Reader comments
Ethics complaints will not be filed

Fair Enough | 1:00 a.m. July 22, 2008

If the ethics probe was good enough for walker then why not for Mascaro. Is the testimony of a young women not good enough information to move forward with an ethics probe? Which way do these people want it?

I would rather a legislator offer me a job than sexually harass me. What is worse here? Time for Mascaro to face the same scrutiny as Walker.

Whatever? | 1:14 a.m. July 22, 2008

How could Rep. Allen feel good about signing an ethics probe against Walker, and not pursue the same probe for Mascaro?

Both allegations have credible people who will back the stories up. Something smells fishy?

Criminal | 7:10 a.m. July 22, 2008

What we need is a criminal investigation. A bribe using taxpayer money to win public office is a criminal action, but where is the criminal investigation? With the legislature holding purse strings for the state police and attorney general's office, it won't happen.

We had a large family. When my mom needed to run into the store the kids would wait in the car. My brother would stir up trouble, then when mom left the store, he would say nobody tell on anybody. My sister would say, but you did this and he would say, if you tell, I will tell mom that you did that. She would say, but I didn't do that, and he would say, but I will tell her you did anyway. Then mom would get in the car and no one would tell.

We can see exactly what is happening here, the legislative leadership is closing ranks to protect itself (nobody tell on anybody). Without a functional two party system, ethics reform is the least we can hope for, but it will not pass either in this corrupt environment. When will Utahns realize that one party politics is always corrupt.

Comments continue below

Todd | 7:50 a.m. July 22, 2008

Since when did the Deseret News base stories on anonymous sources? "A conservative member of the House" has given a promise? Well, that settles it for me.

It sounds like the conservative member of the House has a lot more to hide that his or her name.

Retaliation? | 7:52 a.m. July 22, 2008

Did the legislators hear about the Mascaro incident at the time it happened or when Curtis leaked it to the press and made it public?

The victim requested that everything be kept confidential before she spoke to anyone, which may be the reason that there weren't enough legislators to request an investigation at the time of the incident.

I think timing is critical. Why wait FIVE months to start an ethics investigation into sexual harrassment?

John | 8:05 a.m. July 22, 2008

If ever there was justification for an ethics investigation, the Walker incident was it. The allegation is that a candidate for state treasurer offers an opposing candidate a signficant pay raise using public money if he won't run! Folks, that's ethics or lack of it.
And an ethics complaint is like civil action in courts -- the standard of evidence is different.
I commend the five legislators who did the right thing and filed the ethics complaint to discover the truth of the allegation. Legislators should be policing their own houses, but with the present system, it takes courage to do so through an ethics complaint. And remember, Walker himself said before the election that he welcomed an investigation.

Neighbor of Mascaro | 9:16 a.m. July 22, 2008

Just so you know, it was the young woman who did the 'sexual harrassing'. NOT MASCARO. Even Steve's wife knew of this incident the night it happened. Do you think that she would know about it if it was him that did the harrassing?

Chuck | 10:01 a.m. July 22, 2008

It's interesting how legislators complain that educators don't police their own (which they do), but legislative leadership doesn't want policing of THEIR own!

Ed | 10:10 a.m. July 22, 2008

If Mascaro knew that the intern was going to tell someone he may have immeadiatly told his wife and others to counter what he thought she may say.

re: Criminal | 10:23 a.m. July 22, 2008

Actually, there is an ongoing criminal investigation. Did you catch that in the story? It should be wrapped up within a month.

Monica L | 10:23 a.m. July 22, 2008

It seems obvious that the reason there is no investigation is simply because the young female intern doesn't want to testify. If Mascaro's side were true, the intern would come to his defense. Rep Allen wisely advised her intern to drop it. Step forward for her personally, step backward for women.

Confused | 11:42 a.m. July 22, 2008

There is already a criminal investigation into walker and ellis. There needs to be one for mascaro.

Re: Fair enough...I have to say I would much rather receive a job from walker than be sexually harassed by Mascaro

John Wayne | 2:24 p.m. July 22, 2008

We need ethics reform now!!! Through all the bums out. Curtis is the sugar DADDY!!!

Who to target | 2:45 a.m. July 23, 2008

Who to be sure to get rid of in NOVEMBER.

Greg Curtis - Corrupt Speaker of the House

Curt Bramble - Corrupt Bully Senate Majority Leader

Becky Lockhart - wife of State Republican Party Leader and LOBBYIST, Stan Lockhart (I wonder if she in impartial?)

Every other legislator that DID NOT file a complaint against Walker. They were all to weak to stand up for ethics!

Every other legislator that did not file a complaint for an investigation into the Walker scandal.

Mr. BB | 6:22 a.m. July 23, 2008

Typical Utah, keep your heads buried in the sand...If the public wants ethics reform, they need to demand it during this election season, keep the pressure on, and support the continued role of the media. How else do we hear/learn about these activities? What has happened to this country?

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