Utah AG Candidates Vow to Prioritize Transparency by Signing Pledge
ATRA announces two Utah candidates for attorney general signing its AG transparency code pledge.
Utah candidates for state attorney general, incumbent Sean Reyes (R) and Greg Skordas (D), each pledged to prioritize transparency and open accountability in office, the American Tort Reform Association announced today.
The two candidates embraced good-government principles by signing ATRA’s Attorney General Transparency Code pledge, the 2020 State Attorney General Candidate Questionnaire. Each pledged to continue adhering to Utah’s 2015 Transparency in Private Attorney Contracting (TiPAC) legislation, supported by ATRA.
“By signing our pledge, current AG Reyes and AG candidate Skordas each showed that they are committed to a transparent, accountable government,” ATRA President Tiger Joyce said.
Attorneys general need the discretion and independence to enforce state law, free from the influence of parties that may have a private interest in the outcome of any litigation their office may take on.
“In every instance, a state’s attorney general should seek to provide the highest quality services at the best value for hardworking taxpayers when considering whether to contract with outside counsel,” Joyce said. “Both candidates signing ATRA’s Transparency Code gives great hope that transparency and accountability will continue to be a priority in the office of the attorney general in Utah.”
ATRA developed the Transparency Code as a collection of model policies that should govern the use of outside counsel by state attorneys general. ATRA is committed to working with state and local leaders to improve our civil justice system by reducing excessive litigation and increasing government transparency to enhance economic development and job creation. Attorneys general play a critical role in creating a fairer system for all as states’ head law enforcement officers.
“Utah has an excellent track record in passing laws which reflect the principles of the Transparency Code,” Joyce said. “We hope to build on these best practices by working with the next attorney general of Utah to support continued transparency and accountability in the Beehive State.”
The questionnaire answers provided by AG Reyes are available here and answers provided by AG candidate Skordas are available here.
For more information about ATRA’s work in creating greater transparency among state attorneys general, please visit AGSunshine.com.
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