Reader comments
Panel could clear up ethics concerns

What the State of Utah needs is an Office of Inspector General. Most federal agencies have an IG as do several state and municipal govts throughout the country. The OIG is tasked with investigating waste fraud and corruption within govt. It could be set up for both the legislative and executive branch. The office would have pay for itself by cutting waste and would not be independently elected so there wouldn't natural conflicts of interest. Governor Herbert would be wise to implement such an office. I believe Rep. Hughes had a bill file open to create such an office after he was hit with an October surprise right before his election. I hope he runs with it again.

An Ispector General for the State of Utah is a great idea. Having worked for the federal government and other governmental entities, I have seen the Office of Inspector General go after waste, fraud and abuse on all levels. After all, who will investigate the Attorney General when his office is corrupted? The AG is elected, usually an IG is appointed by a governor and confirmed by the senate and serves a term that overlaps administrations.

Great idea. Corruption kills our government. Make no mistake that both parties are corrupted included Rep. Hughes. While he did nothing illegal the whole situation did stink. If people really understood what happened (nothing illegal) they would see how ugly politics really is. Rep. Hughes is no exception and neither are any of the cronies of the GOP.

Oh and the democrats aren't any better. An OIG is a great idea and let them clean house because the voters sure aren't doing much. Make no mistake the legislative branch will not voluntarily enact real ethical change. Including Hughes who is quietly pushing his own agenda in spite of the people he "represents."

Funny you say Hughes did nothing illegal, but you still accuse him...of what exactly? I do understand the whole situation. In fact it was that very situation that brought about the IG concept. The people of his district apprecitate him which is why they continue to re-elect him. You're arguments don't really make any sense. I agree it was ugly. It was ugly that those who brought these charges against him planned them for 2 straight years and tried to get him 30 days before his election. It is ugly that someone gets humiliated in the press by allegations, gets cleared by a bipartisan committtee, yet people like you still claim he's a bad guy. His district votes him in time after time, he must be doing something right.

Hughes was acquitted by the panel but also received a letter of reprimand for conduct unbecoming a legislature. He never denied that he tried to buy Lisa Johnson's(sp?) vote for educational vouchers. He merely brushed it off and said that is how business is done on the hill.

Fast forward to today. His lawyer, whose bill is suggested was substantial, is Troy Walker who sits on the city council in Draper. Hughes just got done doing a fundraiser for him. Troy Walker is not the only person that Hughes has helped get put into a position that will help his agenda.

As for continually getting voted in he is a republican in the state of Utah. This state is so one-sided politically that you practically have to go to jail in order to voted out. The party is so powerful in Utah that they don't really need to hide their personal agendas much.

I am accusing Hughes of acting unethically. He tried to buy votes for vouchers from another legislature. He is tirelessly working to put people in place to support that agenda in spite of what people closest to him want.

Let me correct a few things...Lisa Johnson didn't get to vote for vouchers, she was his democrat opponent, she's never been elected to office, nor will she ever be. He adamantly denied the allegation of bribery and was cleared of that and all other related allegations. Troy Walker was not his attorney. His attorney's name is Tom Karrenburg who happens to be a liberal democrat. The voters of the state are in power are who put our elected officials in power. The party doesn't control anything the citizens lean Republican and are conservative. The elect people who they agree with politically. See this is the problem, you totally have your facts incorrect, but I bet it doesn't matter because in your mind any republican is bad. Do your homework next time.