State of Utah Archives: on Government Reform
Allen Glines:
Protect voting rights; expand vote by mail options
- Protecting the sanctity of voting by restoring and strengthening the Voting Rights Act/John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.
- Pushing for expanded Vote-By-Mail options.
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Expanding in-person Early Vote and no-fault Absentee Ballot options.
- Increasing training and resources for state election officials and volunteers.
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Advocating for resources to protect the security of elections.
- Supporting efforts to make Election Day a federal holiday.
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Seek to expand participation of youth in the political process.
- Ban gerrymandering and develop a nongovernmental entity responsible for drawing district boundaries.
Source: 2021 Utah Senate campaign website AllenGlines.com
Jul 21, 2021
Allen Glines:
End Citizens United, reform Federal Elections Commission
- End Citizens United and remove unchecked corporate money from politics.
- Require Super PACs to disclose their true identity and the identities of their donors.
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Reform Federal Elections Commission (FEC) to increase transparency and ease of access to relevant campaign finance information.
Source: 2021 Utah Senate campaign website AllenGlines.com
Jul 21, 2021
Allen Glines:
Rollback any change made to USPS during Trump
- Rollback any change made to the USPS during the Trump Administration.
- Increase funding for the USPS now and gradually increase over time.
- Allow USPS to expand the amount of services it offers to its customers.
- Create a barrier between
Postmaster General and their ability to implement measures that could harm the continued operations of the USPS.
- Repeal legislation that places burdensome regulations on the USPS, hindering its ability to become profitable.
Source: 2021 Utah Senate campaign website AllenGlines.com
Jul 21, 2021
Austin Searle:
Ranked-choice voting should be a human right
Ranked-choice voting should be a human right to vote for their candidate in order from their top candidate to their second choice and so on. Some may ask, "What is the point in this?". Some may have a hard decision on voting for one candidate when they
believe that they should also vote for another candidate. Voting for others running for office will also give voters a chance to decide if they also like another candidate's policies and perhaps are their second choice.
Source: 2021-2022 Utah Senate race website AustinForSenate.com
Jun 27, 2021
Austin Searle:
For term limits for Congress & Supreme Court
My proposal- U.S. Senators To Serve Three Four-Year Terms
- U.S. House Of Representatives To Serve Three Two-Year Terms
- U.S. Supreme Court To Serve A Max Of 18 Years
Source: 2021-2022 Utah Senate race website AustinForSenate.com
Jun 27, 2021
Chris Peterson:
Equitable taxes and job training will help economy
Due to COVID-19, Utah has fallen on tough economic times. Low- and moderate-income folks have been hit the hardest by the pandemic. Utah deserves fair taxation and strong leadership to move past the pandemic. Chris will invest
resources in growing technology sectors as well as local businesses and rural communities. By combining economic growth with new job training opportunities and equitable taxes, Chris will ensure Utah is an economic powerhouse for years to come.
Source: 2020 Utah governor website PetersonForUtah.com
Oct 9, 2020
Kamala Harris:
Lincoln, before 1864 election, left Supreme Court seat open
PENCE: Your party is actually openly advocating, adding seats to the Supreme court, which has had nine seats for 150 years if you don't get your way. I think the American people would really like to know if Judge Amy Coney Barrett is confirmed at
the Supreme Court of the United States. Are you and Joe Biden, if somehow you win this election, going to pack the Supreme Court to get your way?HARRIS: In 1864, Lincoln was up for reelection and it was 27 days before the election.
And a seat became open on the United States Supreme Court. Abe said, "The people deserve to make the decision about who will be the next president of the United States. And then that person can select who will serve for a lifetime on the highest court
of our land." Joe and I are very clear: the American people are voting right now and it should be their decision about who will serve on this most important body for a lifetime.
Source: 2020 Vice-Presidential Debate in Utah
Oct 7, 2020
Mike Pence:
Universal mail-in voting means massive voter fraud
When you talk about accepting the outcome of the election, Senator, your party has spent the last three and a half years trying to overturn the results of the last election. You and your colleagues tried to impeach the president over a phone call.
President Trump and I are fighting every day in courthouses to prevent Joe Biden and Kamala Harris from changing the rules and creating this universal mail-in voting that'll create a massive opportunity for voter fraud.
Source: 2020 Vice-Presidential Debate in Utah
Oct 7, 2020
Aimee Winder Newton:
Need strong planning for Utah's tremendous growth
Utah is experiencing tremendous growth in many areas of our state, which brings with it concerns over housing affordability, infrastructure for water and transportation, and air quality. As Governor, I will restore a strong planning component as one of
the key functions of the Governor's office. We will coordinate with legislators, local leaders, & our metropolitan planning organizations to ensure that we are promoting smart growth that balances the character of our communities with new opportunities.
I will work towards comprehensive local, regional, and state government coordination.I firmly believe that government leaders need to take more seriously their charge to use tax dollars in a responsible way. On the county council I come prepared
with ideas on how to cut wasteful spending and to better utilize dollars to make long-term impact and investment for the state's second largest budget. As Governor, I will bring that same diligence and fiscal conservatism to the state budget.
Source: Ballotpedia.org on 2020 Utah gubernatorial race
Apr 4, 2020
Spencer Cox:
Electing, rather than appointing, judges a "terrible idea"
A Republican lawmaker is setting aside his proposed legislation to amend the state Constitution and elect, rather than appoint, Utah judges. Cox--a Republican candidate for governor whose current position oversees the state's election--reacted to
news of the bill on Twitter by writing that "it would be impossible for me to overstate what a terrible idea this is."
Source: Salt Lake Tribune on 2020 Utah gubernatorial race
Mar 2, 2020
Jeff Burningham:
I'll get government out of your way
In Utah, our conservative way of life is based on personal responsibility, free enterprise, and limited government. That's why as governor I'll get more satisfaction signing bills that eliminate existing laws than signing those that add new laws.
I'll also work with the legislature to cut outdated and unnecessary regulations. Game-changing leadership recognizes that government is absolutely not an engine of growth and opportunity, but a barrier to them. I'll get government out of your way.
Source: 2020 Utah gubernatorial campaign website JeffBurningham.com
Jan 6, 2020
Craig Bowden:
Supports mail-in voting and ranked-choice voting
Q: Do you agree or disagree with the statement, "Make voter registration easier"?A: Yes.
Q: Your take on voter ID requirements? Mail-in voting? Ranked-choice voting?
A: I am a mixed bag on voter ID. If there are going to be requirements for ID,
then it needs to be something that can be done easier for those who are impoverished or disabled, making it more difficult to obtain. If we can address that factor, then I have no problem with ID requirements.
Q: Your take on voter ID requirements? Mail-in voting? Ranked-choice voting?
A:Mail-in voting has to remain for those who are not present to make a poll location, and if there are not going to be enough poll locations open, then mail-in
Source: OnTheIssues follow-up with 2018 Utah Senate candidate
Mar 1, 2018
Jenny Wilson:
Focus on voter suppression and gerrymandering
[Citing a Facebook posting from UPR.ORG]: "Women's Marches Across The Country Will Focus On The Vote: On Sunday, people around the country will mark one year since the Women's March on Washington, D.C.
Last year it brought hundreds of thousands of liberals to the capital, many wearing pink knitted caps in solidarity. Others marched in hundreds of cities and towns across the United States and more than 80 other countries."
Jenny Wilson for Senate Facebook response: "One year later, new priorities.
With voter suppression and gerrymandering so widespread, we have to commit to helping as many people as possible get to the polls.
Source: Facebook posting on 2018 Utah Senate race
Jan 21, 2018
Danny Drew:
Utah needs someone who is not beholden to PACs
His thought process is simple: Just as the United States is exceptional in the world, Utah and her people are exceptional in the United States.
They deserve a Senator who will represent their best interests who is:- Not a Washington insider
- Not a politician
- Not beholden to PACs and lobbyists
- Someone who knows education and how to fix it
Source: 2018 Utah Senatorial campaign website DrewForUtah.com
Jul 12, 2017
Danny Drew:
Big campaign donations are the tip of the iceberg
PhRMA donated $172,000 to the Utah Families Foundation, which is founded in part by Orrin Hatch. Nothing to see here?
"This is the tip of a very large iceberg," said Danny Drew, a school administrator from Utah who is building up a war chest to battle the Goliath of incumbents: Orrin Hatch.
Source: Newswire.net on 2018 Utah Senatorial race
Apr 19, 2017
Misty Snow:
There is too much money in politics: it's legalized bribery
The most important issue facing our country is that there is too much money in politics. Corporations can spend almost limitless money to influence the election process, which gives them enormous power over our democracy. Not only does this money limit
which candidates can get elected, it also affects which bills candidates support once in office; candidates are much more likely to support bills that are favorable to donors who helped them get elected. This is a system of political corruption and
legalized bribery and it needs to end.I would sponsor a constitutional amendment that establishes that corporations are not natural persons, that money is not speech, and that the government shall regulate campaign expenditures so that all people can
participate in the political process equally, regardless of economic status.
Corporate money and corporate influence are undermining our democracy. It's time to end corporate personhood. It's time to get money out of politics and save our democracy.
Source: 2016 Utah Senate campaign website MistyKSnow.com
Aug 8, 2016
Mike Weinholtz:
More restrictive campaign finance laws are necessary
The majority of Utahns believe that more restrictive campaign finance laws are necessary. The governor should be an ethical example, not sell his time to lobbyists and special interest groups for the sake of an election. I refuse to accept
donations from corporations and special interests, and will be a voice for the people who can't afford their own lobbyist. I pledge to be available to the public two days a month, no appointments or checkbooks necessary.
Source: 2016 Utah gubernatorial campaign website MikeForUtah.com
Jun 17, 2016
Jonathan Swinton:
Limit congressional terms & campaign donations
88% of Utahns want to reduce corruption among elected officials. I am with you! I am not afraid of addressing this problem. Some things I plan to work on to address potential corruption problems in Washington:-
Create term limits for congress--this is supported by 75% of the American people.
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Limit campaign contributions from outside a candidates district or State. Gone should be the days when elections are bought by large out-of-state groups.
- Stop special favors from money churning groups who want to buy our elections.
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Require more transparency--Far too many people don't trust our elected officials. Requiring better transparency will help address this problem.
Source: 2016 Utah Senate campaign website, VoteSwinton.com
Oct 9, 2015
Jonathan Swinton:
Term limits for members of Congress
Swinton said if he takes office he plans to fight for term limits for members of Congress and wants to tweak tax laws to help small business owners,
such as reducing the amount of Social Security tax an entrepreneur has to pay.
Source: Salt Lake Tribune on 2016 Utah Senate race
Aug 17, 2015
Gary Herbert:
Ongoing review of election laws to upholding public trust
Let me take time to recognize the Lieutenant Governor's Office, as well as the Legislature, for their recent investigations of campaign and election law violations. We must continue to require ongoing review of our election laws to ensure strict
compliance. Upholding the public trust in elected office starts with demonstrating our election laws must be adhered to--and when they are not, there will be serious consequences.
Source: 2014 State of the State address to the Utah legislature
Jan 29, 2014
Dan Liljenquist:
Congress should pass regulations, not executive agencies
Liljenquist spent time talking about how Congress has slowly delegated more and more authority to the president and several different bodies who now write and put into law, through regulation and executive order, most of the new laws in our country.
He talked about how the Founding Fathers didn't mean for it to be this way and said that he would push to change it so that the regulations, even if they are put together by other organizations, would have to be passed by Congress.
Source: StGeorgeUtah.com on 2012 Utah Senate debate
May 20, 2012
Dan Liljenquist:
Sprinklers in every house are out-of-hand regulation
Liljenquist gave an example of a regulatory body that got out of hand when he was in the state Senate. Someone noted that the newest edition of the state building code was going to require that every house have sprinklers installed in the ceiling to put
out fires. Liljenquist then said that in his own house, with his own family, that would lead to sprinklers going off frequently as he has six kids and it is common to have someone burn a bag of popcorn in the microwave and set off the smoke alarm.
Source: StGeorgeUtah.com on 2012 Utah Senate debate
May 20, 2012
Pete Ashdown:
Refuses any money from political action committees
Ashdown pledged to draw more contrast between himself and Hatch by refusing any money from political action committees--contending that Hatch is too beholden to monied interests. "Senator Hatch has raised almost
$8 million in his race, and less than 1 percent has come from small individual donation. I'm asking for 100 percent of that in my race" to come from individuals.
Source: Salt Lake Tribune on 2012 Utah Senate debate
Apr 13, 2012
Gary Herbert:
Repealed restrictions on government records access
HB477: This bill modifies provisions of the Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA) relating to government records.Deseret News summary: Utah lawmakers repealed a widely criticized law restricting access to many government
records. The [repealed] bill largely exempted the Legislature and several forms of electronic communication, allowed for increased fees for records requests and erased language favoring openness. Gov. Herbert called the Legislature into special session
to reconsider the bill after a huge public outcry galvanized the community. In a statement afterward, the governor said, "As the Legislature re-examines Utah's GRAMA statutes [for further changes, I hope they'll], protect the public's right to know,
protect an individual/s legitimate right to privacy, and protect taxpayer dollars."
Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate 23-6-0 on Mar/7/11; Passed House 42-29-4 on Mar/7/11; Signed by Governor Gary Herbert on Mar/8/11
Source: Deseret News on Utah legislative voting records HB477
Mar 8, 2011
Ben McAdams:
Keep restrictions on government records access
HB477: This bill modifies provisions of the Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA) relating to government records.Deseret News summary: Utah lawmakers repealed a widely criticized law restricting access to many government
records. The [repealed] bill largely exempted the Legislature and several forms of electronic communication, allowed for increased fees for records requests and erased language favoring openness. Gov. Herbert called the Legislature into special session
to reconsider the bill after a huge public outcry galvanized the community. In a statement afterward, the governor said, "As the Legislature re-examines Utah's GRAMA statutes [for further changes, I hope they'll], protect the public's right to know,
protect an individual/s legitimate right to privacy, and protect taxpayer dollars."
Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate 23-6-0 on Mar/7/11; State Sen. Ben McAdams voted NO; Passed House 42-29-4 on Mar/7; Signed by Governor on Mar/8.
Source: Deseret News on Utah legislative voting records HB477
Mar 7, 2011
Mike Lee:
Reclaim right to constitutionally limited government
Granato charged that Lee is too extreme for Utah as a darling of the tea party. But Lee said most Utahns cheer his push to return to constitutionally limited government."Utahns have a real opportunity this year to either elect a mainstream candidate
or an extreme candidate," Granato said.Lee said that his views match Utahns who "are reclaiming their right to constitutionally limited government. We have to focus on limiting the size, scope, reach and power of the federal government."
Source: Salt Lake Tribune coverage of 2010 Utah Senate debate
Sep 17, 2010
Gary Herbert:
Commission to Optimize State Government: do more with less
We created the Advisory Commission to Optimize State Government. The goal of this group is to help the state do more with less in order to benefit all. It is headed by former Governor Norm Bangerter. This diverse and bipartisan group of civic and busines
leaders is taking an inside-out look at all areas of the state. Their efforts will improve our already well-managed state, and, now more than ever, we must achieve new levels of efficiency in state government.
Source: Utah 2010 State of the State Address
Jan 26, 2010
Gary Herbert:
Guidelines on gifts, lobbying, & conflicts of interest
Today I signed an Executive Order that reaffirms and clarifies guidelines about accepting gifts, participating in lobbying efforts and identifying conflicts of interest. Now is as good a time as any to remind all state employees what
constitutes acceptable and unacceptable conduct.I encourage you, as lawmakers, to remove any perception of possible ethical issues by implementing meaningful and substantive ethics reform.
Source: Utah 2010 State of the State Address
Jan 26, 2010
Jon Huntsman:
Two-year cooling-off period before State employees can lobby
We all want a State equal to its promise. A State with more dreams than memories--one that is responsive, open and accessible. Tonight, as part of this administration's commitment to enhancing ethics in government, through an Executive
Order, I will enact a cooling-off period of two years before State employees can lobby their previous place of work. In the interest of a transparent government, we will prohibit nepotism in hiring or contracting for all Executive Branch departments.
Also, from this point on, I am asking for a complete ban on gifts to any Executive Branch employee. Ethics and integrity should be a requirement within all branches of government.
Tonight, I reinforce my pledge to build an Executive Branch that holds itself to a higher standard.
Source: Utah 2007 State of the State address
Jan 16, 2007
Mike Leavitt:
Count missionaries abroad in census; gain Congressional seat
Last week we brought another lawsuit to give Utah the 4th Congressional seat it deserves.
The issue is clear: how can 15,000 easily identifiable Utahns on humanitarian or religious service not be counted when others in government service are? Our cause is just; the census count was not.
Source: 2001 State of the State address to the Utah legislature
Jan 16, 2001
Page last updated: Oct 14, 2021