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Huntsman last week followed through on his pledge to bring ethics reform to the Executive Branch of state government. By Executive Order, the Governor implemented a ban on most gifts, a nepotism policy, and restrictions on when state workers can become lobbyists.
Good for him!
Unfortunately, his elected colleagues in the House and the Senate continue to give mere lip service to public calls for similar reform. With less than a week to go in this year's legislative session, most ethics measures won't see the light of day.
What a sorry commentary on the Legislative Branch of government! Obviously, most lawmakers prefer freebies over accountability. They'd rather cater to lobbyists than listen to their constituents. And they don't want to be restricted from dipping into campaign funds for personal uses.
They're bucking public opinion.
A new KSL/Deseret Morning News poll once again shows overwhelming public support for a more stringent ban on gifts. The poll reveals 76% of Utahns oppose lawmakers being able to leave office and immediately become lobbyists. And most Utahns favor a restriction on the personal use of campaign funds.
Clearly, Governor Huntsman, with his Executive Order, did what the public has been asking for. It is time our Senators and Representatives do the same.
