These allegations greatly disturb me. Public officials should be held to the highest ethical and moral standards due to the position of trust they hold. When one member of the Legislature fails to act as a statesman, all members are painted by the brush of the indiscretion.
It is an honor and privilege to represent District 74 and the communities of Washington County at the state Legislature. Everywhere I travel, I carry with me the title of representative of the state of Utah. This is both a boon and a burden.
Everything I do in business, politics or private life is closely examined by the public and the media. Though it is not always easy living under a media microscope, I knew this was part of the package when I was elected to public office. I agreed to speak on behalf of a constituency and they have a right to know what I do on their behalf and in their name.
I'm greatly saddened that the important work of the Legislature has been overshadowed by these allegations. There are so many triumphs of public service we could and should be talking about this summer.
For example: Utah has twice been named the best-managed state in the nation! We are weathering the national economic downturn better than almost any other state.
Over the past few years, we've invested hundreds of millions of new dollars into public education, economic development and transportation. We are embarking on a massive reform of our health-care system that could fundamentally change the way we access, purchase and use health care. Our list of accomplishments is long, but so is our to-do list.
In this age of 24-hour news cycles and instant information, I fear we have become junkies to the latest titillating rumors or developments that surface on the Web. We post anonymous comments on blogs that our mothers would be embarrassed to hear if our identities were known.
All this focus on gossip and titillation does not serve the greater good. We don't believe in trial by media. Yes, I believe bad actors should be exposed, tried for their crimes and punished, but we must not let that detract from the important work elected officials do and the work that still must be done. The work of the state never ends, and we need passionate, innovative public servants to ensure the work gets done so we continue to be the best-managed state.
I encourage elected officials at all levels to reflect on the important role we play and the way in which we conduct ourselves in that role. We are not elected to serve our own needs, but to serve on behalf of our town, county or district.
While elected officials may fiercely disagree on policy, there is a time, place and manner in which that policy debate should take place. At day's end, I hope we can all shake hands and part as friends.
Everything we do reflects on our colleagues and the area we represent. We should give them no cause to regret their choice of representative, only reasons to celebrate the accomplishments of our state.
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* REP. DAVID CLARK, R-Santa Clara, is the majority leader of the Utah House of Representatives.
