Utahns for Ethical Government, a nonpartisan coalition of Utah citizens committed to legislative ethics reform, announced a citizens’ initiative to reform the ethical standards and processes governing the Utah State Legislature earlier this week. The initiative would enact a strict code of ethical standards for Utah lawmakers and create an independent ethics commission to apply the code and make enforcement recommendations to the Utah State legislature.
Rob Ence, AARP Utah State Director joined Kim Burningham, former Republican legislator and former Chair of the Utah State Board of Education, David Irvine, attorney and former Republican legislator, Chase Peterson, former President of the University of Utah, and representing the Citizens’ Counsel, Karen Hale, former Democratic State Senator, in providing remarks at the August 12 press conference on the front steps of the Utah State Capitol. Emphasizing that “AARP does not have a political action committee that funds or contributes to individuals running for office and that the UEG initiative aligns with AARP’s public policy and the interests of its members, Ence went to say,
“ Political advocacy is a cornerstone of democracy, and organizations such as AARP serve an essential function in bringing information and expertise to the legislative process. We believe that influence should come by the voice of the people and through the ballot box.
Trust in government is extremely low. Government officials and processes are often viewed as more responsive to the concerns of moneyed special interests than those of the general public.
All Utahns have a vital stake in ensuring the integrity of our democratic processes and government institutions. The ability of government to respond to the concerns of citizens, promote the public interest, and retain public confidence in its fairness, competence, and relevance is dependent in large measure on adhering to policies that promote and sustain integrity.
Without needed reforms in campaign finance, lobbying, ethics and accountability, the public’s voice in government is likely to be diminished and the health and vitality of our democracy threatened. Older citizens vote and they are vitally interested in making certain that their votes and views are given appropriate consideration in the deliberations of government.
Government officials and institutions must avoid conflicts of interest and the undue influence of special interests in the performance of their responsibilities. Ethical standards and safeguards must be in place and enforced to ensure the integrity of government decision making.
AARP supports Utahns for Ethical Government and will work hard to see that this initiative is brought to a vote of the people to assure better government for all of Utah’s citizens including our members, our children, and our grandchildren.”
Following the press conference, the initiative petition was immediately delivered to the Lieutenant Governor’s Office for review. Seven public hearings will then be held statewide to inform Utahns about the effort. At the completion of the hearings, the initiative petition will begin circulating throughout the state. Approximately 100,000 signatures are required for the initiative to be placed on the ballot for the 2010 general election.
Initiative highlights, as well as the full text of the initiative, and how you can get involved, can be found at www.utahethics.org.
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