What Does the Governor Think We Think?
Updated: 11/06/2009 05:20:41 PM MST
Gov. Gary Herbert threw a bash where business interests “contributed” more than a million dollars to his campaign fund (“Gary’s glitzy gala: Herbert raises $1M in elaborate fundraiser,” Tribune , Oct. 31). Why? Is there any chance he might lose the election?
In politics, money is power. If some legislators balk at some bill a “contributor” wants passed, the governor can give them a few thousand dollars from his fund to help change their minds. Or he may create political debts by giving money to broke Republican candidates.
Does the governor expect us to believe the “contributions” were pure generosity, nothing expected in return? Face it: $100 is a contribution, $10,000 is a bribe, $50,000 buys a guarantee. The governor put up his services for auction and sold them for $1 million. He didn’t even conceal it, confident that Utahns won’t care.
This is why Utah needs ethics reform. The governor and the Legislature oppose any real reform. The swamp can only be drained by an initiative. If you want better government, sign the ethics reform initiative petition. Otherwise, you will continue to be governed by whoever pays top dollar.
Brooke Jennings
Salt Lake City