Comments about ‘Governor opposes initiative on ethics’

Nothing is perfect. As Herbert and other government officials continue to stall, more of them abuse the system.
They have become used to receiving alot of perks. If they cannot come to an agreement on an ETHICS
POLICY, they can continue the status quo.
I think they think we are all stupid and we won't notice.

If the legislators do not take action to enact meaningful ethics reform in the next session, then the people of Utah will via the initiative. The legislature needs to "get off the dime."

Herbert is exactly right. the legislature better approve its own ethics improvements, but this initiative is ridiculous. if you think the leg is a circus now, wait until any two or three citizens can indict sitting legislators in a state where part time service means there will always be a conflict of interest. this initiative, if passed, will destroy the life of anyone who runs for the legislature--regardless of party. it would truly be tyranny from a small minority, and it would be much better to have them come up with a solution themselves that satisfies the public.

To Stalling:
Have you read the initiative? It's terrible. Anyone considering signing should read it and see it doesn't solve what good ethics reform should solve. Best idea for reform was on the Des News editorial page from a subscriber: Elected officials declare everything, even a $5 combo meal, and from whom. Let's get some transparency and have no excuses anymore.

'Gov. Gary Herbert said Thursday he can't support a citizens initiative on ethics reform.'

Just like Gov. Gary Herbert can't support his citizens.

If his excuse is 'but the LEGISLATOR should do it!' then please, do so.

Because right now, it looks like our elected leaders here in Utah don't want us to know what they do.

Gary,

You need to decide if you are OUR governor or the legislatures gov. If you cannot be on our side, may your term be short.

The legislature has had years of knowing that we are not happy with their ethics laws. They have done nothing to change them. Too late.

Now, Gary, who's side are you on?

have had enough of ETHICS CHALLENGED POLITICOS.

We could wait around until the "initiative" was perfect, however the time for waiting is over.

I know they "think we're stupid and won't notice". Sad, but they're probably right.

The governor and/or the legislature want to police themselves. That way they can control the damage when any improprieties occur, or should I say accidently discovered by us citizens.

According to another article in today's DNews the majority of Utahns think we need Health Care Reform. Do you think Hatch, Bennett, Bishop, or Matheson give a damn what we want? NO! They think they know what's best for all of us and will vote the way they want, not the way us their constituents want. To assume we are part of their decision making or thinking is ludicrous.

We the people have given our government away both locally and nationally and we don't have a clue how to get it back.

Somebody please convince me otherwise ....

Big surprise.

balderdash.
the reform initiative is unnecessarily harsh, but it's what's needed to get the attention of our state legislators.

we have waited for them to reform themselves and they failed to do it.

if we continue to wait for the utah state legislature to voluntarily enact reforms and impose meaningful ethical standards upon themselves, it will never happen.

the benefit of a part-time legislature is to encourage citizen-legislators to serve as true representatives of their constituents. our legislators, induced by the lobbyist system, have completley warped the concept.

I am an attorney. I have read the initiative and I think I understand it. There are a couple of problems but, in my opinion, I don't think those problems warrant throwing it out. I will probably sign a petition to have it placed on the ballot if the legislature does not act in the upcoming general session to pass meaningful ethics reform - which they promise to do each year when up for re-election.

A career politician objecting to ethics reform? Who would have guessed?

There are no Ethics in Politics, These Politicians should all be thrown out on their heads and the State of Utah starts over with people who have never held public office and can not be bought. That is what I liked about Huntsman, he could not be bought and spoke his mind and did what he thought was best for the State of Utah. Put them all in Jail as most Ploiticians are Crooks

There would be ethics in politics if we would end the game of horsetrading votes for earmarks, at least in Washington. Mingling business with government has always been a bad idea. It is causing our nation to be in terrible debt. It's one of the reasons why I started attending all the rallies and which led to my running for U.S. Senate. Our junior senator is part of the problem there, and is ranked in the 91% for big spending. He just received thousands in campaign funds from one of the banks he bailed out. This is fundamentally wrong. I'm the only candidate willing to make this a top priority. I hope people will start listening and learning from the information at Independence Caucus icaucus dot org.

I forgot to sign my name - Cherilyn Eagar re: the earmarks.

Why nhis it that we get this group of posters that say "have you read this propsal, it's a mess" They never expalin what they disagree with, just that they don't like it.

Like PRC stated, it may not be perfect, but in my opinion it is a start.

the goverment elected official need to be governed because they act unethicly whats wrong with this picture!!! Gov Herbert is the most ethical guy I have ever met with no rules to make him so, let him craft this otherwise the rules won't be punchy enough to stop anyone

I am fed up with this bunch of ethically challenged buffoons and Herbert has decided to join them.

Where do I sign up?

Do any of you griping about ethics reform for the legislature actually know a legislator personally? Can anyone give me a specific instance of a legislator violating their oath of office or having an undisclosed conflict of interest that affects their ability to serve fairly - one you know of personally and not from the news? Or, are you just buying the line the media gives? What about ethics reform for the executive or judicial branches?

Our legislators, by and large, are very good men and women who dedicate hundreds of (unpaid) hours each year in the name of public service. "guv is right" hit the nail on the head. Anyone serving in the legislature will have a conflict of interest. These upstanding folks deserve better from us. Yes, there are a few bad apples and the people in their districts need to vote them out.

Rather than rant on a message board, get out and do something about it. Write your legislator and get to know their views. Work to support good candidates and to remove those who don't share your views, but stop the name calling and rancor. I, for one, am tired of hearing it!

The reason the people have started this Ethics Reform is because the legislature has ignored it, stalled it, denied it, and pretended it wasn't needed. The Democrats tried, the Republicans made sure it didn't happen. If Herbert would stand behind it, it would be news but since he's not it's more of a notice then news.