a role in forcing the legislature to do something big about ethics reform. Pressure from a circulating petition for a citizens’ initiative in the fall had many legislators worried. Some were looking for an approach that allowed the legislature to police itself, while the public seemed to want something independent and transparent. Allen experienced harsh opposition from her fellow Republican legislators to some of the ethics reform measures she proposed. Thus, not all of Allen’s desired measures were passed, but at least a commission was established to formally review ethics cases in the future. She has admitted that, “At times it can be frustrating because it feels like I’m only one person against this entire body and can’t change anything. But I’ve realized that, one small step at a time, together we can get things done.” Though Allen’s career in the legislature has come to an end by her choosing, perhaps she can begin a new one in the Lt. Governor’s office – bringing with her the many lessons she’s learned through the years as a member of the legislative body. Allen seems acutely aware that Utah’s voters perceive lawmakers to be more and more concerned about their own personal agendas than the needs of the people of this state. “The voices have been a little shrill lately,” Allen said last May when selected by Corroon. “We want to give a different tone to the campaign. We have intra-party fights all the time. This is taking it to a general election. It’s part of the process
- it’s healthy, and I’m pleased to be part of what I hope is a new trend.” Allen will have her work cut out for her to convince Republican voters that she will work for their interests. That may be a hefty job, indeed, as there are already those further to the right that say she won’t that she has always been a Republican who votes like a Democrat. There is also the question as to whether or not Democrats will trust that she is working in behalf of their interests, too. Politics in Utah, like politics in Washington, have never been more partisan – with Republicans moving further to the right and Democrats continuing to forward a more liberal agenda. The political gap appears to be widening while leaving an increasing number of people in the middle seemingly NOT being represented. Can Sheryl Allen bridge that political gap for Utah’s voters? She is a woman of integrity who advocates doing the right thing. She is a seasoned lawmaker with a strong commitment to listening to her constituents. She is a woman of reason who is willing to consider all options and compromise when needed. She is a courageous representative who is unafraid to fight the tough, yet necessary, fights. Placing on the proverbial hardhat, Sheryl will wait until November to see whether or not she receives the job of building that bridge.
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