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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- A state lawmaker who once called for a ban on gifts from lobbyists received tickets to a Billy Joel concert worth $388.
Sen. Patricia Jones, D-Holladay, accepted four tickets to the November concert by Regence Blue Cross and Blue Shield lobbyist Jennifer Cannaday, according to disclosure reports.
In 2006, when Jones was a House member, she sponsored a bill that would have outlawed gifts from lobbyists worth more than $5.
So why the contradiction? "Good question," Jones said Friday. "Typically, what I do is reimburse them -- and I will be doing that," she said.
Democrats for years have called for major changes in ethics law, including a ban on gifts from lobbyists to lawmakers. But the Republican-controlled Legislature has defeated the proposals each time.
"Name one good reason why elected officials should receive gifts," Jones said during House debate in 2006. "And what public good does giving gifts to elected officials serve? That's the ultimate question."
At the time, she said she didn't think her colleagues were being improperly influenced by gifts, but Jones feared the public's perception.
"Cynicism is rampant with our constituents and our general public right now and there's a growing apathy toward government," Jones said two years ago. "Much of this can be attributed to the perception that money influences votes."
On Friday, Jones, a member of the Senate's Democratic leadership team, said she still believes a gift ban is necessary.
"We definitely need to look at ethics -- sometimes things slip by," she said. "If it were the same for everyone, it would certainly make it easier for everyone. ... It's difficult to keep track of, to be honest."
Jones was not the only lawmaker to attend the $97-a-ticket concert, courtesy of the Regence Blue Cross lobbyist.
Rep. Paul Ray, R-Clinton, received two tickets, Rep. Brad Dee, R-Ogden, got four tickets and Sens. Howard Stephenson, R-Draper, and Ross Romero, D-Salt Lake City, each accepted two tickets, records show.
Cannaday did not immediately return a message seeking comment. Other lawmakers attended Utah Jazz games, played golf and ate expensive meals, courtesy of lobbyists.
"There are numerous events like that," Jones said. "I really would like to see greater transparency and some limits on it. It would certainly make it easier."
The Legislature convenes on Jan. 21, and so far no lawmakers have filed bills calling for a ban on gifts.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
