Deseret News | Reader comments: Probe ends as Walker resigns Utah Legislature

Reader comments
Probe ends as Walker resigns Utah Legislature

Beavis | 12:29 a.m. July 8, 2008

The should make a movie out of this and call it "Revenge of the RINOs".

SunnyJim | 12:38 a.m. July 8, 2008

Talk about retaliation. The UEA gave Ellis a $10,000 donation because Walker voted for vouchers. Then they've hired an attorney to draft the complaint against Walker. This is all politics. I bet they will hire an attorney for Mascaro the Molester just to keep him around for an occasional vote.

Mellons | 12:51 a.m. July 8, 2008

So this allegation about "an unnamed lawmaker" is merely based on Ellis' complaint? You've got to be kidding. This is the same guy that solicited a job from Walker, talked about it, discussed it but then decided against it??? That Richard Ellis.

And with everyone accusing Walker of being a liar, why is we want to believe him on this one particular point. I think I know the answer: poltics.

Comments continue below

RangerGordon | 1:31 a.m. July 8, 2008

SunnyJim: These allegations are sensational! The teachers' union behind it all? Love it, love it!

I would like to write about this, but I'd need documentation; could you please provide links?

Shamus On You GOP | 4:37 a.m. July 8, 2008

Walker should be going to jail if guilty of offering a bribe.

Political Witch Hunt | 5:30 a.m. July 8, 2008

The article states: 'Irvine said he was "not 100 percent sure" the person referred to was Curtis. But, Irvine said, the House speaker certainly was among the handful of GOP leaders able to make such a commitment.'

So Irvine is on a witch hunt. He doesn't have the facts, but was willing to drag Walker thru the mud anyway to find some unknown individual. Despicable.

It's unconscionable that 5 legislators would be pawns to this corrupt individual. What's Irvine's motivation? Who's paying him and why?

bcs | 6:49 a.m. July 8, 2008

Doogie,
That is an interesting analysis. I hadn't looked at it that way.
I am going to think this through today but I believe you may be onto something

BBKing | 7:09 a.m. July 8, 2008

At this point witch hunt.

As for Phil Reason, he clearly does not understand that nature of the ethics committee. It is ultimately about protecting the honor and reputation of the House and Senate. Utah rarely has ethics committee hearings though when they do they are for real, not like DC.

Phil shows by his comment that he is also engaged in a witch hunt. Pretty big game that is being played right now.

JimBobDandyMcFly | 7:19 a.m. July 8, 2008

now why aren't these five legislators doing something about the tryanny and monopoly of Intermountain Health? after all ihc assigned lobbyists to each task force member paying each of them around 99K to harass the legislative task force members and see to it their ways were engraved in stone. it's all politics and everything is okay on either side of the aisle as long as it suits the individual politician. both sides do unethical things and get away with it until these kindergartners suddenly can't play well together. then they go get their teachers to straighten out the mess they have created. utah is no different than Chicago in many ways.

Tony | 7:45 a.m. July 8, 2008

I am amazed Sheryl Allen requested an ethics investigation over bribery when it is alleged that she did the same thing in 2000 against her eventual primary opponent.

Sheryl was originally declared the winner at the Davis county Republican convention.

Her opponent challenged the vote tabulation.

It was clear that Robert's rules of order supported the challenge and Sheryl was going to be forced into a primary.

When Sheryl realized this she allegedly offered her opponent a position with the Davis School District or her support if he should decided to run for the School Board (I'm not sure which) if the opponent would drop his challenge.

Her opponent declined the offer.

Erick | 8:21 a.m. July 8, 2008

I think it is a mistake to halt the ethics probe. There is still a cloud of suspicion and doubt that lingers over Mr. Walker, the Republican legislative leadership, and certain elected officials. And the public still deserves to know if there was, in fact, any wrongdoing. Too many legislators and elected officials are involved in this incident to let this drop just because Mr. Walker has resigned.

This is not just about Mr. Walker. I suspect others are involved and would be embarrassed by the outcome of such a probe. Perhaps Mr. Walker was little more than a sacrificial lamb for the protection of those individuals. If so, then whatever happened will likely happen again and bring about additional questions of ethics - unless those involved are more careful and do a better job covering their tracks.

Continue the probe in the name of true ethics. Otherwise, how will we know just how honest and ethical are these other individuals?

Nick | 8:40 a.m. July 8, 2008

I've got a simple solution to this mess.

I'm voting for Mr. Clark, the Democratic candidate for treasurer. He's well-qualified.

I'm washing my hands of Republicans this year.

Anonymous | 9:27 a.m. July 8, 2008

The House ethics complaint ended because Walker is no longer a member of the Utah House of Representatives. The AG's investigation (through Davis and Weber County investigators) is still in process.

Anonymous | 9:27 a.m. July 8, 2008

What is it about the Republicans?
Why the rampant corruption and cronyism?
Here are some of their role models:
George W. Bush
Dick Cheney
Karl Rove
Rush Limbaugh
GOP is toast for a decade or so.

JoAnn Hanson | 9:36 a.m. July 8, 2008

Continue the probe. Mark Walker was the pawn who was sacrificed to save King. I, too, suspect others are involved and the truth needs to come out.
My hat is off to the brave legislators who have asked for the probe.

Dr Don | 9:48 a.m. July 8, 2008

"What is it about the Republicans?
Why the rampant corruption and cronyism?"

And Democrats are exempt from this? Have you ever heard of Chicago-style politics?

CITIZEN | 10:00 a.m. July 8, 2008

TO ALL VOTERS/PATRIOTS;THROW THE BUMS OUT!!!!

Davis County Republican | 10:03 a.m. July 8, 2008

C'mon, Tony! Sheryl Allen couldn't offer her 2000 opponent a job in Davis School District. Jobs offers in school districts come from human resources departments and are offered only after job postings and interviews by a selection committee. I know. I work there.
Stop making stuff up.

Government Man | 10:19 a.m. July 8, 2008

Greg Curtis is up to his neck in this event. Walker's brother lives in Curtis's ward. The big boys in the Legilsature wanted Walker in this important job so that they could privatize the State Retirement system. Curtis and his bandit friends want to totally stick it to teachers and state employees. Curtis keeps blaming the teacher's union and PTA ladies for all of the investigations concerning him. The school people are only concerned about fair pay and reducing class size. Curtis hates them with a passion. He can't stand the fact the teachers and PTA people got the Voucher law stopped. Curtis does not believe in open government. He tried to still implement the Voucher law with the 2nd clean up bill. Curtis, Dolan, and Valentine are also getting payback on Mayor Carroon for not supporting the soccer stadium. Curtis pushed the split of the Jordan District so that he and his band of clowns could come back and try to get several million dollars from the New District to pay for the soccer stadium. Curtis's wife (Teresa) ran for the School Board in District 3. She was endorsed by Kelvin Cullimore, Niderhauser, and Mayor Workman.

the investigation must go on | 10:22 a.m. July 8, 2008

And the taxpayers get the shaft. Again.

We pay these legislators to work for us and when we finally get a toehold on the wall and we're just about to peek into the arena and see what's really happening, they resign.

Show's over. Nothin' to see here. Go back to work so you can send us more of your paycheck. There's no scandal. Of course there isn't. Since he's resigned and we have no jurisdiction that means there wasn't any bribery.

We want the TRUTH! It really does appear that this scandal goes all the way to the top! If not, why drop it so early in the investigation? If Mark Walker is innocent, let the evidence be presented and we, as your taxpaying employer, will tell you so.

Stewart | 10:28 a.m. July 8, 2008

At the Republican Convention I voted for Ellis, but after his "victim" status used in the primary, and his vindictiveness since has caused me to decide to vote for Mr. Clark, the democrat, in the general election. The democrats need to win something. I wonder what Mr. Clark's qualifications are?

This guy (Ellis) needs to be forced out of the Republican Party. A sore loser is one thing, but a sore and vengeful winner is even worse. The only good thing about this is that it is causing the Republican Party to eat some of their arrogant own. Some of those being eaten deserve it.

Robin | 10:54 a.m. July 8, 2008

Dont forget the Gonzo AG as a GOP policy enforcer. Without his opinion of justification to endorse particular primary candates smells like a fishy use of the legal profession.

On and on it goes.... | 11:05 a.m. July 8, 2008

Nasty, nasty, nasty. Curtis is going down in his election this year anyway, but I would like to see him sweat it out with an ethics committee. Everybody needs to keep in mind that he only won his last election by 20 votes or less. Jay Seegmiller is a stellar candidate and will prevail this time. Where did these GOP hot shots ever learn they were impervious? Walker fulfilled about what I would have expected from him by resigning, he was just a puppet anyway. I applaud the investigative committee. It takes some "big ones" to stand for truth and justice knowing that you will be privately/publicly vilified for it. Whatever "they" think they can get away with.

Tony | 12:10 p.m. July 8, 2008

To DAVIS COUNTY REPUBLICAN:

It's still a bribe regardless of one's ability ot deliver what was promised.

Sheryl Allen tried to get her 2000 opponent to essentially drop his vote counting challenge and out of the race with what could be considered a bribe.

If you don't believe me ask her 2000 opponent.

Split Supporter | 12:17 p.m. July 8, 2008

Government man-you watch too many movies or drink too much UEA koolaid. I was involved with the JSD split and the movement started long before the soccer stadium was even thought about. (This idea first circulated in about 1999 or 2000) Nor was the split overtly supported by Curtis. The split was an example of parents in action and to say otherwise denigrates a lot of time and sacrifice and the part of a lot of parents who lobbied the legislature, walked neighborhoods and put out signs and raised money to get their message out. And now parents who are really hoping for a better school district that treats parents with respect and gives parents and teachers more say at what happens at their local schools. I should also add that for a legislature that you think hates teachers and public ed so much, it is intersting that the same legislature has supported record increases in education funding over the last several years. I guess they hate it so much they are hoping to kill it with more money.

arc | 12:39 p.m. July 8, 2008

SunnyJim,
What planet are you from. Mascaro was given a caution for making an intern uncomfortable. The intern didn't even want to go there, and was not happy the whole thing even came out.

There has been no evidence that Mascaro has ever done anything wrong, other than question whether or not Mark Walker should be looked at for ethics. The only reason Mascaro is in the news in Mark Walker. The only reason Mark Walker is in the new is Ellis. Walker didn't want the hassle. I am not sure I am voting for Ellis yet. I was hoping this would clear Ellis, but it hasn't.

RE: Split Supporter | 1:59 p.m. July 8, 2008

You're right the legislature has given record funding increases to public education. Record increases, at least, for Utah. For all their efforts, we've gone from being 51st in the nation to...... 51st! With no real hope of escaping last place anytime in the near future without substantive changes. So, Utah has tried the last couple of years, but the rest of the nation is doing more.

Why are they doing it? Because poll after poll after poll consistently tells them that people in Utah have more public education funding as one of their top priorities. So they have to listen every once in a while.

NoGo | 2:44 p.m. July 8, 2008

Government Man - what world do you live in? The split of the Jordan School District is an attempt to get soccer funding? Sorry, but the issue is about a school district administration and school board who didn't have the courage to come clean with the public and explain that not only were they overwhelmed by student growth on the west side, but their neglect of public safety needs in the aging buildings on the east side combine for a $1 billion cost to the tax payers. I am sure that Greg Curtis wrote the script for the $281 million in bonds for the Jordan District that promised a new middle school in Draper and $42 million to address life safety problems in the aging schools. He did this in 2003 knowing full well that Real would need funding from a new district in 2007...hello. The new district doesn't start operation until July 2009. Revenge on Mayor Corroon...if you check the record Salt Lake County did very well during the 2008 session of the Legislature. And, like it or not, record spending was appropriated to public education over the past two legislative sessions.

Jay Seegmiller | 4:58 p.m. July 8, 2008

Our legislature is so corrupt it makes me sick. It is not just this alleged bribe, it is conflict of interest issues, use of political office for personal gain, back room deals, last minute omnibus bills, campaign finance and much more.

It is time to head in a different direction and that will only happen when we elect those that will commit to ethics reform, including reigning in lobbyists, ban on gifts to legislators, limits on corporate and PAC campaign contributions, tighter conflict of interest rules and an independent ethics commission. Do your research and only vote for those that are committed to cleaning up our legislature.

Give Me A Break | 6:37 p.m. July 8, 2008

Spin, Seegmiller, spin. Like those union bosses are pure like the new fallen snow. I don't want any sort of clean up they are doing, since they will only clean out my wallet and shutdown my business. Small business men and women provide jobs for people. Unions kill jobs.

thank goodness! | 6:59 p.m. July 8, 2008

Oh, I thought this was about 'Walker...TEXAS RANGER'...phewww!

Re: Davis County Republican | 8:39 p.m. July 8, 2008

You're stupid and naive to think job offers only go through postings - only those jobs that haven't been filled "inside" show up there.

I know, because I don't work there...

Government Man | 9:05 p.m. July 8, 2008

Split Supporter and NoGo are you guys on Curtis's payroll. Curtis was an active in trying to support the Jordan School District Split. His brother-in-Law is Kelvin Cullimore. Curtis, Dolan, Cullimore all wanted to split the District so they could put their lackeys on the School Board. Curtis's wife was endorsed by Cullimore, Workman and Niderhauser when she had no qualifications. Mayor Workman endorsed her using the envelopes from the Sandy Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber has never endorsed a political candidate. Greg Curtis hates the schools. He has passed two tax increases on the backs on the School Districts in the valley. One of the tax increases was the school equalization plan that was supposed to go state wide but just applies to Salt Lake County thanks to Curtis. The other tax increase that Curtis implemented is to pay for the Charter Schools. Each District in the County will pay millions for these plans. Curtis is dirty and needs to get voted out. He is in the pocket of developers and is power hungry. He needs to be sent packing in November. Jay Seegmiller is a good honest man. He cares about good open government. He's no lawyer!!!

Boogie | 10:22 p.m. July 8, 2008

Curtis, Hughes, Steve U, AG Shurty, they all need to go. Curtis and Hughes did help Walker and the truth will be revealed.

movin'on | 11:40 p.m. July 8, 2008

To Mellons: How about sharing some of the good stuff you're smoking. Walker offered the job to Ellis, bragged about doing it, check it out with Zion employees, and was upset when he passed on the bribe since it meant he wouldn't get to play golf for the next few months. Get a life, help Walker get his signs down. And to Stewart: where do you get off calling Ellis vengeful? Do you know him? Do you know the facts. You and Mellons must be part of the family and can't accept Walker is not who you think he is. It's obvious that the two of you haven't yet figured out it takes more to be the treasurer than being endosed by a bunch of two faced politicans, you actually have to have creditability. Walker was walking on thin ice, and broke through with his disgusting behavior on Take2.

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2 photos

Geoffrey McAllister, Deseret News

A copy of Mark Walker's resignation, seen in the foreground, is distributed to members of the House Ethics Committee during Monday morning's hearing on allegations Rep. Mark Walker, R-Sandy, attempted to bribe his GOP primary opponent in his unsuccessful race for state treasurer.

Gallery (2 photos)