Reader comments
Huntsman will veto any limits to power

Glitter Gulch | 1:47 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008

I think the Governer makes a good point. Who would want to give up power? Not me. This country was made great by the power-famished. I salute him.

One might suggest that the one thing he WON'T be vetoing is his own tanning salon pass.

Bob G | 5:46 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008

I have to agree with the legislators on this issue. The governor should not have any powers that take away from legislators responsibility. The governor should not be able to negotiate or indenture the state with financial contracts with any party, in this state or any other state. The governors job is one of policy matters and not asurping the powers of the legislators overview of all matters concerning spending of the states funds. No governor should be able to negotiate and approve the funding of contracts drawing on state funds without the approval of the legislators. We can't have two offices making decisions about where the tax dollars are spent, it's corruption in the works. The governor must remember he is not the one puling the purse strings anymore. Power is part of the governors office but power of writing checks to special interst groups is not part of his official duties. All legislators should deem this a no brainer to override any veto on this matter. This could limit the powers of the governor in a state emergency as well but that is what seperation of powers is all about.

Conservative | 6:57 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008

I am not sure if I am the only one who finds the Governor too liberal for my tastes. It has become increasingly evident that he is into the power thing and has lost any conservative leaning he may have ever had.

Comments continue below

We need a strong... | 7:20 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008

king to save us from ourselves. John McCain likes King John. We should all like King John.

lifer | 7:29 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008

At this point in Utah's history, the legislature is dominated by complete idiots.

The governor's mansion not so much so.

At least for now: Hang in there Jon-boy!!

my two cents | 7:40 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008

Didn't our friend Hugo Chavez also decry attempts to reign in his power? John is sounding rather like Chavez.

jeremykidd | 7:48 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008

The legislative power is the power to make law, and the executive power is the power to enforce the law. At the national level, there is some overlap, such as in the area of treaties, but a treaty is supposed to be worthless unless ratified by the legislature. If the legislature is just trying to make sure that the same thing goes for interstate agreements, then I think the legislature is probably correct. If the governor can obligate the state without the consent of the legislature, and it sure does seem like Huntsman enjoys doing that, then the executive has usurped the power of the legislative branch, and they have the right to demand that the governor cease and desist.

Constitutional Lawyer | 8:01 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008

I rarely read through the ramblings and rantings of those who passed American National Government their freshman year and now deem themselves fully enlightened--but I did. I am shocked at the ignorance of those writing comments today. One cannot take an obscure snippet of information and reach a definitive conclusion, as it appears you all have done. You cannot rely on one source of information. Utah's law gives little power to its governor, so to take away what few powers legitimately exist must be carefully weighed. I am no fan of the Governor (or his plastic wife, for that matter) but believe that eroding what little power he has is unwise. We have a remarkably effective legislative body that does what the public expects: pass an annual budget in only 45 days. That the Legislature does not grab more power when it could speaks well of the leadership (minority and majority) in the House and Senate. The Legislature will always pass some laws that make no sense and will be chided in the press for it. But they pass a sensible budget each year, even when no one gets everything they demand. Competition for money should be keen.

Bout Time | 8:13 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008

It's about time he does something. I don't know why he doesn't use his power more often.

Joe Moe | 8:33 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008

Each branch of government has an inherent duty to protect it's circle of influence; otherwise, the other branches would usurp their power. That is why there are checks and balances.

If the legislature can muster the 2/3, then so be it. That's the process, and it's right and fair.

RH | 8:34 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008

I agree with our legislators in trying to bring our guv back down to earth. He seems to enjoy making big waves to make himself look good in the national spotlight. A Matheson or Leavitt he is not, more like a liberal democrat than a conservative republican. He should remember the power of the vote, me may be out of a job soon. I for one, will not be voting for him next election.

2 bits | 8:53 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008

Turning our sovereignty over to California's elected leaders to decide if we can build power plants in Utah or not may not be the reason for this bill, but it is a good example of why it needs to be addressed.

If the Governor didn't even propose entering into this agreement to the Legislature and let them voice their opinions and concerns before signing the agreement, then there is a problem.

Park City Resident | 8:53 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008

Huntsman is nothing more than a McCain liberal. How did this state elect such an unqualified individual?

Jazz Fan | 9:46 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008

If our governor is so concerned about climate change, and hanging with Arnold in order to make us all feel guilty, let him show some leadership by using his family's personal fortune to at least repair some of the environmental damage done by Hunstman Chemical Co.

What a hypocrite !

Light's out in the head, Utah?!

Steve | 10:01 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008

Huntsman has dreams of being President. His heroes are Richard Nixon and George W. Bush, the two presidents who most sought for and fought to retain powers (Executive privilege and the like). However, I don't feel too bad for Utahns, because they deserve what they get when they elect someone who bought his name recognition with his father's integrity and money. Too bad that character isn't hereditary!

Phil | 10:09 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008

I am not one to speak about Huntsman without 100% disdain. But I would not want any governor to have more power than to hire and fire state employees.

Issues | 11:01 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008

This is clearly a constitutional (Utah's) question. It's what the separation of powers is all about. Fight it out dudes. The Utah Supreme Court has not had a good case in a long time. This is a "who cares" thing, but it will be fun to watch. I'm on both sides.

In the Middle | 11:24 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008

I find myself in the middle on this one. I agree with the Governor in that he needs the authority to enter into agreements with other states when it comes to more important matters arise like he mentioned (fire fighting, etc.) But I think the Legislature ought to be involved if the agreement is going to affect budgets and such in the future. I'm not sure what the best solution here is, but I think this needs to be looked at closer before becoming a law.

Then...you get the power | 11:27 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008

Governer Huntsman has done great things for Utah. He's smart and articulate. I saw we give 'em more power until he does something bad. Until then, why, let the chips fall where they may. As for climate change, the climate in his tanning bed never changes; it's always set to stun. A stunningly handsome man, is our governer.

liberal means totally free | 11:34 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008

I've never been a big fan of authoritarianism.
I'm also grateful for not being raised with,
"... being subject to Kings, Rulers, Presidents and Magistrates," in that when push comes to shove, all who disagree with authority will be banished from society.

gr8st8 | 11:54 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008

Jon Jr needs a humility lesson from his daddy. not sure i want mccain to win president but that would at least be a way to sayanora Jon Jr.

State Employee | 12:08 p.m. Feb. 12, 2008

Everyone who says that Huntsman is overstepping his authority doesn't recognize the huge burden this bill will place on government in general. There are literally thousands of contracts currently in place that would require legislative approval if this bill passes. Does that sound like increasing efficiency to you?

Bottom line - This bill will create a huge bottle neck and make even more red tape for the citizens to work through. If anyone is overstepping their boundary it is the legislature.

PS - I didn't vote for Huntsman and I look forward to his last day in office.

From Orem | 12:24 p.m. Feb. 12, 2008

Governor Huntsman is a complete tool, plain and simple. He really hasn't done anything for the state of Utah. I regret voting for him, and that is a mistake i will not be repeating.

Brent | 12:32 p.m. Feb. 12, 2008

Who really knows what the ideal climate is? Why are there radicals that want us to believe half-truths. The world has seen much climatic change from warm to cold in recorded history and from cold to warm. What caused global warming from 800 to 1200 A.D. which was followed by the mini ice age in Europe. Governor Huntsman and others need to be right before they tax
us for perceived global warming. I don't want the governor to have too much power because he may just use it.

Political observer | 2:31 p.m. Feb. 12, 2008

You guys are pretty hard on Huntsman. I don't think he's too liberal; my complaint is that he's too passive! He lets the legislature walk all over him on most issues. Or he tends to jump in front and lead the parade after it's already been organized and gotten moving. He doesn't exert much leadership at all, so for me, I tend to admire when he actually does do something decisive. He's not much of an "ideas guy" and I often miss Leavitt for that reason.

Anyway, I don't think you're gonna see any great alternatives to him in this election. No one has filed yet, and the good candidates will "keep their powder dry" and wait till they have an open field in 2012 rather than waste their efforts this year just be be branded a loser.

Fascist Joe | 2:46 p.m. Feb. 12, 2008

Huntsman 2012!!! After four years of Democrats causing hundreds of terror attacks on US soil, the country will be ready for Huntsman police state! Yippee!

Climate Change OK | 2:49 p.m. Feb. 12, 2008

I for one welcome a little global warming to our fine state. But believe me, most people cannot even name who their legislative representative is, so why do we let them make too many decisions. The only reason a person serves in this capacity is because they couldn't get elected senior class president, so they have to do something to make them feel important. What would be great is if our elected officials would actually be conservative and worry about wasting our money.

Gear S. | 3:10 p.m. Feb. 12, 2008

Lets weigh this issue. Who in the past was the bigger bozo's? the combined idiots creating the insipid laws, (state congress), or the govenor, who has a 70% approval rating statewide. I'd say lets cancel the legislative session, have no new laws made, and let the govenor take the month off. Win win for all.

So there you have it | 3:30 p.m. Feb. 12, 2008

Very interesting.
It just dawned on me. "...being subject to Kings, Rulers, Presidents and Magistrates."
Nothing about being subject to General Authorities.

BBKing | 6:02 p.m. Feb. 12, 2008

Some of the comments on here or so absolutely blank! The good thing is you folks get to vote, without a clue why.

As a Republican I projectile vomit at straight ticket voters, either side of the aisle.

Is this seriously why we need to keep Huntsman? He has a stunning fake tan? And the rocket scientist who made that statement gets to vote.

Do I quote Star Wars for you, Episide 3, revenge of the Sith. "So this is how liberty dies...to thunderous applause."

Oh vey!

Anonymous | 6:26 p.m. Feb. 12, 2008

As the population grows and grows things are getting freakier and freakier.

SIJ1 | 9:47 p.m. Feb. 12, 2008

WELL SAID BBKING!!

I OCCASIONALLY READ THE COMMENTS ON THIS SITE- THESE PEOPLE HAVE MORE TIME ON THEIR HANDS THAN THEY KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH. HOW ABOUT ACTUALLY GETTING INVOLVED IN YOUR COMMUNITIES AND PRECINCTS
AND GROW UP. GIVE UP THE NEGATIVE COMMENTS ABOUT TANS AND BEING PLASTIC LOOKING. IF THEY REALLY CARED THEY WOULD BE COME EDUCATED AND EVENTUALLY REALIZE HOW ABSOLUTELY IGNORANT THEY REALLY ARE!

The Old Submariner | 11:16 p.m. Feb. 12, 2008

SLJ1 makes a good point. I was a non-Huntsman delegate at the state convention. Saw the handwritng on the wall. Too bad for us others didn't!!
To the Constitutional lawyer - we may be dumb & we may be stupid, but even some of my best friends are lawyers. We have discussed this & the parallel seems to be that the President can enter into treaties, but the Senate has to approve them before we are obligated by the terms. At the state level, I'm sure that the Governor can enter into all of the inter-state agreements he wants. But, until the Senate approves it, how can we as tax payers be obligated? Otherwise, we have too much power going to one person & I know that I never elected anyone to have that much power over my purse & script. With a veto proof majority voting against the agreement, Jon's bluster is just that - a lot of hot air. Hope it doesn't cause Global Warming to accelerate too fast. But, ask yourself where we would be getting so much of the wheat & other crops now raised in North Dakota if the glacier hadn't melted.

Respect the Constitution | 12:52 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

The Old Submariner, what your lawyer friends don't grasp is that this isn't the federal government and different rules apply.

The Utah Constitution states "The Governor shall transact all executive business with the officers of the government, civil and military, and may require information in writing from the officers of the Executive Department, and from the officers and managers of state institutions upon any subject relating to the condition, management, and expenses of their respective offices and institutions."

There's no constitutional provision that requires the Utah Senate to approve inter-state agreements. That your friends would even compare the power and authority under the state Constitution to the U.S. Constitution makes them incompetent to practice law.

As the Governor noted the Legislature has the power of the purse but legislators don't have the power under the state constitution to excercise the functions of the Executive in whole or in part. If and when the Senate President or individual legislators infringe on the rights of the Executive to deal with other states then they violate the State Constitution yet I suspect the people who voted for them don't care about the Utah Constitution because they don't care about the Utah Constitution.

Larry | 1:41 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

Jon Huntsman needs to retire
He has absolutly no idea what is going on and seems not interested in the Pepople Of Utah
The Legislature and Senate has passed a lot of laws that violate our Constitutional Rights
They need a Constitutional Lawyer to bless what they do
Utah is becoming a Jail House State
To Many cops picking on the people
We have Bad Judges in Box Elder County
These guys should never be seen in Public
Prosecution and Conviction Courts
They practice a no rights in Court
Now, Confess up
Judge Kevin Christensen and Judge Ben Hadfield
No wisdom

Kathy | 10:57 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

This is a separation of powers issue. Right now the Legislature is bruised in their power. They have often overreacted when they have felt dishonored. And then passed legislation that was a great expense to taxpayers when that legislation was unsuccessfully defended.

IF this is something that needs fixed, it should be sent to Interim study, and give Legislators a chance to think carefully what is the best way.

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