In the wake of Saturday's HB477 news, wherein we learned that former House Speaker David Clark and three other Southern Utah [GOP] legislators are "calling on Gov. Gary Herbert and the Legislature to repeal a bill restricting public access to government records," the Standard-Examiner now reports this morning that two Northern Utah GOP legislators are likewise following suit and calling for HB477's repeal:
And it looks like Rep. John Dougall, the chief sponsor of HB477, is now doing some serious flip-flopping, claiming he wanted more time to study his own ill-conceived bill:
Our readers should be reminded that Rep. Dougall only lies when his lips are moving.
And here's some interesting data from the latest KSL Poll:... [T]he respondents seemed preoccupied with GRAMA, with 84 percent saying it was somewhat or very important to them personally. Eighty-three percent said they should have access to elected officials' text messages, which would be protected under the controversial HB477, now set to take effect July 1. In addition, almost 90 percent said the process used to craft the changes to GRAMA was probably or definitely inappropriate.
Read the full KSL story here:
It's obvious that HB477 support is unraveling faster than a bad wig at a retirement home.
Update 3/21/11 11:26 p.m.: This just in from the Associated Press, via the SE Live! Site:
Ambiguous as hell... hard to say what Governor Gary actually intends...
10 comments:
Rep. Dougall's dishonesty is nicely highlighted in the KSL story:
Earlier this month, when Dougall was questioned by a fellow lawmaker as to why the bill was being "rushed" through, he replied, "I guess I wouldn't say, ‘what's the rush?' I'd say ‘what's the delay?'"
So much for "I wanted more time."
Have to wonder what Dougall has on Speaker Lockhart and Majority Leader Brad "Free Lunch for Me!" Dee that he got them to roll over so quickly for a "ram it through" approach to his bill.
Anyone else thinking of rats and sinking vessels?
Just heard that the Guv. is going to be on KSL about 11 am talking about the repeal of HB 477 as expressed in his new press release. I think the rats are deploying lifeboats big time. Are their oars on board...
“I say that you cannot administer a wicked law impartially. You can only destroy, you can only punish. And I warn you, that a wicked law, like cholera, destroys every one it touches. Its upholders as well as its defiers.” Clarence Darrow
Sadly, I think given the same scrutiny this bill has received, MANY more bills could, should, and would be repealed that have been passed by this legislature. This bill is just one in a long line of bad legislation we have seen over the past few years - and it has only gotten worse. This nonsense has got to stop!
All Hands on Deck...Abandon Ship
Senators and Representatives First.
Guv calls for repeal of new Utah records law
By Robert Gehrke
The Salt Lake Tribune
First published 1 hour ago
Updated 13 minutes ago Updated Mar 21, 2011 11:05AM
Gov. Gary Herbert called Monday for the repeal of a controversial law created to restrict public access to government records, saying both the process and substance of the law “resulted in a loss of public confidence.”
Herbert said he would call a special session soon to enact the repeal, but called for all sides — the Legislature, news outlets and public — to engage in a “good faith” discussion of potential changes to Utah’s 20-year-old Government Records Access and Management Act, or GRAMA.
Weber County Residents can sign the petition at:
Liberty Automotive- 749 40th St, South Ogden
Standard Examiner 322 Standard Way, Ogden
More locations to come.
Curm: Brad "Free Lunch for Me!" Dee wants secret government and likely got Dougall to be the main sponsor instead of him.
When Brad Dee got out of high school, he went to work as a news reporter for our local Channel 4. He wasn't very good telling the truth, so he went into politics. One can only hope the public gets a good look into Brad Dee and his transparency. Seems to me he plays both sides of the fence depending his morals that particular day and how and what he is told to believe and pursue. Check with anyone from Bonneville High and ask them, what do you think of Brad Dee?
Herbert just announced the special session will convene Fri. with the formation of the working group.
My suggestion is simply draft and adopt a comolete repeal,sign it and wait till the next session (next year) to even explore any changes to this hot potato.
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