Here’s today’s press release on the new Legislative Ethics Commission.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 1, 2010

LEGISLATIVE ETHICS COMMISSION SELECTED

SALT LAKE CITY – Today, legislative leaders announced appointments to the Ethics Commission, created this year in a package of reform bills. The new five member commission will consist of a retired Supreme Court Justice, former Appeals Court Judge, former District Court judge and two distinguished former legislators.

The following have accepted the invitation to serve on the new commission:

* Michael Wilkins, recently retired Justice of the Utah Supreme Court and former judge on the Utah Court of Appeals.

* Russell Bench, retired judge who served on the Utah Court of Appeals and on the Judicial Conduct Commission.

* Jon Memmott, recently retired from the bench in Utah’s 2nd District Court, who previously served as Governor Bangerter’s legal counsel and as director of the Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel.

* Gayle McKeachnie, a rancher, practicing attorney, former legislator, and former Lieutenant Governor of the State of Utah.

* Joanne Milner, former legislator and community advocate, currently serving as the Education Partnership Coordinator for the Salt Lake City Mayor’s Office.

This new commission is tasked to investigate allegations of ethical breaches within the state legislature, patterned after the work of Judicial Conduct Commission. Any allegation they find to be supported by a preponderance of evidence will be made public and forwarded to the House or Senate Legislative Ethics Committee for a public hearing.

Legislative leaders have high hopes for the commission.

“This is the genesis of a more open approach to ethics hearings. The commissioners carry a broad spectrum of expertise in law, judicial investigations, and the legislative process that provides the insight they will need.” said Michael Waddoups, President of the Utah Senate. “Each one of them has a reputation for honesty and fairness. Our goal is to ensure the light of open government continues to shine on the state of Utah.”

Speaker of the House, Dave Clark said, “The Utah State Legislature has spent incredible time and energy scrutinizing the rules by which we govern ourselves. We are in the process of quietly transforming the very culture in which we work. This commission is a key element of that larger effort.”

Patricia Jones, Senate Minority Leader said, “This new commission will pioneer the processes and precedents of legislative ethics investigation work. Ideally, they will have very little to do. If issues arise, however, this is a competent, fair-minded team who will do the job right.”

House Minority Leader David Litvack added, “We believe our actions are responsive to the will of the people we represent. We want to provide greater accountability for our behavior, better transparency in our work, and a state government that inspires citizens instead of disappointing them.”

The Ethics Commission was created by resolution as a legislative rule. In November, voters will decide if this commission will be permanently enshrined and protected in the Utah State Constitution.

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NOTES:

1. The Independent Ethics Commission was established by SJR 3, and SJR 19, in 2010. You can find bill text, vote counts and other information online: http://le.utah.gov/~2010/bills/sbillenr/sjr003.htm and http://le.utah.gov/~2010/bills/sbillenr/sjr019.htm

2. HJR 15, sponsored by Speaker Clark in 2010, gives citizens the option of permanently establishing the Ethics Commission by amendment to the Utah State Constitution. You can find bill information here: http://le.utah.gov/~2010/htmdoc/hbillhtm/hjr015.htm

3. You can find a summary of key 2010 Ethics Legislation at the Senate Site: http://www.senatesite.com/home/2010-key-ethics-legislation

[UPDATE 7/14/10] The first meeting of the new commission will take place on Monday, July 19th, at 1:00 p.m.  Details and agenda here.

[UPDATE, 7/19/10] The commission designated a temporary address to receive information and complaints:

Legislative Ethics Commission
PO Box 142325
SLC UT 84114