Reader comments
Ethics-reform issues that lawmakers will likely discuss

What about the Lockhart's and Bramble's Bramhart's conflicts of interest? Is there any chance there will be a bill to stop that???

Whatever happened to the idea of an independent redistricting committee so legislators can't select their own voters?

Is it possible to completely eliminate special interest contributions to candidates? I for one am tired of the special interest group's control in UTAH politics!

We need to be careful when identifying "special interests". Corporations are definitely special interests that cannot be allowed to buy elections. Their donations need to be restricted.

However, organizations that are pro-children like the Utah Education Association are not really special interest. They promote the general interest and their policies benefit ALL Utahns.

What about term limits for legislators that was repealed in 2003?

Absolutely NOTHING will come of this! I've watched Utah politics for yrs. and EVERY time the issue comes up ALL the legislators think THEY are the picture of ethical behavior. They don't think they get paid enough for the legislative duties, so accepting gifts or favors just helps them "make ends meet". As far as "special interest groups" there are NONE more powerful at the legislature than the UEA! And NO, they're not always there "watching out for the kids", every once in a while their salaries and benefits come up too. If you think they're NOT a special interest group, you're sadly mistaken. They are really the ONLY union lobby that has any clout at the state legislature!

Sorry but the UEA is a special interest group. They act just like a union does in most other states.

Sorry George that you do not know that term limitations already exists. It is called the voting booth.

To Jan: Its almost impossible to oust an incumbant with the automatic delegates, huge war chests, and other tricks of the political trade, etc.