Utah needs ethics reform

The Utah Legislature's recent special session was an excellent example of doing the people's business well. Reducing the state budget was done responsibly and with sensitivity. I commend legislative leaders.

But Bob Bernick Jr. was correct in his Oct. 3 commentary. How we do the people's business is as important as how well. Currently there are charges and countercharges of ethical violations. I am involved. I did not meet my personal expectation of doing this well.

Regardless of the outcome of Ethics Committee meetings this week, I do hope members of the Utah Legislature will take this issue very seriously in the next session.

Utah needs campaign donation limits and a significant limit or ban on gifts to legislators. We certainly need a better process for ethical oversight so that legislators themselves, including me, are more cautious about the way we conduct the people's business.

Most other states have a better system to review alleged ethical violations. Hopefully this painful process will result in improvements.

Former Rep. Susan Lawrence and I felt that the campaign offer to her was inappropriate, but it is apparent that there are other interpretations of that offer. But without question, Rep. Lawrence set the example for legislative integrity during her years of service. Her service should be emulated.

Rep. Sheryl Allen
Bountiful

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