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.
Better UTAH statement on Attorney General Swallow’s response to election law violation claims
Salt Lake City — The Alliance for a Better UTAH has issued the following statement regarding Attorney General John Swallow’s response to an election law violation petition filed with the Lt. Governor’s Office: The facts in this case are simple. Pursuant to Utah’s election laws, two citizens filed a complaint …
Statement regarding AG John Swallow’s response to citizen election law violation complaint
Salt Lake City — Attorney General John Swallow responded yesterday to a petition filed with the Lt. Governor’s office by two Utah citizens on March 7, 2013, that alleges that Mr. Swallow violated state election laws. As required by law, the matter is currently being reviewed by the Lt. Governor’s …
On guns, Lee is clueless
A recent editorial by U.S. Senator Mike Lee in the Deseret News has me again disappointed in our elected leaders. Lee’s lectures on the constitution are usually harmless, if totally annoying and condescending, but his most recent exegesis of the 2nd Amendment should leave Utahns unusually worried about their senator. In …
Attorney and petitioner statements regarding SB289, Election Offense Amendments
Salt Lake City — In light of this evening’s passage of SB289, Election Offense Amendments, the following statements have been released: David R. Irvine, Attorney: “Although they don’t have to change the law to act on our petition, the legislature’s move demonstrates their interest in resolving the Swallow matter. It …
Petition filed with Lt. Gov’s office to result in AG investigation; press statements included
Salt Lake City — Attorneys filed a petition with the Lt. Governor’s office this afternoon requesting an investigation into possible election law violations on the part of Attorney General John Swallow. A copy of the petition can be found here. Attorneys David Irvine and Alan Smith have issued the following …
Election Law Violation Petition filed with Lt. Gov to investigate AG
Media inquiries should be directed to: David R. Irvine Attorney for the petitioners cell.801.949.6693 / ph.801.579.0802 / drirvine@aol.com Alan L. Smith Attorney for the petitioners 801.262.0555 / alanakaed@aol.com ——— Media Advisory – Election Law Violation Petition filed with Lt. Governor’s office for investigation of AG John Swallow on Thursday, March …
When Transparency isn’t Transparent
In the Princess Bride, after one character repeatedly uses the same word, another character says, “You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.” Every time a legislator brings up the word transparency I find myself thinking of that quote. HB43 has been …
Hell Hath No Fury Like a Representative Scorned
On Wednesday, the House Government Operations Committee heard testimony on Representative Patrice Arent’s HB 258, that would eliminate the straight party voting option from future ballots. There are several reasons why we supported the bill and why I spoke in favor of it, including the belief that an electorate should …