes was cleared of all charges against him, but the committee signed a letter that characterized his behavior as "unbecoming" and urged him to "make appropriate apologies."

Any behavior warranting such action probably should be considered unethical. However, it's impossible to make that judgment, considering the committee is required to meet in secret. At the least, such proceedings should be opened when the accused party agrees to it, as was the case here. At best, an independent board should be established to consider such complaints as well.

The only thing the governor said that we take exception to is that lawmakers are bound to make these changes because "people are demanding it." Yes, opinion polls consistently show that large majorities agree with the need for tougher ethics laws and fairer procedures. But lawmakers typically say they never encounter questions about this from their constituents. Nor does the refusal to vote for such changes result in re-election troubles.

Until that happens, Utahns aren't likely to see even simple ethics improvements.