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The group known as Utahns for Ethical Government is about to hold seven public hearings throughout the state as they advance their timely effort to place an ethics reform initiative on the ballot in 2010. KSL encourages Utahns to attend those hearings to learn about the initiative and to let their feelings be known.
State law requires the hearings be held before the group can begin circulating petitions and gathering signatures. Clearly, the initiative process isn't easy. Lawmakers intentionally made it that way a few years ago out of concern such initiatives would proliferate and special interest groups would rally the citizenry to bypass the traditional lawmaking process.
KSL shares lawmakers' general concern about excessive legislating by initiative. Sometimes, though, it becomes necessary, especially when those elected to represent the people continually and obstinately ignore the will of the people.
Such has been the case with ethics reform. Though repeatedly giving lip service to bringing greater accountability to their branch of government, lawmakers have merely dabbled around the edges without enacting meaningful and comprehensive reforms.
Now is the time to force their hand.
So, participate in the hearings and once the petitions become available, sign one. Lawmakers need to know ethics reform is one of their constituents' highest priorities.
