Comments about ‘Ethics petition gathering will carry on till mid-August’

"We just hope at some point citizens will get the chance to remove their names," he said, if they have changed their minds.

Or did he mean to say be harassed to remove their names at some point? Maybe these people who changed their mind could just vote against the initiative?

These politicians are so corrupt they want nothing to do with any ethics reform. I'm surprised the governor isn't for it, he seems to be a moral person and but probably wants to reap the benefit of all the freebies like the rest of the elected officials. Why is it that once elected they have this entitlement mentality. Isn't there an honest, hard working, for the people, politicians left? I'd like to attend their church meeting and have then answer this question in a wholly place where their conscience may be affected.

These politicians are so corrupt they want nothing to do with any ethics reform. I'm surprised the governor isn't for it, he seems to be a moral person and but probably wants to reap the benefit of all the freebies like the rest of the elected officials. Why is it that once elected they have this entitlement mentality. Isn't there an honest, hard working, for the people, politicians left? I'd like to attend their church meeting and have then answer this question in a wholly place where their conscience may be affected.

sorry, typed and not paying attention, meant holy place.. not wholly, little mad when I typed it..

This is great news. There is a real hunger for ethics reform in the state, despite my party's attempts to beat it into oblivion.

Power to the people (and away from lobbyists)!

Amen, get rid of all them that refuse to be ethical, honest, moral or who give lip service with their hand out. Vote them out. Really, why wouldn't every honest person want this? They are so discussing. The have more respect for Gran and the representative from Syracuse who stepped down than those who continue to serve without ethics reform. Only difference, Garm and the Syracuse gentleman did the still on the Hill aren't.

Amen, get rid of all them that refuse to be ethical, honest, moral or who give lip service with their hand out. Vote them out. Really, why wouldn't every honest person want this? They are so discussing. I have more respect for Gran and the representative from Syracuse who stepped down than those who continue to serve without ethics reform. Only difference, Garm and the Syracuse gentleman did the right thing and those still on the Hill aren't doing the right thing.

"We just hope at some point citizens will get the chance to remove their names," he said, if they have changed their minds.

-changed their minds about what? whether they support the initiative or whether they want the chance to vote on it?

I don't foresee many people who signed the petition to suddenly realize "Ya know, I'd rather not vote on this ethics reform; it would take up too much space on the ballot."

If anyone tries to convince you that signing the petition automatically means you agree with everything the initiative says, like many party leaders are saying, you may have just found another reason to want ethics reform.

As if this was the only ethics reform out there! We'll all be voting on ethics reform measures in November, just not the "guilty until proven innocent" type of reform that UEG wanted.

I must be missing the point. How in the wide green or is it blue world did this petition not get enough signatures? Are the citizens here that happy with the goings on at capitol hill?

I am astounded and amazed that this initiative failed.

Am I just a crazy, because I think this is the number one most unethical government I have ever encountered in the United States of America?

One thing that must be said loudly and clearly, is that Utahans get the government they deserve!

Along with the release of the names, phone numbers, and addresses, of those who signed the petition being released.
Are they also going to release the name, phone numbers, and address, of all those who did not sign the petition?
So that they can be called-contacted about signing the petition?
Also, if I am called, is the person calling required to stay on the phone, and listen to what I have to say?
Maybe they should have to listen for two minutes, without interruption, while I tell them what I think of being called, and ethics reform in general.
Can those who signed the petition put themselves on a do not contact list?
If not, why not?
Why should I be called during dinner and harassed-bothered?
I would also like for all reps be required to report where they stand on the initiative.

Has anyone associated with the campaign to pass the bill ever wondered if the problem wasn't the PR Campaign? And wondered if there are problems with the bill itself?

From what I've read (just portions)... it's complicated, vague and open to abuse?

Maybe if you revised the bill and simplified it... you would get the signatures needed. Obviously people think we need ethics reform (from the comments above)... just a lot of people (who have actually READ the bill) think this bill stinks!


game on | 12:54 p.m.
If the politicians are so corrupt... what good is puting THEM in control of the ethics committee? It needs to be a non-partisan citizen pannel (not just more politicians with power to railroad other politicians).

IF they are really that unethical... why won't they just use this new tool for witch-hunts, guilty till proven innocent type investigations, etc, for political gain?

As written it's WAY to open to being used as a tool of intimidation against political_opponents. A weapon to be used to threaten their family and associates!


The bill needs to be simpler. The current bill seems to be DESIGNED for abuse.

For the petition. Against legislators issuing opting out letters being sent to everyone who signed the initiatives. Opt out letters will require citizens to re-sign the petitions if they receive a letter. Legislators should not be allowed to contact any person by any means that has signed the petition. It will be very easy for the legislators to use subterfuge to counter and invalidate the signatures of those who want ethical government.

The fact that our legislators are against ethics and morals only makes it more clear that this UEG initiative is needed. The legislators will use tax payers funds in campaign efforts to counter those that want ethical government. If legislators can use tax funds to try and defeat this then the petitioners should be given the funds to gather signatures.

The 2nd petition was an attempt organized by legislators with malice to interfere with the UEG petition gathering signatures.

Where can I sign the petition? The one time where I knew where a volunteer would be to take my signature, I was out of town.

Lets get it done and pass this initiative!

Good for them! I hope this passes.

@Question | 3:38 p.m. April 21, 2010
Has anyone associated with the campaign to pass the bill ever wondered if the problem wasn't the PR Campaign? And wondered if there are problems with the bill itself?

From what I've read (just portions)... it's complicated, vague and open to abuse?

READ the bill) think this bill stinks!


OK - VOTE NO when it comes up. Promote introduction of a better bill!

Way to go, UEG. I will volunteer to help you. Utahns need this choice, and the Republicans as a political party should stay out of it!

And now we need gutsy legislators who will change this initiative law so that the people can have a say. Current law makes initiatives impossible. If it weren't for competent attorneys who discovered the contradicitory flaw in the law, UEG would not have the extra months until August to gather this impossibly high threshhold of signatures.

To Question - then why don't you contact the UEG organizers (consult their website) and volunteer your services to 'simplify' the initiative?

Some opponents of this initiative have argued that it is too complicated while it appears others have said it is too vague. At the UEG website anyone can compare it side by side with the legislator's ethics bill.

Yes! Please read the initiative and then compare it to ethics reform the legislators have written. Then decide for yourselves which one is vague.

Afterwards, join the chorus of people demanding real ethics reform and sign the petition!

Please send a message to our legislators that real ethics reform is a priority and we voters take it personally!