A new bill has been introduced at the State Legislature permitting the Governor to appoint the Chief Justice of the Utah Supreme Court. The Bar Commission has voted unanimously to oppose the bill. Attached are my remarks explaining our vote. Please contact your legislators to oppose this bill.
Letter from Bar President Stephen W. Owens
Link to S.B. 109 -- Chief Justice of the Utah Supreme Court Appointment
http://le.utah.gov/~2010/bills/sbillint/sb0109.htm
Editorials
Deseret News
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700007207/Keep-courts-independent.html ;
Salt Lake Tribune
http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/ci_14335547 ; and
Ogden Standard Examiner
http://www.standard.net/topics/opinion/2010/02/08/our-view-no-need-court-change .