Reader comments
No end to lobbyists' gifts?
43 comments | Read story
Bob G | 4:07 a.m. Jan. 12, 2008
Who says money doesn't buy our elected legislators and representatives?
Only a fool would believe otherwise. For this reason all gifts should be banned
as well as lunches with lobbyists. Voters have a right to hear what lobbyists
are plotting behind our backs and all lobbyists must present thier case at open
public meetings just as the citizens are required to do. The citizens are the
electroates, business license are not a ticket to private and secret deals with
our government. Lobbyist and many government leaders prey on the ignorance of
the public in secret and costly to the taxpayer deals with businesses and other
government agency's. We need to ban all gifts and all private meetings with
lobbyists. The citizens should have the same rights and access to its elected
officials that are given to these lobbyists. Violations of such bans should also
have severe and punishable consequences for violating it. Lobbyists and
government officials meeting in secret are violating the trust of the people
that they are elected to represent. A business owner is a citizen but not his
business. Business does not have a vote at the polls nor a vote in the laws.
Pete | 5:54 a.m. Jan. 12, 2008
It's not a gift it's a BRIBE. Shame on the legislators (law makers/law
breakers) and shame on the lobbyists. And thanks to the Deseret News for
pointing them out.
Comments continue below
No Gifts | 7:03 a.m. Jan. 12, 2008
They wouldn't give the gifts if they didn't believe that it would have
some influence. It doesn't make sense to think that thousands of dollars
are given in gifts with no anticipated or resulting benefit.
I work in an industry that has come under intense scrutiny by the state and federal government. Members of my industry have had our integrity and character questioned for very small and simple gifts, such as a business lunch, where a legitimate business issue was discussed. I have turned down Jazz tickets because of the appearance of impropriety. We won't even take pens advertising the logo of private industry firms because of the assault upon our integrity.
There is no end to this unless our legislators refuse even the appearance of undue influence, and refuse to receive gifts from any source which has a potential conflict of interest. Otherwise, the double standard is really hard to take. When government calls into question the conflict of interest of any particular industry, and mandates strict rules to preserve the public trust, but they themselves receive gifts which may influence their activities -even if it only creates the wrong impression -the confidence of the electorate is impacted.
I work in an industry that has come under intense scrutiny by the state and federal government. Members of my industry have had our integrity and character questioned for very small and simple gifts, such as a business lunch, where a legitimate business issue was discussed. I have turned down Jazz tickets because of the appearance of impropriety. We won't even take pens advertising the logo of private industry firms because of the assault upon our integrity.
There is no end to this unless our legislators refuse even the appearance of undue influence, and refuse to receive gifts from any source which has a potential conflict of interest. Otherwise, the double standard is really hard to take. When government calls into question the conflict of interest of any particular industry, and mandates strict rules to preserve the public trust, but they themselves receive gifts which may influence their activities -even if it only creates the wrong impression -the confidence of the electorate is impacted.
IHC stinks | 7:12 a.m. Jan. 12, 2008
IHC = "legal, but sneaky". Should be illegal for a
"non-profit" organization to be bribing legislators to avoid declaring
is a "for-profit" organization.
Steve | 8:09 a.m. Jan. 12, 2008
Who's buying your lunches, Bernick? Let's see your end-of-year
disclosures, Des News.
Crazy! | 8:24 a.m. Jan. 12, 2008
It is absolutely crazy that these legislators can accept gifts of this magnitude
and the gifts have absolutely nothing to do with making them better legislators
or getting a Job done and yet a public employee, like a school representative,
cannot even go to lunch with a vendor to talk over something which might improve
school or achievement.
It is a felony for both the person who offers and the employee who accepts a corndog in the state of utah according to the Utah state procurement code. The legislators suggest that they have no influence over procurement whereas a public employee does. Give me a break!
We need legislation that make it fair and reasonable across the board as to what can be done in the name of getting business done in this state. I have never heard of a contract being given because of lunch at Applebees but I have heard of legislation being influenced because of Jazz tickets or a flight somewhere. It is time we throw out the right wing what's in it for me crooks and replace them with good solid working class people.
Fix the law... Please.
It is a felony for both the person who offers and the employee who accepts a corndog in the state of utah according to the Utah state procurement code. The legislators suggest that they have no influence over procurement whereas a public employee does. Give me a break!
We need legislation that make it fair and reasonable across the board as to what can be done in the name of getting business done in this state. I have never heard of a contract being given because of lunch at Applebees but I have heard of legislation being influenced because of Jazz tickets or a flight somewhere. It is time we throw out the right wing what's in it for me crooks and replace them with good solid working class people.
Fix the law... Please.
Anonymous | 8:27 a.m. Jan. 12, 2008
$2800,00 does not even scratch the surface of what Senator Reid gets!
JDB | 8:31 a.m. Jan. 12, 2008
"You scratch my back and I will scratch your back" is what it boils
down to and it is DISHONEST! i DON'T TRUST ANY OF THEM. pOWER JUST GOES TO
THEIR HEADS.
Serve the public, honestly | 9:22 a.m. Jan. 12, 2008
Disclosure is the way to go. A lunch to learn about issues is fine with me.
Our legislators should listen to different sides of issues that lobbyist
present. Lobbyists are not all bad and they carry the voice of different groups
of people. Legislators don't make that much money for their work on the
hill. However, that being said, they are public servants and should disclose
all gifts taken. Big things like trips and such look bad. A round of golf or
lunch that gives the lobbyist the ear of the legislator are not bad, in my view.
If all is disclosed, the constituents can vote for themselves if a Legislator
is being excessive.
As for Stan Lockhart, I am embarrassed as a State Republican Delegate, that my colleagues voted for him. The Republican party has enough troubles as the dominant party in the state avoiding impropriety. We don't and didn't need the biggest supplier of Lobbyist gifts as our leader. To read that he finds loop holes to hide the gifts, is even more disheartening. Avoiding the very appearance of impropriety, is vital to republican ideals and values.
As for Stan Lockhart, I am embarrassed as a State Republican Delegate, that my colleagues voted for him. The Republican party has enough troubles as the dominant party in the state avoiding impropriety. We don't and didn't need the biggest supplier of Lobbyist gifts as our leader. To read that he finds loop holes to hide the gifts, is even more disheartening. Avoiding the very appearance of impropriety, is vital to republican ideals and values.
Get Real | 9:30 a.m. Jan. 12, 2008
Bribing a public official should be outlawed. What really get's my goat is
that these bribes are more than likely written off as a tax deduction. So we,
the taxpayers, get to pay for the bribes of our lawmakers.
Liars and thieves | 9:33 a.m. Jan. 12, 2008
Lobbyist's are simply middle men who sell the virtue's of rogue
entities,They should go back to selling used cars and not earning a living at
the expense of the public.
vern | 9:47 a.m. Jan. 12, 2008
The lobbyist control policy making at the federal level,state level,county level
etc.etc.etc.to give a good example of how entrenched into the political land
scape the lobbyist are consider this.what do the majority of federal elected
officials do upon leaving office??wheather they are defeated,retire or forced to
leave office,that's right they go into the lobbying business.because they
know where the big money is.one recent prime example is senator trent lott from
mississippi.not seeking reelection to become a lobbyist because that's
where the BIG BUCKS are.lobbying,illegal or otherwise is totally out of control
and probably non-stoppable.
Stewart | 9:56 a.m. Jan. 12, 2008
We all like to get something for nothing. How many of us would turn down free
Jazz tickets, other gifts, or money? They are "free" aren't
they?? I wonder why I never get anything for "free?"
l | 10:09 a.m. Jan. 12, 2008
Gifts are fine, as long as full disclosure is made.
The rules should be very simple. When anyone gives anything to a legislator, a form must be filed that shows the value of what was given, to whom it was given, and the purpose the gift served.
Those forms could even take the form of a small receipt book or checkbook that the legislators carry around with them, giving a receipt to each lobbyist that gives them something.
The rules should be very simple. When anyone gives anything to a legislator, a form must be filed that shows the value of what was given, to whom it was given, and the purpose the gift served.
Those forms could even take the form of a small receipt book or checkbook that the legislators carry around with them, giving a receipt to each lobbyist that gives them something.
Conflict | 10:17 a.m. Jan. 12, 2008
The DNews cites a Dan Jones poll but then fails to mention that his wife,
Senator Pat Jones(D), has run legislation banning gifts but then took some very
expensive Billy Joel tickets. I wonder if that conflict was not mentioned
because of the conflict the DNews has using Dan Jones. It looks like the Dnews
is scrubing the Jones Family's back for their exclusive polling
relationship with the DNews. How tender. And how hypocritical.
Curtis B | 10:27 a.m. Jan. 12, 2008
I have heard various elected officials say that a lobbyist's gifts do not
buy favors, but only access. To this I have thought to myself, how would you
know? You may know your own heart, but given human nature as it is, I doubt this
is true in a great number of cases. Gift giving must be effective whatever the
reason or else they would not be given.
Even if this were true, which I doubt, it is wrong that some people and causes be given more access than others merely because there is a gift that is given. This dilutes access to other causes that have not gift. This gives the already well to do more access than the less well heeled.
If a cause is important, let the elected official give that cause consideration on its merits only, and not let gift giving dilute the access given to causes which don't have gifts tied to them.
Even if this were true, which I doubt, it is wrong that some people and causes be given more access than others merely because there is a gift that is given. This dilutes access to other causes that have not gift. This gives the already well to do more access than the less well heeled.
If a cause is important, let the elected official give that cause consideration on its merits only, and not let gift giving dilute the access given to causes which don't have gifts tied to them.
Double standard | 10:30 a.m. Jan. 12, 2008
A bribe is a bribe in any other walk of life except with government officials,
it is a common practice.
jtm | 10:34 a.m. Jan. 12, 2008
A poor college athlete can not so much as have an alumni buy him lunch let alone
get Jazz tickets. Yet our political leaders drive around in free cars, with gas
allowences and take,take,take, with no consecquences.
Re:Deseret Dawg | 10:39 a.m. Jan. 12, 2008
I was with you all the way untill you had to bring up the Nephite thing. For
once can we stay on topic without throwing in a religous plug!.
Draper's Fault | 10:45 a.m. Jan. 12, 2008
If Draper would just defeat Sen. Howard Stephenson the rest would get a clue.
But as long as they continue to give him an office they all think they are safe.
Stephenson is the worst offender and the biggest joke in the legislature. Wake
up Draper!
Conflict | 10:53 a.m. Jan. 12, 2008
My post was deleted by DesNews staff because it pointed to a conflict the
DesNews has.
SED | 11:01 a.m. Jan. 12, 2008
What really needs to be done by some is an analysis by d-news or someone else as
to what each legislator recieves in gifts and compaign contributons and trace
them to the resulting legislation. I believe you will find that the money that
these lobbist spend is well worth it to them and their clients.
Howerver, I believe that most of the legislation that is supported by these groups is not in the best interest the average Utahn. For instance I believe that if you give a tax break to one industry or group, someone else has to pay that tax.
That is what has happened in Utah. The lobbyist the legisaltor and the governor have shifted the tax burden from busonesses to individuals.
I think we need to carefully look at this issue and vote a number of the legisaltors out of office.
Howerver, I believe that most of the legislation that is supported by these groups is not in the best interest the average Utahn. For instance I believe that if you give a tax break to one industry or group, someone else has to pay that tax.
That is what has happened in Utah. The lobbyist the legisaltor and the governor have shifted the tax burden from busonesses to individuals.
I think we need to carefully look at this issue and vote a number of the legisaltors out of office.
The Rab | 11:03 a.m. Jan. 12, 2008
You must be kidding! These "gifts" that you get so lathered up about
are paltry trinkets. The article sensationalizes the matter by making a
mountain out of a molehill. This is laughable compared to other state
legislatures around the country--I would guess they are laughing and wishing
they had scrutiny over a $40 dinner here and there. Big friggin' deal!
I'm not the biggest fan of many legislators personally, but these are part time workers and as soon as they are elected we go about trying to villify them for working the system we sent them to work. Cime back to us with an article when you find some real corruption. I'm sure it's there, but don't waste my time with petty nonsense like this crap.
I'm not the biggest fan of many legislators personally, but these are part time workers and as soon as they are elected we go about trying to villify them for working the system we sent them to work. Cime back to us with an article when you find some real corruption. I'm sure it's there, but don't waste my time with petty nonsense like this crap.
SJ Bobkins | 12:03 p.m. Jan. 12, 2008
I've lived in and out of several states in the Deep South, Maryland,
Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Missouri, in the east and most of the mountain
states. I am always been involved in the Republican partys most timeS being a
precinct committeeman or equivalent.
I have never seen anything liken to what we have in Utah, with the majority of legislators working for and being in the pocket of the businesses and industries THEY CONTROL. The list of legislators receiving money or working for groups promoting nuclear or coal-fired power should send a chill down the spine of every Utahan hoping to breath clean air or drink decent water. No wonder, there isn't the competition in the residential phone service market, a number of legislators work for Qwest or ATT or receive large amounts of money. Ask why Wal-Mart was not allowed to open a company owned bank and yep! Legislators are employed or owned by the states banks, Try and complain about the horrible cancer in your neighborhood, Check Cashing, Title Loan, stores and wonder why they aren't regulated, the answer is clear. WAKE UP VOTERS
I have never seen anything liken to what we have in Utah, with the majority of legislators working for and being in the pocket of the businesses and industries THEY CONTROL. The list of legislators receiving money or working for groups promoting nuclear or coal-fired power should send a chill down the spine of every Utahan hoping to breath clean air or drink decent water. No wonder, there isn't the competition in the residential phone service market, a number of legislators work for Qwest or ATT or receive large amounts of money. Ask why Wal-Mart was not allowed to open a company owned bank and yep! Legislators are employed or owned by the states banks, Try and complain about the horrible cancer in your neighborhood, Check Cashing, Title Loan, stores and wonder why they aren't regulated, the answer is clear. WAKE UP VOTERS
Tammi Diaz | 12:32 p.m. Jan. 12, 2008
The Insurance Companies and IHC is behind the healthcare bills up to the
legislature. They are paying legislators the Money and Gifts Speak more loudly,
then there constituency.
liberal larry | 12:52 p.m. Jan. 12, 2008
Oink! Oink! Oink!
Anonymous | 1:28 p.m. Jan. 12, 2008
Until it is against the law for any government official to accept one red penny
from anyone - the system we now have in place is a corrupt one.
Who's in charge? | 1:57 p.m. Jan. 12, 2008
Who keeps re-electing these self-serving greed-heads? YOU GUYS DO.
Please quit it.
I know it'll be tough, but until you eliminate one-party rule in this state you're going to be stuck with these guys.
Pinch your nose, say a quick prayer, and vote for a Democrat. You, and the state, will be fine.
Please quit it.
I know it'll be tough, but until you eliminate one-party rule in this state you're going to be stuck with these guys.
Pinch your nose, say a quick prayer, and vote for a Democrat. You, and the state, will be fine.
CougarKeith | 2:40 p.m. Jan. 12, 2008
Dear "IHCStinks", IHC has done more good for this community than you
realize! They give millions of dollars of FREE MEDICAL CARE to those in need,
and turn their backs on NO-ONE! Meanwhile the University Hospitals let people
DIE Because they don't have insurance, how DARE YOU! As for the bribes,
whoops, I meant "GIFTS", the laws aren't going to be changed by
the ones getting the Bribes, whoops, "Gifts", it should be a VOTE by
the PEOPLE, then you will see the landslide vote against ANY GIFTS and
"Soft Moneys" paid to these guys to vote in favor of certain Lobbyists
no matter who they are, EVEN if it is IHC! Polititians is a Syninom for Crooks
in most circles and dictionaries of the United States Language!
One Red Penny | 2:58 p.m. Jan. 12, 2008
There are times when it is important to be able to do certain things. There
should not be an issue with someone buying a legislator or public employee lunch
as long as the lunch is reasonable say less than $30 a plate. There are times
that corporate america would like a legislator or school superintendent to
travel to their corporate offices to learn more about a company that these
entities may be dropping several million dollars in business to. These types of
things should be Win WIn... Like the legislator or state agency pick up the
airfare and the company pick up the meals and part of the hotel costs etc. We
need reasonable laws which will allow the proper doing of business while
eliminating the lavash personal gifts. I have seen many things learned over
lunch but very little done at a Jazz game... except.. watch the Jazz of course.
laguna | 4:49 p.m. Jan. 12, 2008
Money buys access. No dough? Then forget about getting your bill passed. Without
a paid lobbyist in you corner, you have no chance to pass the cash. And we sent
our army to Iraq to overthrow Saddam and his corrupt regime. Are we really that
much better?
misleading | 6:22 p.m. Jan. 12, 2008
I read the story and then clicked on the PDF. For all the blather about gifts,
there aren't many items that most people would even call a gift. A lot of
meals. Some travel to various conferences. Some Jazz tickets. But gifts? Not
much. Lots, and lots of food, though. The headline should be about food. No
wonder Republicans are so fat.
jed | 6:39 p.m. Jan. 12, 2008
and yet this group talked about legislation aimed at stoping second graders from
giving thier teachers pencil holders for christmas. Somthing is very wrong
CougarKeith | 9:17 p.m. Jan. 12, 2008
I definately agree with jed! Looking at the list, some food is acceptable,
$25-$35 meals, more than that is out of the question, as for the tickets, and
games, and concerts and such, that is totally unwarented and "BRIBE"
Money! Teachers can't have pencil holders and gifts from kids and parents,
and they are the lowest paid teachers in our nation, but the State Legislatures
can take Bribes, sorry, I mean "Gifts" from lobbyists? What is wrong
here? Our society & Government is Sick and Twisted to put up with this kind
of stuff but wants to put the Kabosh on a teacher from getting a
"gift" for Christmas, or even an "Apple"? What we are
worried about a kid getting a mis-spelled word overlooked, but a state
legislature can get lift tickets, Jazz Tickets, game tickets, Opera Tickets,
Free Meals, and Thank You Plaques from here to kingdom come all because he/she
is higher and mightier than the average Joe, all because He/She is an elected
Legislature? This needs to be a PEOPLES VOTE, not a Country Club Only Vote!!!
That is the difference between a Democracy and a Pullet Bureau! What are we
becoming!
Cynic | 10:20 p.m. Jan. 12, 2008
The legislature badly needs ethics reform -- maybe that should read
"ethics" (period)
Over the years legislators have exempted themselves from open and fair government laws--the Open Public Meetings Act, the Government Records and Management Act, the State Employees Ethics Act to name a few. And, when it comes to campaign funding, there is no requirement that donations be used for campaigns-- legislators can use the money as they see fit.
All this wouldn't be so bad if there were any balance in the Legislature -- but, there isn't.
So, rather than worry about relatively petty gifts, the media and voters should wonder how business such as siting a nuclear power plant in Utah can get done beneath the radar and behind closed doors. Certain individuals stand to benefit enormously, yet the public will have no clue what is going on.
If power corrupts, what does absolute power do?
I believe we would do better to throw darts at pages of the phone book to choose our representatives than to continue with system that is in place.
But, good luck to anyone trying to change things -- there is just too much money at stake.
Over the years legislators have exempted themselves from open and fair government laws--the Open Public Meetings Act, the Government Records and Management Act, the State Employees Ethics Act to name a few. And, when it comes to campaign funding, there is no requirement that donations be used for campaigns-- legislators can use the money as they see fit.
All this wouldn't be so bad if there were any balance in the Legislature -- but, there isn't.
So, rather than worry about relatively petty gifts, the media and voters should wonder how business such as siting a nuclear power plant in Utah can get done beneath the radar and behind closed doors. Certain individuals stand to benefit enormously, yet the public will have no clue what is going on.
If power corrupts, what does absolute power do?
I believe we would do better to throw darts at pages of the phone book to choose our representatives than to continue with system that is in place.
But, good luck to anyone trying to change things -- there is just too much money at stake.
Right on Rab | 11:12 p.m. Jan. 12, 2008
First, the Legislature is not exempt from open meetings laws or government
access laws (GRAMA).
The DesNews continues to make a mountain out of a molehill. Look at this recent article about the Speaker of California, Democrat Fabian N��ez.
"Assembly Speaker Fabian N��ez came under fire Friday after a report showed that the lawmaker - who has long fashioned himself as a champion of the poor - has used thousands of dollars in campaign contributions to make lavish purchases.
Trips to Europe, expensive dinners, extravagant hotel stays and $2,500 worth of gifts from luxury retailer Louis Vuitton in Paris have created a swirl of questions about the Los Angeles Democrat."
California has an independent ethics commission as well.
Utah largely has honest politicans. A 40 dollar meal isn't evil and let's not make it such.
The DesNews continues to make a mountain out of a molehill. Look at this recent article about the Speaker of California, Democrat Fabian N��ez.
"Assembly Speaker Fabian N��ez came under fire Friday after a report showed that the lawmaker - who has long fashioned himself as a champion of the poor - has used thousands of dollars in campaign contributions to make lavish purchases.
Trips to Europe, expensive dinners, extravagant hotel stays and $2,500 worth of gifts from luxury retailer Louis Vuitton in Paris have created a swirl of questions about the Los Angeles Democrat."
California has an independent ethics commission as well.
Utah largely has honest politicans. A 40 dollar meal isn't evil and let's not make it such.
Sage advice | 11:22 p.m. Jan. 12, 2008
Our eye and our Father in Heaven's all seeing eye wil be on the legislature
in the light of the vote on giving homosexual union formal documentation.
Please clean things up if indees their is a need to doso. We need to reject the dollars and bribes of lobbyist from our great state.
Please clean things up if indees their is a need to doso. We need to reject the dollars and bribes of lobbyist from our great state.
Really? | 1:22 p.m. Jan. 13, 2008
We're getting worked-up about tickets to a Jazz game? Really? Frankly,
it's a painful endeavor to attend a Jazz game.
We're getting worked-up about a lunch meeting being purchased by lobbyists? Really? If you've ever met a lobbyist, you'd probably never want to lunch with them in the first place. The least they could do is pay for your cheeseburger.
We're getting worked-up about fruit-baskets to the Gov. and Lt. Gov? Really? I'm not sure that the Governor thinks about fruit-baskets at VETO time. "hmmm, I can't VETO this bill, because a supporter of it gave me a friggin fruit basket...afterall, who can say no to a delicious pear..."
Really, folks?
Why is "lobbyist" a bad word, besides the fact that we really hate these "rich guys?" To me, they are hired by companies or other interested parties to get in front of legislators to discuss issues that that party wants them to.
Seems to me that all this article and its comments do is verify to those companies that, in fact, their people (lobbyists) are doing just what they've been told to do.
Really.
We're getting worked-up about a lunch meeting being purchased by lobbyists? Really? If you've ever met a lobbyist, you'd probably never want to lunch with them in the first place. The least they could do is pay for your cheeseburger.
We're getting worked-up about fruit-baskets to the Gov. and Lt. Gov? Really? I'm not sure that the Governor thinks about fruit-baskets at VETO time. "hmmm, I can't VETO this bill, because a supporter of it gave me a friggin fruit basket...afterall, who can say no to a delicious pear..."
Really, folks?
Why is "lobbyist" a bad word, besides the fact that we really hate these "rich guys?" To me, they are hired by companies or other interested parties to get in front of legislators to discuss issues that that party wants them to.
Seems to me that all this article and its comments do is verify to those companies that, in fact, their people (lobbyists) are doing just what they've been told to do.
Really.
N. Smith | 7:40 p.m. Jan. 13, 2008
Hey, before you all get so hot an bothered, why don't you check the
"FACTS" the newspaper misreported. This article was full of
misrepresentations, rumors, and misleading loaded wording. The "info"
on Stan Lockhart, for instance, is yellow journalism at its finest. Lockhart
has ALWAYS been forthcoming with his records, completely within the law, and
honest in his dealings with the both the company he represents and in the many
hours he volunteers in behalf of the republican party and his community. As for
his supposed refusing to be interviewed --He asked again and again for questions
from the reporters to consider and answer fully -- they REFUSED to give him
questions. I know because after the article I asked my bishop's wife what
grudge those two reporters had about Stan Lockhart -- my bishop and neighbor of
over a decade. She has no idea why they would print such slander and twisting
of the truth. I don't know about what they printed on other hard working
lobbiests and lawmakers, but if what they said about Lockhart is any indication,
this article is complete trash.
Teacher | 8:49 p.m. Jan. 13, 2008
Wait a minute. I didn't see The evil Utah Education Association listed
anywhere in this article. Aren't they supposed to be the big bad powerful
lobbyists with undue influence. Well, guess what? The policy of the UEA PAC
(political action committee) is that they only reimburse legitimate campaign
expenses for candidates. So not one single legislator is sitting around with
extra teachers' political contributions padding future campaign war chests.
And they didn't go to any Jazz Games on UEA's dime either. Maybe
teachers could start giving away tickets to student choir concerts, science
fairs, and high school football games so they could influence legislators and
get a bigger piece of the budget pie. Higher ed seems to have joined the game
already!
minor machman | 12:07 a.m. Jan. 14, 2008
I wonder if anyone would vote for a replacement legislator who would sign a
pledge and solemn oath that he or she would not accept any gift for any amount
of money from anyone. Nor would they accept a meal paid for by a lobbyist of
any stripe? A pledge to meet with anyone so long as it was over a clean table
at the Capital cafetera. A candidate who is retired having worked for the
military - with no dog in any hunt...hence no special interests other than doing
the best possible for citizens who elected him or her? What do you think? Vote
Yes or No
Anonymous | 5:07 p.m. Jan. 15, 2008
The Editor of the D-News is a lobbyist. How Fun!
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Ywa Zionz has it share of deaths but the difference is that Zions National...
Actually a lot of conservatives did NOT want this war and still don't....
All these Ute fans are setting themselves up to be humiliated. Oh, and by...
this is a senseless death that didn't have to happen. my heart goes out to...
The band was awesome!! Thank you, Caleb, for allowing a member of the Little...
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And giving $50 fruit baskets to the governor? If these lobbyists have so much money to burn, why don't they donate it to a homeless shelter or a food bank?
We don't send lawmakers to Salt Lake to grow rich - we send them to serve the people. I don't want to hear any lawmaker whine about being underpaid - you don't like the compensation, don't run for the office.
We're acting like a bunch of darned Nephites who've gotten lifted up in the pride of our hearts, getting gain, looking down upon their poor. If we don't change, we might share their fate.