Reader comments
Ethics hearings to remain closed

Anon | 7:52 a.m. Oct. 7, 2008

The most telling thing about this complaint is the fact that Hughes (and his attorneys) clearly don't know right from wrong. And Hughes is not the only legislator with this problem. Kudos to the brave ones who dare to buck the system and try to hold their colleagues accountable. They will be "punished" by others, but they have the public's support. I hope this and the Walker mess make it clear that better, stronger ethics laws are urgently needed in this state. Hughes and his ilk can't be trusted to do the right thing on their own.

October Surprise | 8:08 a.m. Oct. 7, 2008

This is obviously a nothing story that was planted close to the end of the elections. What was alleged to have happened was in 2006, not last week. And are we really supposed to beleive that Reisens attorney isn't politicially motivated when he is contributing $2,000 to Hughes' opponent? This is garbage. Hughes may be a hot-head, but Reisen is no better.

Laura | 9:21 a.m. Oct. 7, 2008

Even if the timing of the complaint is politically motivated, the substance of the complaint (alleged bribery and intimidation of a legislator) warrants serious investigation. If the complaint is invalid, Hughes deserves exoneration. If the complaint is valid, Hughes deserves censure. Either way, it's an important story and no decent newspaper would ignore it.

Comments continue below

SRD | 9:36 a.m. Oct. 7, 2008

Of course its politically motivated, its "politics."

I hope that no one believes that Hughes Et al. want an "open" hearing. He's just posturing.

I wish people would understand that there are SIX ALLEGATIONS. Everyone seems to be focused on the one allegation involving what happened 2 1/2 years ago and ignoring the rest. These are serious alegations that need to be addressed.

It still amazes me that no one ever discusses the whole complaint but has focused in on this one allegation.

Reform1 | 10:00 a.m. Oct. 7, 2008

Kudo's to Mr. Reisen for having the courage to stand up against a group that is so vindictive, mean spirited, less than honest in their dealings and self serving politicians by releasing the complaint. Everyone deserves their chance to defend themselves and we deserve to know of any corruption with our elected officals.

As a state we deserve to have honest politicians that are not worried about making their fortunes by using their legislative influence to develop real estate, charter schools and other projects that they do to earn their living. Of all states shouldn't we have representatives that not only believe in honesty and integrity but live the principles in their daily lives?

Let us clean our legislative house in November and once again show the rest of the country that we can be the example and the light on the hill. We need legislators that believe in transperency, openness, willingness to include democrats in critical discussion and not legislators that are in leadership now that run the House with fear and retaliation. We deserve better, much better.

Who is John Galt?

Dave | 10:33 a.m. Oct. 7, 2008

So Greg Hughes says he wants the hearings open to the public?

That's easy for him to say, knowing full well that accomodating that request isn't even an option. And in fact, it is not an option because of a rule that he helped pass.

I wonder whether he'd want such openness if it were actually possible to give it to him. I doubt it. This is a PR stunt. nothing more.

Oh Please | 10:47 a.m. Oct. 7, 2008

Phil Riesen, thank you. It's time to expose these bullies.

Jud | 10:53 a.m. Oct. 7, 2008

Election time is the best time to air the misdeeds of a legislator. I think Phil Riesen performed a service to the community by opening this mess up for all to see in a timely way to affect our choices.

Bill Keshlear | 10:53 a.m. Oct. 7, 2008

Will Deseret News Editor Joe Cannon, former chairman of the Utah Republican Party, stand up for his readers and sue under the Utah Open and Public Meetings Act to open up this secret proceeding?

Johny Fairplay | 11:23 a.m. Oct. 7, 2008

Wow Greg, with this new found spirit of transparency, if you're absolved of these bribery charges I can be sure you will tirelessly work to make the Rules Committee and Republican Caucus proceedings open to the public right?

Reform1 | 11:27 a.m. Oct. 7, 2008

Why aren't any of the sleazy lobbyist not being talked about. Don't you think that they are waving the carrot in front of the legislators to entice them with money for their votes? Shouldn't this also be investigated? I'm sure that all of the Foxleys of the world are knights in shinning armor on a white horse, oh that's right they have no shinning armor or white horse!

Ethics101 | 11:51 a.m. Oct. 7, 2008

Three cheers to Phil Reisen for blowing the whistle on legislative antics. This is why the republican dominated legislature likes to do business behind closed doors, no oversight. The allegation against Hughes is very similar to the accusations about Walker in the Treasurers Primary race.

Constituents of House 51 | 1:20 p.m. Oct. 7, 2008

If Greg Hughes is innocent of the six allegations that will be brought before him, (re: SRD above), then he has absolutely nothing to be concerned or worried about. His constituents will realize that this indeed has been a ploy to sway the election and vote him back into office. If the allegations are true ... then his constituents can vote accordingly. Just glad that this information is being made available to us before Nov. 4.

MB | 1:49 p.m. Oct. 7, 2008

I don't believe that the rules require that ethics committee hearings have to be closed. I believe that with some investigation it will be clear that the hearings either have to be voted on to be closed or that the body can vote to have the hearings open. The two individuals charged want the hearings to be open. The body should vote to accommodate their wishes. Check the rules!
Check the rules!

Thank You | 1:09 a.m. Oct. 8, 2008

Thanks Mr. Reisen!

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