Governor Says He'll Likely Sign Ethics Order Next Week

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- Governor Huntsman says he chose to issue an executive order calling for ethics reforms rather than seek a charge in state law.

The governor made the decision because he says he did NOT want to wait any longer for the Legislature to act.

In Huntsman's State of the State address, he said he would put an end to nepotism in hiring or awarding contracts --- implement a two-year cooling off period before state workers can lobby their former employer and ban all gifts to employees in the executive branch.

However, legislators don't believe they need tighter controls on gift giving --- saying they can't be bought off with meals and Utah Jazz tickets.

Huntsman says he'll likely sign the order next week.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Related topics