In fairness to your readers and in the interest of full disclosure, I am requesting that you share the full background of Josh T. Smith, author of a commentary in the Jan. 12 paper.
At the end of his opinion piece supporting recently passed, complex and controversial tax legislation, he is described as “a research manager at the Center for Growth and Opportunity at Utah State University.” However, you omitted the fact that the Center for Growth and Opportunity is funded by the Charles Koch Foundation. Surely it is pertinent for readers to know of the influence of Koch and the center on that recently passed and very contentious tax bill. The more citizens know about that legislation, the less popular it becomes. And, the fact that it is supported by a Koch-funded organization is useful information for voters to have as they consider whether to sign a referendum petition placing that bill on the ballot in the fall.
The Salt Lake Tribune is conscientious about informing readers that the paper is owned by a member of the Huntsman family when any other member of that family is discussed in an article or opinion piece. And you regularly include a statement that makes it clear that an op-ed writer’s views do not necessarily reflect those of his or her employer, when that is the case.
As that does not appear to be the case with Josh T. Smith, please ensure the same level of disclosure that you provide when covering the Huntsman family when publishing op-ed writers from politically biased organizations.
Anne McCulloch Nelsen, Salt Lake City