Deseret News | Reader comments: Did Valentine approve Buttars' letter?

Reader comments
Did Valentine approve Buttars' letter?

Gibbygate | 12:36 a.m. Feb. 27, 2008

This Gibby-Buttars relationship needs to be investigated. This is getting out of control. What has to happen before the feds come in and clean up the Utah State Senate. This is bad, very, very bad.

Karen Kelnhofer Eddy | 4:26 a.m. Feb. 27, 2008

Consider the allegation: Black baby means African-American infant according to NAACP who say Buttars was making a racial slur.

But Buttars was expressing his feelings about a bill, it being a black baby.

To me, this would mean he feels the bill would be a bad thing that could grow worse as times goes on.

But to the NAACP, who cry 'racist' every time someone speaks a word like black, the NAACP thinks Buttars meant the bill is an Anfrican-American infant. Crazy allegation.

I suppose the NAACP thinks a cowboy in a black hat is a cowboy in an African-American hat, or maybe an African-American in a hat that suggests racism.

NAACP are the real racists. They have caused Buttars to loose his life-long career.

Let's hope Valentine isn't invol | 5:36 a.m. Feb. 27, 2008

I'm very concerned by Gibby's comments that Senate President Valentine approved this ex parte letter to a sitting Judge. This allegation should be fully investigated and if Valentine had any involvement in the matter he should ben censured by the Senate for his involvement along with Buttars who we have recently learned has had serious lapses in judgement ranging from his racist comments on the Senate floor, this letter to a sitting Judge to him telling members of a Senate committee not to vote for a bill he was sponsoring because he was unaware of what it did.

I could care less if Buttars is sponsoring bills with content that he is unaware of since that is between him and those who vote for him yet I do take umbrage with his letter to a sitting Judge and with his racist comments. That Valentine hasn't taken action against him is a little shocking but to be expected since he opposes the Utsh Legislature honoring Martin Luther King Day and probably agrees with Gibby and Buttars' actions.

Comments continue below

Anonymous | 5:58 a.m. Feb. 27, 2008

I don't think it is wise for media outlets to be digging up a person's past history due to a vendetta they have against the man.

Utah wants to move on and so should it's media organizations.

And all we need is "the feds" intervening in an area of state rights. If you think Utah's politics are corrupt you need to spend a tad bit more time focusing an the absurdity that is Washington. Perhaps "the feds" should focus a bit more on the constitutional jurisdiction and clean up that filth before we the people give them the rights to intervene in our local affairs.

Please go back and read the constitution. The one the founding father's ratified.

Judge | 6:17 a.m. Feb. 27, 2008

Judge can not stand critisizm?
We have a major problem with ETHICS in the State of Utah
The Feds need to come in and take over

Oh please... | 6:46 a.m. Feb. 27, 2008

Buttars is out of control and needs to be removed. He is Utah's own little "Maverick" that cannot be kept in control.

I highly doubt Senate leadership knew of anything about this letter. President Valentine strongly understands eminent domain. Look at the 800 North corridor in Orem where the street is becoming a "freeway" one block from his home. Why would anyone think he would approve such a letter to a judge when he is an well respected attorney and understands the judicial system as well as, if not better, than most?

Come on D-news political writers, concentrate on truth and not speculation.

LIVE FREE OR DIE | 6:59 a.m. Feb. 27, 2008

Does'nt Buttars just make ya proud to be an american?
What will he do next.
Is'nt he supposed to be a leader?
Can't we just get rid of this BOZO already.

liberal larry | 6:57 a.m. Feb. 27, 2008

I think that Chris Buttars illustrates the need for term limits for our elected officials. Even if they are replaced by Republican, white, Mormon, male, clones of the previous office holder, at least they will bring some new faces, and ideas, to the legislature.

MatsonRun | 7:16 a.m. Feb. 27, 2008

This is still a very mild and censored description of Buttars' letter to the judge. This article essentially trivializes Buttars' comments. Buttars threatened the judge and danced right to the edge of ordering the judge to rule per legislater edict. Check out "other" newspaper sources for the last several days and you'll see what I mean. He was removed as the committee chairman only after the real story was published, and not here. Buttars got off easy, once more, as he is still on the committee. This man is an embarrassment to Utah but I absolutely support his constituents right to re-elect him. To support and re-elect him says volumes about his district.

A Voter | 7:48 a.m. Feb. 27, 2008

Why would a Senator from West Jordan, and apparently the Senate President from Provo believe that they are a party in a land dispute in Mapleton? Can you say conflict of interest, hired gun? Mr. Buttars actions don't suprise me, he has always been an arrogant man, but John Valentine, I thought you knew better. Time to go to your new career Chris. Go be a lobbyist, you already have a good start.

Diogenes | 8:01 a.m. Feb. 27, 2008

The press serves a useful purpose in a democracy. A free press helps keep public servants honest. "Digging up a persons' past" can serve a useful purpose, especially if past performance is consistent with present behavior. Those who would muzzle the voices of dissent are no better than totalitarian dictators that history is replete with.

The Velveteen Elephant | 8:28 a.m. Feb. 27, 2008

It's a good thing journalists aren't held to any sort of evidentiary standard before they publish, otherwise, there'd be no story here. This a classic example of hearsay and should be afforded very little weight at this point. Gibby SAID that Buttars SAID that Senate Leadership (which may or may not specifically include Valentine) SAID that the letter was okay. This sounds out of character for Valentine, who as a lawyer, knows how problematic an ex parte communication is.

I'll reserve judgment until the papers can point to better evidence than double-layered hearsay.

On a side note, why are some of you talking about the "feds?" They can't do anything; ever heard of the Tenth Amendment?

leftandright | 8:34 a.m. Feb. 27, 2008

"Wordsmithing Exposes Hypocrocy... Story at 10:00"

Let me restate what 'Anonymous' (5:58 a.m. Feb. 27, 2008) said above, changing a few of his choice words and adding my own words in CAPITOL letters. Hmmmm... very interesting indeed...

>

The writer's original comments are just another blatant example of the hypocrisy seen again and again from those that continue to support these goons. It's nothing more than Utah's version of the "Good ol' Boys Club"; you protect my back, I'll protect yours.

Crooks and Liars are running (and ruining) this state. WAKE UP UTAH!

Hmm.... | 8:30 a.m. Feb. 27, 2008

... this assertion by Buttars' pal Gibby certainly isn't going to make Buttars any more popular with Senate leadership....

Ernest T. Bass | 8:51 a.m. Feb. 27, 2008

Why are Buttars and Valentine sticking their noses in a land dispute in Mapleton?
This is poor ethics.
The judge's job is to interpret the law and that is exactly what he did. Take it to the Utah Supreme Court if you're not happy with the interpretation, don't involve two guys who've never been to law school or served on a bench.

Jud | 9:10 a.m. Feb. 27, 2008

It's obvious by now that the real stink in the legislature is coming from the head down. Valentine, the "well-respected" attorney, has lost my respect. Buttars is what he is, but Valentine should know better. Roz McGee is right; the leg desperately needs an ethics commission. But then there's Valentine and his Repub friends: "We don't need no stinkin' ethics commission!" Now we know WHY they don't want it. The smell is rising.

Sen. Valentine | 9:24 a.m. Feb. 27, 2008

You have become the problem. Forget Buttars, he is just a minion. I remember your voucher defense last year--"all my neighbors support it"--well, I hope your cognitively challenged neighbors will remember the smell of Gibby-Gate when you come up for re-election.

Tired of the selfserving | 9:33 a.m. Feb. 27, 2008

Liberal Larry we do have term limits...it is called elections. The true reform needs to come first by zapping out the influence of the Eagle Forum on the state capital...the conservative caucus is their buddies and if you push out Buttars you need to take his friends. They are scary individuals and don't care what their constiuents say. They vote how their leader, Greg Hughes, tells them how to vote. The voucher proved that. This problem isn't just with Buttars...

vern | 9:44 a.m. Feb. 27, 2008

I am in complete agreement with term limits from the federal level on down.To wit:the citizens of the great state of california a few years back voted into play term limits.approved whole heartly by a majority of the voters.but the politicians went into panic mode and filed a law suit to overturn the voters voice.and guess what????? the california supreme court sided with their fellow politicians and overturned the voters voice and desires.the term limits issue is collecting dust in some file cabinet.WHAT A COUNTRY!!!!!!!!

Disgusted | 10:25 a.m. Feb. 27, 2008

Let's sweep the ultra-ultra-right wing minions of Gayle Ruzika and the Eagle Forum out of the legislature! Enough of the bullying and arm twisting that these goons practice. We independents of Utah need to sweep these people out of office and reclaim our right to be represented without conflict of interest and Neo-Conservative control.

What a bunch of Sheep | 10:33 a.m. Feb. 27, 2008

Some of the readers of the DN, based on their flippant comments here, are a bunch of sheep. I don't care what you think about Buttar's politics, he is being RAILROADED. Buttar's was responsible for the appointment of the activist judge. If you had your property taken over by the government (eminent domain), wouldn't you at least like someone to question the judge's "activism"? I don't know who is behind the assassination of Buttars but this is getting to be laughable. Nice to see how a man can get totally screwed over because the news organization and other politically corret minions don't agree with his political views. Where is the intellectual honesty? Makes me feel like he is truly getting the shaft, and anyone who espouses unpopular political views will get assassinated by the media. Pathetic.

Say it isn't so John | 10:49 a.m. Feb. 27, 2008

I can only hope this is not true. There is no question that Buttars' letter was not only contrary to ethical duties, but also in violation of fundamental notions of separation of powers guaranteed by our State (and Federal) Constitution. As to the "Senate Spokesman's" statement that the letter was just a "private expression of disappointment" that is ABSURD. It was not only on Senate letterhead, but the clear purpose was to emphasize Buttars' position on the Senate Judicial Confirmation Committee and as a direct threat to Judge Pullan.

I can only hope, Valentine has not dirtied his hands by approving or turning a blind eye to the unethical tactics of Buttars and Gibby.

Buttars' Sheep | 11:16 a.m. Feb. 27, 2008

The only sheep in this case are those that (like you) will follow Buttars over the cliff. For anyone to read Buttars' letter and then support him by questioning "intellectual honesty," you are the truly "pathetic" one.

Honestly.. | 11:17 a.m. Feb. 27, 2008

Would all of you still be standing up for Butters and now Valentine if they didn't have an "R" after their names? This whole session has been nothing more than the Good Ol' Boys networking and covering for each other.

LIVE FREE OR DIE | 11:21 a.m. Feb. 27, 2008

In response to "what a bunch of sheep"
Do you really think That Chris Buttars is a great champion of democracy?
Do you think he really tries to express the views and the opinions of the people who elected him?
The fact is, he has always his own agenda, and he simply uses his position to promote his own beliefs, not the beliefs of the people who have elected him.
Just can this BOZO already!
If I had my way we would all go to his office and physically remove him before he embarrases himself, his office, the state, and every freedom loving american.

This makes me happy. | 11:26 a.m. Feb. 27, 2008

I love everyone of you. This is the most entertainment I've had all day.

Reply to Honestly | 11:52 a.m. Feb. 27, 2008

Although I have always been a Republican, there is no way I can stand by Buttars or now even Valentine. It is apparent that the temptation of power and money is the great corrupter no matter what side of the isle you may be on.

Re-Sheep haters | 11:52 a.m. Feb. 27, 2008

I live out of state and have been watching this farce develop over the past week. If you don't think he's getting railroaded, why does this letter mysteriously show up now? It was drafted and sent last May, and the honest judge (feeling oh-so threatened) didn't feel like bringing it up until now? Seriously folks...and regarding "Live Free or Die": what is your definition of democracy? Buttars is an elected official from where, West Jordan or Sandy (serving his third elected term)? Just because YOU don't agree with his positions what gives you the audacity to suggest the people who elected him don't espouse the same views? Let them vote for someone else next time. And for all the others crying about Eagle Forum and other conservatives: get off your high horse and VOLUNTEER your own time at the capital if you want an alternative voice. Oh...I see...you'd rather SILENCE thier voice. What a bunch of free speech activists we have here (thick sarcasm). What a joke. Live Free or Die? Are you kidding me?

Re: power and money? | 12:06 p.m. Feb. 27, 2008

Are judges beyond reproach??? Why are we flipping out because a letter was written to a judge who promised to uphold the Constitution, then commited thievery by stealing a person's property through eminent domain? To question a judge's loyalty to the Constitution is now akin to threatening him? So now we see the evolution: Buttars, first a dimwitted Senator with a big mouth, then a racist, now a corrupt power hungry REPUBLICAN. Again...what a joke and what a railroad job.

To Sheep Hater | 12:11 p.m. Feb. 27, 2008

I guess because you live out of state, I will overlook the fact that you are an idiot. All reports (which you apparently missed), pointed out that the Judge filed the letter in the case files (thereby making them public) at the time it was received from Buttars. The Judge also turned it over to the Presiding Judge at the same time.

I suspect there are many sheep that will (like you) continue to bleat out your support for Buttars claiming he is being "railroaded."

M | 12:17 p.m. Feb. 27, 2008

This article conveniently ignores the real issue concerning Gibby's land. The real story is that he is trying to build a subdivision on land zoned as environmentally sensitive, using his connections to Sen. Buttars to intimidate the city into changing the zoning. Also, Gibby is now trying to "punish" Mapleton for the delay by allowing him to build more homes than originally planned. Buttars and Valentine are doing a great job of railroading themselves with this blatant abuse of power. Also, in reponse to the comment by "Karen Kelnhofer Eddy" stating:

"But Buttars was expressing his feelings about a bill, it being a black baby.
To me, this would mean he feels the bill would be a bad thing that could grow worse as times goes on."

Congratulations, you have just incriminated yourself as a worse racist then Sen. Buttars. Also, anyone who substitutes the word "loose" for "lose" can't be taken seriously, so go back to your American Idol and stay out of issues you don't understand.

To "Railroad Job" | 12:28 p.m. Feb. 27, 2008

Sorry to keep correcting your idiotic responses, but you may want to consider the age old adage of think before you open your mouth. The decision that precipitated the letter did not "commit thievery by stealing a person's property." The Judge ruled that the City had the right as expressly allowed by State law to pursue eminent domain IF IT PAID THE OWNER FOR IT. Since Gibby paid $1 million for the entire parcel only a year earlier and then was offered $8 million by the city, I suspect your idiotic comment accusing a Judge of thievery is indicative of your IQ

Anonymous | 1:13 p.m. Feb. 27, 2008

I felt the attacks on Buttars for the "this baby is black" comment were a little extreme, and appreciated the apology given and accepted at the Baptist Church.

However, this latest episode has got to be the last straw. It is a clear abuse of power and proves the man unfit to hold the public trust of political office.

And the fact Sen. Valentine previewed, edited and/or had anything whatsoever to do with that letter is especially disturbing. Buttars may not be a lawyer, but Valentine is. I think the state bar should do its own investigation of Valentine's part in this fiasco.

LIVE FREE OR DIE | 2:01 p.m. Feb. 27, 2008

To out-of stater:
You are right.
I don't know every person that voted Buttars in, and I don't know what all their beliefs are.
What I do know is that I did not vote for him.
I do not share his visions.
Many of my neighbors did not vote for him, and do not share his beliefs.
The ones that did vote for him, seem like they don't approve of the job he is doing.
And he really appears to be an incompetent buffoon.
If you think he is doing such a knock-up job please convince him to move to your state and obtain some position of power there.
If I am missing something else, please enlighten me.

Corruption | 2:17 p.m. Feb. 27, 2008

Judges should rule based on the law. If we were in front of a Judge, that is what we would expect. If a Judge makes a ruling based on law that is against you and your interests, that does not make the Judge an Activist Judge. That is a weak take. Stop being a sheep and reciting Republican catch phrases, and focus on the issues.

Our lawmakers should be doing what is best for all residents of the state, not just themselves and their friends. The Chris Buttars and Aaron Tiltons and Greg Hughes and Howard Stephensons and Greg Curtises of the Legisislature, using their elected offices to make money for themselves and their friends, is absolutely corrupt, disgusting, and unAmerican. Are we in the US or Central America? Corruption in government is working well for Mexico, so I can understand why some would defend corruption in government in Utah.

To:What a bunch of Sheep | 2:23 p.m. Feb. 27, 2008

It is reasonable for a City to ask for an easement for a trail access that will benefit all the residents of the community. Usually cities wait to aquire these easements until the landowner either asks to annex their land into the city or when the landowner developes and subdivides their land. In the past the land owner was required to give an easment at the time of annexation, now the city pays for such an easement.
It is a privledge and not a right to annex into a city and giving an easement for trail for the good of the whole community as a condition of annexation is a cities right. If our communities want a good trail system like they have in other parts of the country than our city leaders must insist on these trail easements or we will lose our opportunity for a great trail system. Thanks Judge!!! Good Call!!

Mike T | 2:42 p.m. Feb. 27, 2008

Chris Buttars has proven to be a buffoon and embarrassment to the State for years now, but the latest Mapleton letter issue is really troubling. If Sen. Valentine has any involvement in this (i.e., trying to intimidate a sitting judge)he should be removed not only from his leadership position but from the Senate as well.

One who knows . . . | 3:03 p.m. Feb. 27, 2008

Apparently, the desnews cannot even figure out if Valentine supposedly "approved a letter" because even the headline has a question mark. Also, show me where it is against the ethical code of the legislators to criticze a judge. It may be poor taste but not technically unethical. And in that case, Valentine would have no right or obligation to sanction Buttars. Anyway, the article doesn't say he was approving the letter (if he did even see it) but that he was trying to keep the wording from embarassing the senate. Please remember . . . this is the deseret news trying to create issues because apparently the issues they are supposed to write about aren't interesting enough.

Anonymous | 3:48 p.m. Feb. 27, 2008

Valentine in denial in the morning Tribune article and then an admission that he viewed and edited a draft of the letter to Judge Pullan? The Feds would charge the guy with PURJURY. Buttars is awash in ethical gaffs and now Valentine part of the caper too? But Valentine as an attorney is directed by a State Legal Code of Ethics that likely has been breached. Amazing that both the Trib and Des News are the ones that have to disclose such nonsensical and noisy behaviour. Valentine, Buttars and any other legislator that had his or her hand in this (letter to Pullan) matter should be disciplined. In Valentines case, the State Bar should immediately conduct an investigation. What a reputation Utah, leaders of our legislative bodies - Valentine Senate Head - and Buttar's former Chair of Judicial Review, pandering to private interests in a very unethical way. When caught red handed, there is always, just an excuse. The public deserves better and the media should dig deeper and disclose what nonsense Valentine has been up to, and keep digging re the withering and hapless Buttar's.

Why not in West Jordan edition | 4:10 p.m. Feb. 27, 2008

How come this article was not in my edition of the paper? I live in West Jordan and need to get my daily Buttars' fix. Buttars probably sends critical letters to his bishop, too. By the way, Pullan is not an activist judge.

What More? | 4:31 p.m. Feb. 27, 2008

In light of the cronyism and lack of regard for their constituent's wishes, I can't help but wonder what lies beneath the information we already have. It scares me to imagine the possibility of further unethical dealings going on in our state leadership that we don't know about due to closed door meetings and practical don't ask, don't tell behavior.

Publish the letter | 5:06 p.m. Feb. 27, 2008

If the letter reads as it is quoted it constitutes a threat, not a criticism. If it was written on Senate stationary and Valentine approved it, it is an official public document. Then both men are probably guilty of a breach of the state code of ethics and should be investigated.

Anonymous | 5:36 p.m. Feb. 27, 2008

Why can't someone show there negative views of a court decision. Judges are not better than us, they are not on a cloud above us, or above us, a Senator, anybody can comment on a judges decision. Anyone can. What happened to freedom of speech. Just because certain groups want to pick each of the good Senators off, doesn't mean we can allow this to happen. We need to wake up and see that everyone needs to be checked, the whole system of checks and balances needs to be re looked at.

Michael | 5:32 p.m. Feb. 27, 2008

Absolute power corrups absolutely. I think it is funny to talk about separation of powers. There is none in Utah- the legislature wants to run the state, the city of Salt Lake and everything else. The problem with Buttars/Valentine is a synptom and it is great to see some critical review. For a member of the legislature to put pressure on a judge to make a decision which would financially benefit a friend is totally inappropriate and is pretty much the defination of corruption.

We are lucky to have some rights to put an initiative on the ballot here, but otherwise, there is no real hope for change unless there is a major turnabout in an election, Perhaps this will happen if the Republican VP Candidate is Huckabee.

Judge not | 5:58 p.m. Feb. 27, 2008

Has anyone seriously looked at the merits of the Judge's decision. The legislature clarifies eminent domain; Cities can't use it for trails. Even the Feds can't. Judge Pullan rules that instead they can call it a 10 ft wide "park" to get around the legislature...doesn't that seem a little activist??? If I were a legislator, I'd be insulted.

Would I want the city claiming a 10 ft wide swath of my back yard so that they could have a shortcut to the elementary school? If I had my privacy and the City came along and said we want a horse trail in your back yard that any goon can come thru to recreate, wouldn't I be a little mad, whether they paid me or not? Enough of government abuse.

Buttars shoud blog his comments | 8:26 p.m. Feb. 27, 2008

Karen Kelnhofer Eddy (4:26 a.m.), "But Buttars was expressing his feelings about a bill, it being a black baby. To me, this would mean he feels the bill would be a bad thing that could grow worse as times goes on. But to the NAACP, who cry 'racist' every time someone speaks a word like black, the NAACP thinks Buttars meant the bill is an Anfrican-American infant. Crazy allegation."

The NAACP isn't saying that Buttars thinks the bill is an African American instead they object to the racist terminology he used to describe the bill and its negative characteristics. Why didn't Buttars say "this is a white baby" or "a light ugly thing?" And it isn't an allegation and I'm getting sick and tired of you people thinking everything is a debate that we all can vote on.

I have the right to bring my child to a legislative session without an Eddy or a Buttars insulting them. You can debate that Ms. Eddy and run for office on that platform but don't think that your self-righteous post means anything anymore than the comments of Buttars who instead of posting them on a forum speaks his nonsense in the Senate.

Brian | 10:18 p.m. Feb. 27, 2008

Individual rights are important, but what about all the individuals who are negatively impacted by the loss of the roadway that Gibby blocked illegally? It's not right that Gibby should have his way just because he has a lot of money and extra time on his hands.

To;Judge not | 10:35 p.m. Feb. 27, 2008

You better re check your sources. Cities can require trail space, but they must pay for it. Also, who said anything about a trail being put in an established yard. This mapleton land included over 100 acres of un -annexed land. And by the way, Gov. abuse is an elected official telling a judge that he is not happy he helped appoint him because the judge made a decision that didn't benefit a friend. Good Job Judge!!!

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