Editor:

I need to make one small correction to the March 4 article, “Sheryl Allen not running for House seat.”  I was part of the effort of the Constitutional Revision Commission (CRC) which studied post conviction remedies for two years with the Office of the Attorney General.  Several proposals to change Utah’s Constitution did not receive CRC approval.

However, it is Rep. Kay McIff who deserves the credit for resolving the issue, not me.

Utah’s Constitution should not be changed quickly, easily, or without careful public study.  The Utah Legislature should always be deliberative about Constitutional changes.  That is why I have opposed HJR 24 Joint Resolution on Equal Treatment by Government sponsored by Rep. Curt Oda.  This Constitutional proposal came quickly and could have implications beyond what is immediately apparent.  How will it affect programs in education that encourage females to pursue math and engineering?  How will it affect programs for English learners?  Should religion be included in equal treatment requirements?  With study, we will know more.  The CRC is the perfect commission to provide this review.

I regret that HJR 15 Joint Resolution on Ethics Commission was not forwarded to the CRC for review by its sponsor, Speaker David Clark.  While establishing an Ethics Commission by Constitutional amendment, it precludes any further involvement by the public in an ethics initiative.  In HJR 15, that right is given exclusively to the Legislature.

Again, I thank my neighbors in Bountiful and Woods Cross for the opportunity to serve them for 16 years.

 

Rep. Sheryl Allen

Bountiful