Submitted to the local print media on September 23, 2010:
Deon Turley, Democratic candidate for House District 61, has already begun a to-do list for the legislative session. She has identified loopholes in the election laws regarding campaign finance and has promised, when elected, to sponsor or support legislation to close two of them.
Political action committees dedicated to a single candidate serves the same purpose as the candidate’s own campaign committee but is treated differently under the law. When funds are transferred from the PAC to the candidate’s account, there is no record in that account of where the money originated. Utah campaign finance laws are intended to make campaign finance transparent to the public but, says Deon, "using single candidate political action committees adds a layer of obscurity" and she hopes to change the laws regarding this practice.
Election law also requires each legislative candidate and office holder to report his or her campaign contributions within thirty days of receiving them, and to file a sworn statement at intervals during an election year, that the filed report is correct.
“As voters we should be able to assume that frequent reports of contributions would give us current information about possible conflicts of interest,” said Deon. “However, this is not necessarily so, since lawmakers applied a very specific definition for the word ‘received’ to their own campaign contributions.”
A contribution is not "received" until the check is negotiated, cashed or deposited in the campaign bank account. The legislature did not offer the Governor the same loophole they have or he might have avoided the charge of "pay to play" that has recently given him trouble.
“The IRS does not give you the same loophole either,” observed Deon. “If your employer reports that they gave you a paycheck in 2010, you must include it in your 2010 tax return, whether or not you cashed the check. If you decide to return the check, shred it, give it to someone else, or frame it on the wall, you still must account for the payment.
“We are used to this accountability. We should hold legislators accountable as well.”
Deon said that the contribution loophole became apparent to her when she compared the fundraising reports of her opponent, Keith Grover, for two of his consecutive campaigns. In 2008 contributions to his campaign were reported on a regular basis throughout the year. This year, after a few reports in January and March, no reports of contributions or expenditures were filed until after the August 31st filing deadline.
The day after Deon lodged a complaint about his lack of disclosure, Grover reported a dozen contributions totaling almost $5000. These included checks dated as early as March 30th. Grover said that he had not checked his mailbox in time to list them with the reports he had filed most recently. Since Grover had not deposited the checks until then, no law was broken and the complaint was dropped.
Deon Turley has been a supporter of legislative ethics reform and volunteered last year to carry the Utahns for Ethical Government (UEG) petition. Opponents of that initiative asserted that transparency was all that voters needed to judge for themselves the ethics of their elected officials. Deon has promised to support or sponsor legislation to make campaign finance more transparent.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Getting Stuck in a Race
There is a tempest brewing in the campaign for the Governor’s seat right now centered on a charge of “pay to play” (see Large donations raise questions of influence in governor's race). Whether or not the Governor consciously steered public funds to his political donor, he has a layer of tar on his shoes and it is sticky!
In this economy, businesses are scrambling for any advantage they can get and unfortunately, politicians, looking for campaign cash, hold the keys to a lot of opportunities to get ahead.
I am holding on to my pledge to finance my campaign without the help of corporate donors. I am as cash-strapped as the next candidate but I do not solicit or accept contributions from businesses. That is one less “tar pit” to get stuck in.
In this economy, businesses are scrambling for any advantage they can get and unfortunately, politicians, looking for campaign cash, hold the keys to a lot of opportunities to get ahead.
I am holding on to my pledge to finance my campaign without the help of corporate donors. I am as cash-strapped as the next candidate but I do not solicit or accept contributions from businesses. That is one less “tar pit” to get stuck in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Thanks to the help of a great webmaster, I have recently added a "FAQ" page to my campaign website.
I wondered whether to list the questions in the order of how often I was asked them, or in the order of how often I wished they were asked. In the end, we settled on a combination.
The number one place went to the question that is most often asked of me: "Are you related to Steve Turley?"
I usually answer this with a question: "Which one?" My husband's name is, indeed, Steve Turley and in some circles is well-known. However, there is a Provo City Councilman by the same name and we have discovered no relationship at all -- and my husband has done quite a bit of family history without finding a connection.
The second question came from my list of "things I think that voters should know". If they are going to tell their friends to vote for me, they need to know which of their friends can vote for me and the map of the district boundaries helps with that.
Some other questions that are asked frequently are addressed here in the blog. I think I may add them as questions with links here or rewrite responses on the website.
What do you think? Send in your votes for questions that should be answered on the campaign website!
I wondered whether to list the questions in the order of how often I was asked them, or in the order of how often I wished they were asked. In the end, we settled on a combination.
The number one place went to the question that is most often asked of me: "Are you related to Steve Turley?"
I usually answer this with a question: "Which one?" My husband's name is, indeed, Steve Turley and in some circles is well-known. However, there is a Provo City Councilman by the same name and we have discovered no relationship at all -- and my husband has done quite a bit of family history without finding a connection.
The second question came from my list of "things I think that voters should know". If they are going to tell their friends to vote for me, they need to know which of their friends can vote for me and the map of the district boundaries helps with that.
Some other questions that are asked frequently are addressed here in the blog. I think I may add them as questions with links here or rewrite responses on the website.
What do you think? Send in your votes for questions that should be answered on the campaign website!
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Sweat Equity for Tax Payers
I forgot my work gloves this morning but that was alright. Most of my responsibility was behind the wheel of my pick up truck. This morning I joined about 25 people--men, women, and children--at Lions Park. It wasn't for a picnic or a ball game, but a work party.
For some years, neighbors surrounding Lions Park have been interested in seeing improvements at the park. Some improvements have been accomplished through Eagle Scout Projects, including rebuilding the foot bridges over the canal on the south and east sides of the park. Other projects, such as a paved sidewalk around the perimeter of the park, were beyond the ability of the scouts and volunteer labor. The City claimed that they were unable to afford these projects and suggested that they apply for a Block grant. And so they did.
They received a grant that would cover the cost of materials and the skilled labor needed to install the sidewalk but the neighbors were required to donate the unskilled labor necessary to get it done.
The first work party was earlier this summer and I heard about it but was unable to come help. The second was this morning.
When I arrived, a sod cutter had just come through and cut the pathway, and volunteers, large and small, were rolling the damp sod like strips of carpet, and setting the rolls on the side of the path. Some of the men were loosening the stubborn pieces with shovels and I asked if I should run back home for a shovel or two. I said I could toss them in the back of my truck.
"You have a truck here?"
I answered yes. Those pushing wheelbarrows stopped in their tracks.
"Bring it over and we'll load the rolls on and you can haul them to the other side of the park. You won't need a shovel; you'll be driving the truck."
As it turned out, I could have used gloves at least, because I helped with the loading and unloading too. My palms soon had a dried layer of mud -- and so did the truck.
But we both cleaned up just fine afterward. And I enjoyed the time to visit with neighbors, some of whom I hadn't seen in a long time.
It was impressive to see the adults setting an example of stepping up to improve their community instead of waiting for government to provide everything. One of the volunteers told how working at the park had made her children feel connected with the park.
I appreciate that there are programs such as this, that encourage neighbors to organize projects for their mutual benefit. Providing the materials and skilled labor made this a bargain for city government and volunteering as neighbors to work on it made for a satisfying (if muddy) social event.
For some years, neighbors surrounding Lions Park have been interested in seeing improvements at the park. Some improvements have been accomplished through Eagle Scout Projects, including rebuilding the foot bridges over the canal on the south and east sides of the park. Other projects, such as a paved sidewalk around the perimeter of the park, were beyond the ability of the scouts and volunteer labor. The City claimed that they were unable to afford these projects and suggested that they apply for a Block grant. And so they did.
They received a grant that would cover the cost of materials and the skilled labor needed to install the sidewalk but the neighbors were required to donate the unskilled labor necessary to get it done.
The first work party was earlier this summer and I heard about it but was unable to come help. The second was this morning.
When I arrived, a sod cutter had just come through and cut the pathway, and volunteers, large and small, were rolling the damp sod like strips of carpet, and setting the rolls on the side of the path. Some of the men were loosening the stubborn pieces with shovels and I asked if I should run back home for a shovel or two. I said I could toss them in the back of my truck.
"You have a truck here?"
I answered yes. Those pushing wheelbarrows stopped in their tracks.
"Bring it over and we'll load the rolls on and you can haul them to the other side of the park. You won't need a shovel; you'll be driving the truck."
As it turned out, I could have used gloves at least, because I helped with the loading and unloading too. My palms soon had a dried layer of mud -- and so did the truck.
But we both cleaned up just fine afterward. And I enjoyed the time to visit with neighbors, some of whom I hadn't seen in a long time.
It was impressive to see the adults setting an example of stepping up to improve their community instead of waiting for government to provide everything. One of the volunteers told how working at the park had made her children feel connected with the park.
I appreciate that there are programs such as this, that encourage neighbors to organize projects for their mutual benefit. Providing the materials and skilled labor made this a bargain for city government and volunteering as neighbors to work on it made for a satisfying (if muddy) social event.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Virtual Violence
There has been some controversy surrounding a request to have the Governor sign a letter in support of overturning a law that was passed 5 years ago in California. The law restricted the sale of violent video/computer games to children. A judge ruled it unconstitutional, based on rights of free speech, and now the case is headed to the U S Supreme Court.
Free speech rights end where safety is at stake. Attorney General Shurtleff says there is no evidence of danger with regard to violent video games but I disagree. I can’t point to a study, just my own experience as a mom.
I feel that violence is as damaging as pornography. American standards for sexual content on movies is much more strict than standards for violence. I believe that both have similar effects on our brains.
Speaking on behalf of the Eagle Forum, Andy Schlafly said, "Some children who are not mature enough to handle it may get addicted to the games and then go on a killing rampage." This assertion seems extreme. What is clear to me, however, is that as children (and adults too) become desensitized to the shock of the violence, it affects their respect for human life and attitudes regarding human suffering.
I have watched my children grow up and I realize that their play is usually combative—shoot ‘em up or cops and robbers— but the increasingly realistic graphics in video games is sensational and I am convinced they affect the way we think. Children are particularly susceptible.
Voters should be able to establish community standards of decency, and violence is a matter of decency. I am in favor of upholding the law that California passed.
Free speech rights end where safety is at stake. Attorney General Shurtleff says there is no evidence of danger with regard to violent video games but I disagree. I can’t point to a study, just my own experience as a mom.
I feel that violence is as damaging as pornography. American standards for sexual content on movies is much more strict than standards for violence. I believe that both have similar effects on our brains.
Speaking on behalf of the Eagle Forum, Andy Schlafly said, "Some children who are not mature enough to handle it may get addicted to the games and then go on a killing rampage." This assertion seems extreme. What is clear to me, however, is that as children (and adults too) become desensitized to the shock of the violence, it affects their respect for human life and attitudes regarding human suffering.
I have watched my children grow up and I realize that their play is usually combative—shoot ‘em up or cops and robbers— but the increasingly realistic graphics in video games is sensational and I am convinced they affect the way we think. Children are particularly susceptible.
Voters should be able to establish community standards of decency, and violence is a matter of decency. I am in favor of upholding the law that California passed.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Partying
Among the most common questions I am asked on the campaign trail is why I am running as a Democrat. In Utah County, we all acknowledge that it is an up-hill struggle. It requires meeting and reassuring a lot of people who never considered voting for a Democrat before.
One of the strengths of our country is the tradition of checks and balance made possible by a two-party system of politics. However, partisanship across the nation is increasingly bitter. Those who vilify their opposition and stereotype broad swaths of the population damage rather than strengthen our communities. They are seeing the world in two dimensions. All of us are people with varying circumstances and experience and no single political party could define us all. In fact, a single party in power does more to invite corruption and oppression.
When political party leadership calls for purging its membership, it loses its claim of representation. It may march on with militant energy and special interest funding, but it can only serve its narrowly-defined membership.
Admittedly, no two parties could define us either. The concept of “the big tent” is essential for politics to move forward with true representation. I have chosen to run as a candidate in the Utah County Democratic Party because their doors are open to those who want to serve the communities they live in. I may not agree with all members of the party on all subjects, as they may not agree with each other, but there is mutual respect for the people that make up our communities and for the will to better these communities.
I suppose that it is on account of their minority that this is true. I hear that in places where Democrats hold a super majority, there is the same struggle to keep their party members in line. If this is so, no wonder I am always cheering for the underdog! That is where you find the most civility.
One of the strengths of our country is the tradition of checks and balance made possible by a two-party system of politics. However, partisanship across the nation is increasingly bitter. Those who vilify their opposition and stereotype broad swaths of the population damage rather than strengthen our communities. They are seeing the world in two dimensions. All of us are people with varying circumstances and experience and no single political party could define us all. In fact, a single party in power does more to invite corruption and oppression.
When political party leadership calls for purging its membership, it loses its claim of representation. It may march on with militant energy and special interest funding, but it can only serve its narrowly-defined membership.
Admittedly, no two parties could define us either. The concept of “the big tent” is essential for politics to move forward with true representation. I have chosen to run as a candidate in the Utah County Democratic Party because their doors are open to those who want to serve the communities they live in. I may not agree with all members of the party on all subjects, as they may not agree with each other, but there is mutual respect for the people that make up our communities and for the will to better these communities.
I suppose that it is on account of their minority that this is true. I hear that in places where Democrats hold a super majority, there is the same struggle to keep their party members in line. If this is so, no wonder I am always cheering for the underdog! That is where you find the most civility.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Notes from the Field
This summer is flying past! I am visiting with people in my surrounding neighborhoods to let them know that I am running for the legislature and hoping for their support. It is an adventure knocking on strange doors -- like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are going to get.
Last week I went looking for a particular voter and knocked on what turned out to be her landlady's door. After our conversation, the landlady became as enthusiastic about my campaign as any supporter I have. A serendipitous find!
Every once in a while I am met with a "brick wall". Many doors have a notice warning solicitors away but I have allowed myself to conclude that I am not "soliciting" but offering voters information about who will be on their ballot this year. Today I had a young woman assert forcefully that I was trespassing, based on their notice.
I recognize many of the doors I am knocking on from my previous campaign. I stepped back quickly a few days ago, after ringing the bell at the house where, in 2008, a wasp flew out of the wreath on the door and stung my cheek.
Many doors open to fascinating surprises. Like one a couple of weeks ago. The gentleman who answered invited me in and I learned that he was an artist, retired from the faculty of BYU, who had recently had to bring in his collections of pottery from a storage area and they covered almost every surface of his family room and dining room. I purchased a wedding gift from him at the end of our visit.
Yesterday I met a woman who gave me a campaign pep talk and a crash course on the Constitution.
Today, I met a traffic engineer with UDOT, a mortgage loan officer, a web designer who gave me advice on my campaign website, and an inventor/author/barber who taught me about the ethnic origins of my Welsh ancestors.
I love the fascinating people who make up House District 61! I hope to tap into their experience and expertise as their representative to the State Legislature.
Last week I went looking for a particular voter and knocked on what turned out to be her landlady's door. After our conversation, the landlady became as enthusiastic about my campaign as any supporter I have. A serendipitous find!
Every once in a while I am met with a "brick wall". Many doors have a notice warning solicitors away but I have allowed myself to conclude that I am not "soliciting" but offering voters information about who will be on their ballot this year. Today I had a young woman assert forcefully that I was trespassing, based on their notice.
I recognize many of the doors I am knocking on from my previous campaign. I stepped back quickly a few days ago, after ringing the bell at the house where, in 2008, a wasp flew out of the wreath on the door and stung my cheek.
Many doors open to fascinating surprises. Like one a couple of weeks ago. The gentleman who answered invited me in and I learned that he was an artist, retired from the faculty of BYU, who had recently had to bring in his collections of pottery from a storage area and they covered almost every surface of his family room and dining room. I purchased a wedding gift from him at the end of our visit.
Yesterday I met a woman who gave me a campaign pep talk and a crash course on the Constitution.
Today, I met a traffic engineer with UDOT, a mortgage loan officer, a web designer who gave me advice on my campaign website, and an inventor/author/barber who taught me about the ethnic origins of my Welsh ancestors.
I love the fascinating people who make up House District 61! I hope to tap into their experience and expertise as their representative to the State Legislature.
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