Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes
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In this Sunday Edition, KSL's Richard Piatt discusses Ambassador Jon Huntsman's future and Gov. Herbert's trade mission to China with KSL's John Daley. Also, a new law requiring recording devices in Utah's justice courts is explored.
Segment 1: Ambassador Huntsman and Utah trade mission to China
KSL's John Daley reports from Shanghai on Jon Huntsman's ambassadorship and Utah's trade mission to China.
There is speculation that Huntsman will run for president, but Daley says there is another reason he may be resigning as ambassador.
"I think he's certainly laments the loss of family time. He has many kids and some of the older kids are in the United States. I think that he really has missed out on some things," Daley says. "He and Mary Kaye, for instance, they have a son, Will, who is in high school. He played football at Judge High School and he was staying with his grandparents while his parents were here in Beijing. So I think they were telling us that out of two seasons of high school football they were only able to see one game and in that game he actually blew out his ACL. So things like that -- missing out on that family time -- it is clear that he and Mary Kaye Huntsman have missed out on that and they would like to reconnect with the whole family."
Daley says he got the impression from Huntsman that the ambassador needs to discuss options for the future with his family.
"It's one thing to contemplate a run for president and all that that entails, all the pressures and the stresses and the challenges and the impact it has on your personal and family life, and actually make the decision and give it the green light," explains Daley. "I got the impression he really wants to give it some thought."
It's one thing to contemplate a run for president and all that that entails, all the pressures and the stresses and the challenges and the impact it has on your personal and family life, and actually make the decision and give it the green light. I got the impression (Huntsman) really wants to give it some thought.
–John Daley
People who have watched Huntsman in action say he has been a successful ambassador with superb Chinese language skills and exceptional diplomatic skills.
The Utah Trade Mission to China provided opportunities for varied entrepreneurs to make connections.
"I think it's been a real eye-opener for them, to see both the challenges of doing business here and also the opportunities with the spectacular growth, not only exports, but looking to boost their business to China," Daley says. "I think it has really been an interesting experience for those folks. I think a lot of them are coming back with new relationships and maybe even some deals as a result of this trip."
Segment 2: Justice court
Some defendants say they were mistreated in justice court, but it is their word against the judge. In response to this complaint, retired Sen. Chris Buttars, R-West Jordan, sponsored SB318 that requires all justice courts to use a recording device in each courtroom. Gov. Herbert recently signed the bill into law.
Colin Winchester, the executive director of the Judicial Conduct Commission, and Kent Hart, executive director of the Utah Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, discuss the problem and this new solution.
Some defendants say they were thrown in jail with no reason.
"It's generally inappropriate demeanor. It's a loss of temper for a very short period of time," Winchester says. "Judges have bad days just like anyone else."
It's generally inappropriate demeanor. It's a loss of temper for a very short period of time. Judges have bad days just like anyone else.
–Colin Winchester
But most people do not have a problem in court and everything goes smoothly with the resolution of their case, says Winchester.
Both Hart and Winchester agree judges have a difficult job.
"I think some of the problems we're having mainly are some of the judges of these courts are overwhelmed, they're busy, they have a lot of people on the agenda. I think that's one of the problems, just the volume of cases might cause some short cuts to be made," explains Hart. "In defense of the judges, I think they are under a lot of pressure."
Although justice courts have jurisdiction over traffic violations and class B and C misdemeanors, the impacts on people's lives can be significant.
I think some of the problems we're having mainly are some of the judges of these courts are overwhelmed, they're busy, they have a lot of people on the agenda... In defense of the judges, I think they are under a lot of pressure.
–Kent Hart
"The fines are up to six months in jail. If you have more than one offense you could be put in jail longer if the sentences run consecutively. So these can be very serious situations in the sense that if you are put in jail you might lose your job, not only because you might not show up for work but because you might need a license -- for example if you work at a daycare or are a school teacher. You can just have your life disrupted," Hart says. "The justice courts are, even though we kind of in my field think that they are minor offenses, the consequences of those courts can be very serious."
Winchester and Hart view the mandatory recording devices as a great solution to any possible problem with judges.
"I believe recording devices will increase the quality of justice. If the judge doesn't have a quality of justice issue, great -- so much the better. But those few judges that do have issues from now and then, this will catch them on tape, so to speak. They will improve their behavior," explains Winchester.
Coming up next week: On April 24, KSL's Richard Piatt will discuss Medicaid reform with Sen. Dan Liljenquist. Liljenquist is behind a Utah plan getting national attention.
