Comments about ‘Citizens ethics initiative demands too much from Utah legislators’

Sounds to me like Kraig Powell may be a candidate for resignation. So long, Kraig. Please.

The proposed ethics law puts roughly the same burden on a legislator that a bank would put on a loan applicant. Doesn't sound terribly onerous to me.

Mr. Powell, anyone running against you who is even a little more comitted to ethics reform than you will get my enthusiastic campaign support.

"Compulsory mandates defining the minute details of what constitutes "ethical" conduct may not only discourage some of the most qualified individuals in society from serving..."

Only those who have a personal agenda or something to hide would fear this initiative. The first and foremost qualification of public service is integrity and a sound understanding of the proper role of government.

No matter how good or well intentioned a legislator may be when he enters public service, experience has shown that virtually everyone becomes corrupted to one degree or another over time.

The very fact that any legislator would be balking at it is a sure sign that they may have already been infected.

This initiative is compatible with our system of checks and balances, and in line with Jeffersons statement that "The People are the last arbiter and the ultimate authority."

I will be supporting the initiative and will not be supporting any candidate who opposes it.

Why are Republicans making such a big deal about full disclosure if we have nothing to hide. As a fellow Republican, we must restore public confidence in elected officials from any party. As I have spoken with neighbors about the ethics initiative, there is great distrust at the moment. Elected officials are and should be held to a higher standard of complete integrity.

One problem we have with government is the high cost of corruption. Whatever is wrong with expecting honesty and decency from our government people?

Buh-bye, Kraig.

'The authors of the citizens initiative petition on legislative ethics that is currently gathering signatures have set a high bar for lawmakers to clear.' - Article.

If our legislature cannot reach high goals, perhaps it is time they moved on.

You run for legislature to lead our community. If you cannot lead, then get out of the way.

If by 'high goals' you mean honesty, integraty, responsibility and accountability, I say 'yes' it is about time our leaders are held to these standards.

As usual, it appears that the posters of commentary on this and other sites are not bothering to read the document they defend. Rep. Powell has done a lousy job of explaining why anyone should oppose this initiative. That's unfortunate, as an actual reading of the document shows that there are plenty of reasons to oppose it. How about the power it's sponsors have given themselves to be judge and jury? How about no judicial review? How about the ability of any 3 of you idiots that don't care for Mr. Powell (not a fan myself...) or any other legislator you don't like, to accuse him of ANYTHING during the legislative session effectively taking him out of service for the whole session while he defends himself against frivolous accusations? How about presumed guilt rather than presumed innocence? Seems that's in the Constitution somewhere... Just read the initiative yourself. Focus on the facts, and not your individual distrust of people. Just read it.

The Ethics in Legislation will have a 2 edged sword.
Any 3 individuals can accuse a Democrat as well as a Republican of mis-conduct in office and this accusation does not have to have a foundation in fact.

The board to be setup with powers to demand all records, (back at least six years), from the legislator, his or her family and associates.

There are no consequences for the accusers.

Since when do loan applications require disclore from relatives up to your spouse's first cousins?

Read the initiative, people. Please. Read it. I know you're literate. You read this letter to the editor.