The Salt Lake Tribune
Monday, July 21, 2008
Reflecting on ethics
Rep. Dave Litvack, a member of the House Ethics Committee, writes a column in the Tribune, calling for continuing the attention on the ethics controversy at the Lege.
There could be no more harmful end to the issue of legislative ethics than to let it quietly go away.
Here it comes, you say, another House Dem taking a swing at the GOP.

Oh no, Litvack is quick to say:
Let me be very clear: I am not advocating for a criminal investigation of former Rep. Mark Walker; I am not asking for an ethics investigation into an "unnamed legislator"; nor, for that matter, am I speaking of any particular legislator or incident. (Like allegations of sexual harassment against a certain Dem?)
Litvack, House Democratic Whip, is so pious in rising above partisan politics that it he's good for a chuckle:

There are those who might be asking, "Why are you complaining? Since you are a Democrat, the Republican infighting and divisiveness are giving you the perfect campaign issue." People have actually said this to me.

Then, what are we supposed to do, Dave?

Why follow the advice of Republican Dave Clark, of course, and demand
". . . elected officials at all levels [reflect] on the important role we play and the way in which we conduct ourselves in that role."

But I ask that we take it a step further and call upon all Utah legislators to lead by action and make restoring the public's trust and confidence a top priority.
Sounds good. Everyone together now:
Hey you legislators, start reflecting and make ethics a top priority!
Let us know when things change up the Hill, Dave.

Meanwhile, in the Deseret News, John Florez also calls for ethics reform, noting:
Most disturbing is that some in the minority party, once known as the "friendly opposition," have now become the "silent minority" and just get along so they can keep their seats.
posted by gwarchol @ 8:25 AM |
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