HB266 would hurt public's right to know

Wasatch Wave’s (Heber City, Utah) editorial position:
Government behind closed doors

The Issue:
Proposed legislation will limit public’s right to know
We Suggest:
Kill the Bill Rep. Powell

A bill (HB 266) has been drafted and sponsored by our own State Representative Kraig Powell that would eliminate the public's right to know what public employees are paid. This bill was drafted at the request of Wasatch County Payroll Manager Dell Barney.
We are appalled that Rep. Powell would even consider sponsoring a bill that would hide from the public the expenditures of public monies from the electorate. The passage of this bill could open the floodgates of corruption in the determination of salaries for public employees. Without public scrutiny some employees could receive monumental salaries and others could be penalized with substandard wages all under the cover of no public knowledge of government’s activities and expenditures.
Barney’s request for the submission of this bill is nothing more than an attempt of government to conduct its affairs away from public oversight.
We must remember that this is public money being spent for public employees, and as the public employees’ bosses, the taxpayer has a right to know how every dime is being spent. Aren’t bosses entitled to know how salaries of their employees are being allocated?
This legislation would open the door for exorbitant salaries for a few and poverty wages for those not in favor with the administration. This observation is supported by the obscene salaries paid to industry and banking management away from the scrutiny of their stockholders. This action was fostered behind closed doors without the oversight of the public.
When Rep. Powell was asked about why he would sponsor such a poor piece of legislation he responded by stating that he had a responsibility to carry any legislation from his constituents. If this is the case then we suggest that anyone who would like to be named king request Rep. Powell to sponsor the appropriate bill for such action.
We must keep in mind that government that is conducted behind closed doors away from the scrutiny of the electorate is not a democracy. Democracy’s basic premise is based on the public’s right to know the actions and activities of its elected officials.
We would suggest that Mr. Barney enroll in a course in basic American government and pay particular attention to First Amendment rights. That’s the part that guarantees the public’s right to know.
We request that Rep. Powell withdraw his sponsorship of this misguided legislation. To be a party to such a bad piece of legislation definitely reflects poorly on the people of Wasatch County. Remember, Rep. Powell, you were elected by the majority to represent the best interests of the community as a whole. Not just a select few.
Legislation that fosters ignorance of the activities of government is not in the best interest of a free, informed, democratic society.