Issue: Ethics, Honesty, and Accountability in Government Date: July 13, 2004 Author: Chris Nizzardini ******************** The amount of misuse of county funds, good old boy kickbacks, outright theft, and lack of openness has put an awfully negative face on our new form of County Government. Most voters would never have accepted the new form of government knowing its representatives would be so lacking in ethical values. In these past four years, we have seen millions of dollars decided in backroom get-togethers closed to the community. Several officials have had to resign do to stealing thousands in taxpayers money for free vacations, free gas, and overpriced car washes. Furthermore, the Mayor has been accused of overpaying staff members and is attempting to obstruct investigations into the matter. While blocking openness shouldn’t surprise any of us coming from the Mayor, her staff and current council, it should still be a bit unsettling to advocates of democracy. As candidate for Salt Lake County Auditor I want to end the pessimism. I want voters to know there are candidates out there, including others and myself, who want to restore the honesty and dignity we deserve. The Mayor's appointment of a Citizens Review Panel is nothing more than a clever ploy to divert attention away from the real dilemma here. Her attempts at placing blame on the policies rather than the people are a bogus attempt at misleading her constituents. It is a lack of moral and ethical fiber, which causes these people to steal from you and I, not the policies they are to abide by. It shouldn’t take a policy to tell you that stealing is wrong and that giving out $30,000 vehicles to county employees is unethical. This should be blatantly apparent. How are more laws and regulations going to stop these people from committing the same wrongdoings in the future? We need better politicians not more legislation! In an atmosphere where openness is shunned and holding secret meetings is favored it has become evident that ideas like common sense, virtue, honesty, and accountability have also gone out the window. It is an atmosphere that must be changed. As an advocate of these ignored ideals as well as transparent government and public awareness I have formulated an honest campaign that will act as an independent watchdog over corruption and its cronies, and have promised the following… 1) I will not accept a free or discounted county vehicle with taxpayer’s money. 2) I will not accept free or discounted gas with taxpayers money. 3) I will not accept a pay raise and will petition for a pay cut. 4) I will better inform my constitue0nts on county business. 5) I will make a full-uncensored list of all county expenses available to the public. 6) I give my personal promise of honesty, integrity, and accountability to all residence of Salt Lake County. I feel these are the best steps I can take to restore confidence among voters. A vote towards one of my mainstream opponents is a vote for the same parties (the Democrats and Republicans) that continue these same unethical practices from local government all the way up. My campaign represents true opposition to those who perpetuate what seems to be a never-ending cycle. My campaign defies the status quo symbolizing an end to this cycle of exploitation. On November 2nd, voters will have an alternative with integrity. I may be the protest option for voters, but I’m also the candidate for honesty and openness. Mark your ballot, Christopher E. Nizzardini for Salt Lake County Auditor on November 2nd, 2004.