Reader comments
Election 2008: Hughes tries to make up for lost campaign time
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Disgrace | 6:40 a.m. Oct. 21, 2008
It was not Hughes on trial, it was our legislature and we all lost. A letter of
reprimand is all the closed door, sworn to secrecy panel could come up with?
Hughes never denied that he tried to buy votes for vouchers, he just claimed that is how business is done in the legislature. If our legislators would have had nothing to hide, there would have been an open hearing, and the truth would have been set free. Instead, we get more secret combinations.
It is time for Utahns to change our corrupt one party system that poisons even good people who desire to serve faithfully. We need at least two parties in the legislature, not more secrecy, and good ol' boy corruption.
Hughes never denied that he tried to buy votes for vouchers, he just claimed that is how business is done in the legislature. If our legislators would have had nothing to hide, there would have been an open hearing, and the truth would have been set free. Instead, we get more secret combinations.
It is time for Utahns to change our corrupt one party system that poisons even good people who desire to serve faithfully. We need at least two parties in the legislature, not more secrecy, and good ol' boy corruption.
Draperite | 7:26 a.m. Oct. 21, 2008
Hughes' arrogance continues to amaze me. He still hasn't got it that
his behavior is embarrassing to many Republicans that live in his district. I
have not heard anything of apology or taking responsibility of his actions from
him, only that he chalks this thing up to "dirty politics". The
endorsement letter I received from Mayor Smith did not impress me, only left me
wondering why our Mayor is supporting someone with character such as
Hughes'? I think it is important to remind Representative Hughes--he got
off because the rules were not strict enough to nail him on anything. By saying
his conduct was unbecoming of a member of the house, they are basically saying,
yeah you did it but because of our rules we can't do anything about it.
DRAPER CAN DO BETTER THAN A LEGISLATOR WHOSE CONDUCT IS UNBECOMING OF A MEMBER
OF THE HOUSE. Draper, vote for Lisa Johnson.
Comments continue below
Full acquittal??? | 7:34 a.m. Oct. 21, 2008
The first paragraph of this article is misleading. The ethics committee
basically admitted that the current ethics rules are useless. So, they did the
only thing they could. They unanimously (every Republican and Democrat) told
Hughes he was guilty of conduct unbecoming a member of the Legislature, and
asked him to apologize.
I haven't seen an apology from Greggie yet. I for one won't even consider voting for him until I see that.
I haven't seen an apology from Greggie yet. I for one won't even consider voting for him until I see that.
Professor | 8:05 a.m. Oct. 21, 2008
The real issue here is the educational establishment. They are behind the smear
issue. The question we should ask, do we want then governing both our children
and us?
Commoner | 8:14 a.m. Oct. 21, 2008
Why is the fact that Jones was the executive director of the anti-voucher group
just being mentioned now for the first time? That would have been a very
interesting piece of information to have had as I read each of the stories on
this sneak attack.
Glen Ogden | 8:24 a.m. Oct. 21, 2008
What we need more than ethics reform on Capitol Hill is courtesy reform in our
public forum. It's disturbing to me that the political process in our
state has become so mean spirited and personal. Candidates and supporters take
differences on issues as personal attacks and then lash out at anyone who
disagrees with them indicting their character and personally attacking them and
their family. This kind of brow beating has to stop. NOW is the time to
restore decency to the political process. Support our representatives of both
parties and disagree without being disagreeable. Now is the time to join
together to solve our problems not beat one another up over our disagreements.
We need more honorable men and women serving in public offices. Personal
attacks of any kind prevent those good people from wanting to be involved.
Please, please be the person who says, "I'll stop the madness"
and let the restoration of decency start with you.
Respect | 9:41 a.m. Oct. 21, 2008
I agree with you, Glen Ogden. We need to be able to rise above this. If we make
reasonable and rational arguments on policy issues, there's no need for
personal character attacks. It's this kind of childish bickering that is
the cause of American's distrust in politicians and the political
process.
Please! | 10:11 a.m. Oct. 21, 2008
Good to see the D-news pullin for Hughes with this gleaming article. Shouldnt
they have just written an endorsement instead of this 'news' article?
Draper | 10:11 a.m. Oct. 21, 2008
It's the politicians like Greg Hughes who have made the process "mean
spirited and personal." Hughes only listens to his charter school/voucher
supporters and no one else. He has bullied and lied his way through the
legislature and was the one who killed an ethics bill last year. It's so
funny that now he is having to pay the price for such unethical, unbecoming
behavior. Vote for an ethical, smart rep - vote for Lisa Johnson. That's
how the mean-spirited political process will change. Get rid of the trash.
Watch out Greg! | 10:47 a.m. Oct. 21, 2008
Don't let the door hit you on the way out!
Concerned | 11:56 a.m. Oct. 21, 2008
In last Saturdays' Tribune, Paul Rolley took the high road and acknowledged
that one of the charges against Hughes was the result of one his columns. He had
the courage to state that the information in his article was not valid enough
for charges. Let's see, UEA, Phil Riesen, contribution to Lisa Johnson from
the Riesen's attorney, Lisa releasing a piece on ethics reform just as the
Lawrence letter was released.....be careful. With Johnson you have the UEA
pawn.
UEA utah county | 12:06 p.m. Oct. 21, 2008
UEA is made up of teachers who teach your kids. If you hate the UEA and the
public teachers who belong, home school. Our schools are the most overcrowded
and underfunded in the nation as it is. We won't miss your hate or your
kids.
Pedro | 12:25 p.m. Oct. 21, 2008
Hughes is unethical. Tying his opponent to his problems. If you meet her, you
know she is honest.
Your behavior is unbecoming a member of the legislature Mr. Hughes.
Anything he says you can reverse and point it right back at him.
Your behavior is unbecoming a member of the legislature Mr. Hughes.
Anything he says you can reverse and point it right back at him.
Draperite for Hughes | 1:34 p.m. Oct. 21, 2008
It amazes me that nearly everyone in these forums accepted Hughes was guilty
before his hearing and then after he was acquitted just dismisses the system and
maintains he's still guilty.
Whatever happened to the possibility of someone being innocent? Is that no longer guilty? Hughes may not be the nicest guy in the state (but maybe he is), but if he is innocent, he really got the raw end of the deal and deserves some sympathy.
Whatever happened to the possibility of someone being innocent? Is that no longer guilty? Hughes may not be the nicest guy in the state (but maybe he is), but if he is innocent, he really got the raw end of the deal and deserves some sympathy.
Re:Concerned and UEA Utah County | 1:35 p.m. Oct. 21, 2008
I am assuming from your posts that the UEA and the Jordan teachers have endorsed
Lisa Johnson. Thanks for the clarification. If our teachers are supportive of
and backing Lisa Johnson, then I will be, too. I trust their voices. I
appreciate their efforts in the election process.
To Draperite for Hughes | 3:35 p.m. Oct. 21, 2008
Hughes is as guilty as they come, that is the reason for the slap "conduct
unbecoming of a member of the house". If our ethics laws were a little
tighter he would be out of office right now. BTW, OJ was acquitted too but it
doesn't mean he didn't do it. Voters are smart enough to understand
the ruling of the committee. Hopefully, they will take what they said and use
it to vote our "unbecoming legislator" out of the house.
Dare to Differ | 3:55 p.m. Oct. 21, 2008
What a farce. Sunlight could not even work itself into a neutral corner in this
investigation. Physicians were at least admonished to heal
thyselves......legislators, just simply shut the doors, cover the windows and
bury the truth. Appearances seem highly indicative... especially in light of the
obvious need for a letter of reprimand. This act alone speaks volumes and very
loudly of more than what the public is being told.
Educator | 5:34 p.m. Oct. 21, 2008
As one who has had many encounters with both Greg Hughes and Lisa Johnson I
believe the choice for voters is clear. Hughes'"aquittal" was
simply the result of an inability of legislators to enforce their own weak
ethics rules. He is mean spirited, arrogant, conspiratorial, and not only
supported vouchers, but lead the attacks against Utahns for Public Schools
during the referendum. Lisa on the other hand is smart, well informed, open
minded,and honest. If she says she knew nothing about the ethics charges before
the public did, she knew nothing about the charges. She is too ethical to say
one thing and do another, and besides, Hughes has made plenty of enemies with
his positions and attitudes. The list of those cheering when his bullying
tactics finally came to light is long!
No sympathy here, Greg. Go, Lisa.
No sympathy here, Greg. Go, Lisa.
SRD | 6:18 p.m. Oct. 21, 2008
I think that a couple of the charges made against Hughes are illegal, meaning
they are aginst the law, even if they are not against the legislature's
ethic rules. These issues should be pursued by an independant prosecuter.
I am sure it won't happen, but it should.
I am sure it won't happen, but it should.
We can do better than Hughes | 7:33 p.m. Oct. 21, 2008
We can do better than Hughes. He can't even admit any wrong doing.
Time to vote him out!
Time to vote him out!
Commoner | 8:11 p.m. Oct. 21, 2008
To UEA Utah County: you probably do not realize that the UEA has two faces, the
warm fuzzy "teacher of you child" face, that you are talking about,
and the manipulative, no holds barred, backroom-politics, union face, that even
the members of UEA rarely see, because the UEA powers in the backroom
deliberately hide it from their own members.
If the mask were pulled off of the backroom UEA, so that all could see what they really do, many of its own members would revolt.
The backroom UEA therefore has to prevent those who would expose them from exposing them, or they will lose their personal power.
That is why the backroom UEA is now systematically targeting legislators who do not agree with the backroom UEA agenda.
That hardly sounds like the warm fuzzy, teacher in the classroom picture that you are painting.
I love my kids' teachers. I even love most of the rank and file members of the UEA.
The problem is that they are being duped by their own leadership who demand absolute fidelity to their agenda.
Wake up UEA. Take back your organization from the backroom union politicians who have hijacked your association.
If the mask were pulled off of the backroom UEA, so that all could see what they really do, many of its own members would revolt.
The backroom UEA therefore has to prevent those who would expose them from exposing them, or they will lose their personal power.
That is why the backroom UEA is now systematically targeting legislators who do not agree with the backroom UEA agenda.
That hardly sounds like the warm fuzzy, teacher in the classroom picture that you are painting.
I love my kids' teachers. I even love most of the rank and file members of the UEA.
The problem is that they are being duped by their own leadership who demand absolute fidelity to their agenda.
Wake up UEA. Take back your organization from the backroom union politicians who have hijacked your association.
UEA Utah county | 9:25 p.m. Oct. 21, 2008
Commoner: You have no idea what you're talking about. I've been in
the UEA meetings and there is no "absolute fidelity." The only agenda
is to ensure teachers are paid professional wages (we do hold bachelors and
masters degrees) and given time for professional development and that ALL
children (not just charter school kids) are given access to the best education
possible. That usually means trying to get Utah out of dead-last funding place
in America. It's amazing what other suburbs across America offer their
kids with enough money for great programs that individualize education for kids.
If you are so paranoid that you think UEA has some hidden agenda that is
against kids and teachers, please home school. Like I said, you won't be
missed at all. In fact, move to Hildale - they're paranoid, too. The only
person being duped is a paranoid person like you. With your hatred of the
teacher's organization, you're lucky people are willing to teach your
kids.
The accusations of this article | 10:01 p.m. Oct. 21, 2008
Greg is not perfect and he is the first to admit that. However, he is not a
hoodlum or a liar.
Draper can not do better with the Democrat running against him with her blinders on. She does not even know what potential the school trust lands have. She is totally clueless that the Federal Government is out to get that money.
The accusations being made here are unfounded and onerous.
Greg knows what the Federal Government is doing to take away the use of our School Trust Lands. He is working hard to make sure that they do not take those valuable lands away from us or cut off our access to them.
Draper can not do better with the Democrat running against him with her blinders on. She does not even know what potential the school trust lands have. She is totally clueless that the Federal Government is out to get that money.
The accusations being made here are unfounded and onerous.
Greg knows what the Federal Government is doing to take away the use of our School Trust Lands. He is working hard to make sure that they do not take those valuable lands away from us or cut off our access to them.
Hughes supporters | 11:05 p.m. Oct. 21, 2008
We've yet to hear Hughes say he did not threaten his opponents or to show
any remorse for his unbecoming conduct both on and off the hill. He is still
arrogant and proud of his behavior. He is a liar - he knew about these
allegations a long time ago and didn't let the public know. He was hoping
they would never see the light of day. Thank you, Mr. Riesen, for letting the
public know what Hughes has known about for a long time. Hughes doesn't
know more about education issues than his opponent. He should spend his time
getting an education instead of pretending to be an expert on it. Lisa has
always been on the side of public education and is much smarter than Hughes will
ever hope to be. The accusations are not unfounded; thanks to Hughes voting
against it, there are no ethics standards by which to hold him accountable.
He received a letter of repriman | 11:25 p.m. Oct. 21, 2008
What do you mean Hughes was completely innocent?
He received a letter of reprimand! That is the worst condemnation to a legislator in how many years?
Give us a break and vote him out.
He received a letter of reprimand! That is the worst condemnation to a legislator in how many years?
Give us a break and vote him out.
Commoner | 12:42 a.m. Oct. 22, 2008
To UEA Utah County: Thank you for making my point so effectively.
I disagree with your portrayal of the UEA, and rather than disagree with me civilly, on the merits, you militantly attack me personally, calling me paranoid.
I'm not paranoid, by the way, I have seen the UEA's political tactics firsthand. They ARE ruthless.
You also totally mistate what I said. I never said that there was a "hidden agenda," I said that they hide their tactics. I also never said that the UEA's agenda is "against kids and teachers."
Your misrepresentation of my position is a typical UEA tactic. I disagree, you smear. I just can't tell whether it is deliberate or as a result of your inability to comprehend the written word.
Either way it is not a good indication of your ability to teach impressionable young minds because you are either a fool or a liar.
Through it all your bitterness shines through.
I feel sorry for the students who have you as a teacher, because no doubt your cynicism and bitterness comes through in the class room and will likely scar them for life.
Perhaps its time to change careers if you're not having fun.
I disagree with your portrayal of the UEA, and rather than disagree with me civilly, on the merits, you militantly attack me personally, calling me paranoid.
I'm not paranoid, by the way, I have seen the UEA's political tactics firsthand. They ARE ruthless.
You also totally mistate what I said. I never said that there was a "hidden agenda," I said that they hide their tactics. I also never said that the UEA's agenda is "against kids and teachers."
Your misrepresentation of my position is a typical UEA tactic. I disagree, you smear. I just can't tell whether it is deliberate or as a result of your inability to comprehend the written word.
Either way it is not a good indication of your ability to teach impressionable young minds because you are either a fool or a liar.
Through it all your bitterness shines through.
I feel sorry for the students who have you as a teacher, because no doubt your cynicism and bitterness comes through in the class room and will likely scar them for life.
Perhaps its time to change careers if you're not having fun.
free_Utah | 1:04 a.m. Oct. 22, 2008
The vote on the bribery charge was 4-4.... that doesn't exactly sound like
Hughes was exonerated. I think it simply shows that we need an independent
ethics committee to review these issues. A 4-4 vote on bribery charges means we
have gridlock and partisan politics. It doesn't mean that Greg Hughes
didn't try to bribe rep. Lawrence it means that his cronies stood by his
side. Greg it's time to go back to the private sector and let a true
public servant step forth.
Commoner | 10:17 a.m. Oct. 22, 2008
You did use the word "agenda." (see your 4th paragraph). I use the
word "paranoid" to describe your position that there is a
"backroom UEA agenda." (your words- see paragraph 1-3) and
"absolute fidelity" (again, your words). I am not bitter at all; I
just told you, if you hate teachers and their organization, leave the public
schools. No one will miss you. You're the one who is bitter. Perhaps you
should enroll in a teacher ed program so you can have the most noble career like
I do. At the very least, enroll in a reading comprehension course. You need
one.
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Mr Hughes have you appologized to your constituents for being guilty of conduct unbecoming?