What's right about Utah politics? Plenty of things

I've spent my adult working years reporting and commenting on Utah politics.

And it's probably fair to say most of the words flowing from my keypad have been critical — critical as in taking a hard look at what Utah's politicians and public institutions are doing with your tax dollars and their power.

On occasion, however, I've been complimentary to both individuals and groups.

Today I'd like to talk about what is right about Utah politics in specific areas — and how that goodness can be made even better.

Representative government and citizen involvement: On most issues, state officials, I believe, do reflect the will of their constituents. America, the experts say, is a center-right nation. Utah is a few more clicks to the right of that.

Fiscal conservatism, lacking in Washington, D.C., is alive and well here.

Utah has been ranked as one of the best managed states in the nation, great credit to the GOP majority in the Legislature and our governors, past and present.

State government grew faster than population and inflation in the halcyon days of the 1990s and early 2000s, with record tax revenues and record tax cuts accordingly.

And even conservative leaders have been willing to raise taxes and fees to help offset deep budget cuts during the recession. While the 2010 Legislature will have real problems balancing the new budget, I'm guessing it will be done with both tax hikes and budget cuts — a responsible move.

Elections, cost and funding: During a national legislative conference held in Salt Lake City several years ago, I was shocked to hear that a state Senate race in Pennsylvania could cost $1 million.

I remember a time when a Utah Senate race may cost $10,000. And today a top state Senate race could total $100,000. That's a lot of money. Still, in Utah a well-organized legislative candidate can put together a decent campaign.

And because of the lax (some would say fair and equal) campaign laws where a candidate can take any amount of money from anyone, Utah candidates — especially incumbents — don't have to spend as much time fundraising as other politicians. In short, most Utahns can afford to run for state and local offices if they really want to.

Open, honest government: Utah doesn't have the sex or money scandals found in many other state governments. Only a few legislators have been forced out of office in a scandal, a handful of others retiring with heads down.

Some may argue that ethical standards for state officials are too low. But you don't see the corruption here suffered in some other states.

Accountability: In most cases, arrogant or mean-spirited Utah leaders get their comeuppance. They are voted out of office or just ignored by their colleagues.