ethics reform - says payments of state money to her opponent Steve Harmsen's private business represent a major conflict of interest.

Wilson, running for Harm- sen's council at-large seat, acknowledged that while the payments are legal, any question of impropriety "should be removed."

She held a news conference Thursday to display two oversized checks.

One, for $18,500, represented Harmsen's pay as a member of the council. The other, for $22,209.90, is the amount Wilson says Harmsen has received through his private business, Steve Regan and Co., since elected to the council.

Harmsen's company sells fertilizers and chemicals for golf courses as part of a state - not a county - contract. He has filed disclosures with the county for his private business.

Wilson called on the council chairman to give up one of the checks.

"Wouldn't we all like to be paid twice," she said. "This is obviously wrong, and it alarms me that it's gone unnoticed for the four years Steve Harmsen has been on the council."

Harmsen counters that he "never ever had a conversation with anybody in Salt Lake County about doing business with Steve Regan Co. I've complied with every regulation."

Wilson is undeterred.

"People are paying attention now" to potential for conflicts of interests, she said, referencing the spate of scandals that has plagued county government.

Harmsen calls Wilson's charges "immaterial," and says he has consistently fought for tightening lobbying and self-interest requirements for the council.

"I have followed that code of conduct since the day I was elected," he said.

djensen@sltrib.com