Both articles help keep the important dialogue regarding ethics at the Utah Legislature at the forefront of the public's attention.

In my opinion, however, both pieces contain a dangerous message: Let's turn our backs on the unpleasantness of the whole ethics debate and focus on the good work of the Legislature. In the meantime, we'll mend the divide in the House Republican Caucus and it will all go away.

There could be no more harmful end to the issue of legislative ethics than to let it quietly go away. Let me be very clear: I am not advocating for a criminal investigation of former Rep. Mark Walker; I am not asking for an ethics investigation into an "unnamed legislator"; nor, for that matter, am I speaking of any particular legislator or incident.

As a sitting legislator on the House Ethics Committee, I take very seriously the responsibility of separating myself as much as possible from any discussion about a potential ethics complaint or investigation because I do not want to compromise my objectivity or integrity as a member of this committee.

The issue of ethics - or lack of - goes beyond any particular incident or individuals. To me, it has become more about the integrity and reputation of the institution itself - the Utah Legislature.

A recent poll by Dan Jones & Associates shows the Legislature has a relatively low job-approval rating with 34 percent of the respondents somewhat or strongly disapproving of the Legislature's job performance.

While some may take comfort that 58 percent somewhat or strongly approve of our performance (only 10 percent strongly), I do not.

The foundation of a healthy democracy is the public's trust and confidence in those they elect to represent them. This poll indicates an unstable and cracking foundation.

The lack of approval also attests that the public is tired of a legislative body that appears to take more pride in furthering the interests of its members than those of their constituents; a legislative body marred by too many conflicts of interest; and a legislative body characterized by backroom deal-making and decisions made outside the view of the public.

Let me also be very clear on another point: The issues of legislative ethics and the lack of public confidence transcend partisan politics.

There are those who might be asking, "Why are you complaining? Since you are a Democrat, the Republican infighting and divisiveness are giving you the perfect campaign issue." People have actually said this to me.

To have the recent allegations of unethical behavior reduced to partisan attacks minimizes the seriousness of the situation and maximizes the destructive effect upon the institution. It is equally as dangerous as ignoring the matter altogether.

The voters should take into account the actions and conduct of their representative or senator. The current state of ethics in the Utah Legislature should be a valid topic for debate during the campaign season, but we must go even further.

I echo Clark's call that " . . . elected officials at all levels [reflect] on the important role we play and the way in which we conduct ourselves in that role." But I ask that we take it a step further and call upon all Utah legislators to lead by action and make restoring the public's trust and confidence a top priority.

This is not about popularity or approval ratings; it is about securing the foundation of our beloved democracy.

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* REP. DAVID LITVACK, D-Salt Lake City, is minority whip of the Utah House of Representatives.