The fundamental purpose of our work is to maintain open and transparent government by keeping the electorate informed. Though some find it hard to believe, our state is home to a diverse population of backgrounds and perspectives. Utah citizens put a great deal of trust in local government to ensure that everyone is represented equally.
When elected government officials abuse that trust, whether by acting in accordance with their personal beliefs instead of the law, accepting “gifts” in exchange for political favors, indulging the influence of outside groups or by making important decisions in closed caucus meetings, ABU is there to speak out.
Attorney General Investigation: 1 probe down, 5 to go
Salt Lake City — The Alliance for a Better UTAH has released the following statement after receiving word that the Department of Justice has declined to prosecute State Attorney General John Swallow: “Although the Department of Justice has declined to press charges against Attorney General John Swallow and his predecessor …
August is the worst
The 23rd president of the United States was born 180 years ago this month. Can you name the 23rd president of the United States? I’ll give you a hint. He was the grandson of the 9th president of the United States. I’m referring, of course, to Benjamin Harrison, grandson of …
John Swallow probe could take months to complete
It was in June of last year when we first spoke with reporters about concerns we had about John Swallow and his questionable ethics. He had made claims to a telemarketer, on a recorded call no less, that when he was elected he would be moving the Division of Consumer …
An open letter to House Speaker Becky Lockhart
The Alliance for a Better UTAH has released an open letter to House Speaker Becky Lockhart following the dismissal of Rep. Lowry Snow as the Chair of the House Committee assigned to investigate allegations of wrongdoing by Attorney General John Swallow. The letter asks Speaker Lockhart, in the interest of …
Ground Hog Day, Swallow-style
The other day I posted on our Facebook page, “You’ve got to be freaking kidding!” I wrote the statement to go along with an article I posted that talked about the potential conflict of interest with the newly appointed legislative investigative committee chair. Let me recap. After months of what …
Law firm must give election law complaint thorough and independent investigation
Salt Lake City — The Alliance for a Better UTAH has released the following statement after learning that the Lt. Governor’s Office has named counsel for an investigation into alleged election law violations: “Despite the law’s requirement for expediency, and our frustration at the delays, we are pleased that counsel …
Cost and public trust at stake if Swallowgate forces open records law changes
Salt Lake City – The Utah State Legislature will meet today to discuss amending open records laws as they pursue an investigation of embattled Attorney General John Swallow. The Alliance for a Better UTAH has released the following statement, urging caution on the part of legislators: “The cost of the …