"Killer Bees" Back at the Legislature
None by KCPW
Lawmaker Sounds Off About Ethics Reform
(KCPW News) The U.S. Congress and Utah's Governor have decided to impose stricter ethics rules on themselves. But the Utah Legislature is less eager. Law currently requires lobbyists to disclose any gift they give worth more than 50 dollars. And there is no cooling-off period between the legislator's seat and the lobbyist's hallway perch. KCPW's Julie Rose sat down in Senate Chambers with one lawmaker who created a stir last year by blaming the flap over ethics on the media - calling them a swarm of killer bees attacking the integrity of loyal public servants. Senator Howard Stephenson says he still has those concerns.
Listen to the full 11 minute interview with Senator Stephenson here, and you'll hear his allegations of specific media ethics violations and the reason he believes he is justified in being both a lobbyist and a lawmaker:
Email to a friendPosted in KCPW Newsroom, Legislative Coverage, and 2007 Legislative Coverage. Copyright 2008 KCPW
1. Wayne Searle said:
THE MOST EFFECTIVE LOBBYIST ARE THE AGENCY ATTORNEYS, ESPECIALLY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL-NOT THE MEDIA,WHO IS ETHICALLY CHARGED WITH DISCLOSURE TO THE PUBLIC.
3. Robert Hatch said:
Most polls respondents don't know jack about what they are being asked. They haven't thought about it, haven't studied and really don't care (usually). They simply give an answer to this unknown media person so they won't seem stupid. As someone who has worked Sen Stephenson I defend him for his efforts to reach out to as many people as he can, regardless if they are offering him a gift. This ethics debate really is a red herring. Do you really think money is problem for any of these people? Free food may sway my opinion as a poor college stundent, but I want more facts before your impugn the character of some the hardest working people in our state.
2. Kenneth Francis said:
Is Senator Stephenson as clueless as he sounds? Rubber chicken dinner? A meal with a lobbyist is not a meal with a colleague. Should polls only be taken on people who "asked to be asked" certain questions? Use your time at meals to discuss issues, but not their money. Buy your own meals. I buy mine.