The worst things about this year’s legislative session included the tremendous budget shortfall, and the shadow cast by the arrest of Sheldon Killpack for the suspicion of drunk driving. I have also grown tired of the so-called message bills, which accomplish little more than a publicity binge for their sponsors.

The best things about the session include additional ethics reforms, an amicable solution to the state employee retirement issues and the bridging of a $700 million budget gap without a major tax increase.

On the heels of last year’s six ethics reform bills, the Legislature saw fit to enact an independent ethics commission; greater disclosure of campaign finances and conflicts of interests, and a ban on the personal use of campaign funds and gifts over $10. Despite these substantial reforms, proponents of the constitutionally-flawed ethics initiative are predictably asserting that “not enough was done”. During the whirlwind final days this week, legislators are expected to pass a rule mandating the disclosure of any lobbyist-financed trips out of state.

Utah’s retirement system lost $6.5 billion during the recent economic meltdown. Employee groups supported a measure that will allow current workers to retain their pension plans. Those hired after July 1, 2011, however, will receive a smaller benefits package. Lawmakers have also closed a loophole that allowed some government employees to retire in place and thereby “double-dip” with salary and retirement pay.

An expected showdown on gay rights legislation never happened, as lawmakers reached a truce early in the session. Despite the backing of the LDS Church, no attempt was made this year to extend or end anti-discrimination protections for gays and lesbians.

Gary Herbert is facing his first real test as governor in deciding how to handle the proposed $1 per pack cigarette tax hike and the proposed 1 percent cut in public education funding. His veto would likely be over-ridden, which is potentially embarrassing. But he will break a pledge if he signs off on the proposed budget. He has worked himself into a no-win situation here.

Some are suggesting that the Legislature hit a foul when it made it easier for citizens to remove their names from petitions like the UEG Initiative. I disagree. I doubt that many of the signers have read all 22 pages of the proposal, and are instead relying on the proponent’s half-truths and misrepresentations. People who have been duped into lending their names to a cause ought to be able to change their minds once the truth comes out. Since the current law requires the involvement of a notary, voters currently must spend both time and money to opt out. I welcome the change and hope it encourages future proponents to be more forthcoming in their disclosures.

I commend Sheryl Allen for her service during the past 16 years, and for stepping aside to give someone else a turn. Our citizen Legislature is best served by rotating good people in and out of office.