Herbert lauds citizen goals of initiatives

Gov. Gary Herbert said Thursday that he hasn't made up his mind whether he'll support citizen initiatives on legislative ethics and redistricting, but he called the goals of those circulating the petitions "laudable."

Herbert, speaking at his monthly KUED Channel 7 news conference, said he may end up signing the petitions but first will meet with both advocates and opponents of the proposed changes to the law.

"I think the goals and objectives of these high-minded citizens are laudable and I do support them," the governor said. Still, he said, he has concerns about the initiatives, including the cost of implementing the changes sought such as creating independent panels to oversee legislative ethics and redistricting.

The governor said once he's decided where he stands on the initiatives, he may openly campaign either for or against them. If enough signatures are gathered, both issues would appear on the 2010 general election ballot.

Herbert also said that although he continues to have concerns about capping campaign contributions, he's willing to meet with both sides on that issue as well and could be convinced to accept "reasonable election reform."

The governor was criticized for speaking out against setting limits on campaign contributions at the same time the Governor's Commission on Strengthening Utah's Democracy is considering such a proposal. He is scheduled to meet next week with the commission, which was created by former Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr., who resigned last month to become U.S. ambassador to China.

"I've been accused of being too open. Maybe I don't have the diplomatic skills of my predecessor," Herbert told reporters after the taping. "That doesn't mean I'm not willing to modify my position with further information … I then run the risk of being a flip-flopper. So I'm damned if I do and damned if I don't."

Herbert said again during the press conference capping contributions suggests "only the rich can apply" to serve in public office, raises free-speech issues and gives too much power to incumbents.

The governor said he prefers candidates disclose their campaign contributions within 48 hours of receipt. State law currently requires such disclosure within 30 days of receipt.

Herbert, who has not yet formally declared he's running next year for the remainder of Huntsman's term, said he would consider voluntarily disclosing his own contributions.

The governor said he recently raised between $15,000 and $20,000 in Denver after meeting with energy developers, including some involved with new technologies. Herbert said he expects to collect more than $500,000 from his first Governor's Gala next month.

"I've got nothing to hide," he said. "I think instantaneous disclosure is a principle that ought to be embraced by everybody."