A discussion by state leaders at the University of Utah on Wednesday about the separation of powers included some sharp reminders of how divided the executive and legislative branches were during the 2006 Legislature.
Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. said the system of government works well despite "train wrecks in the making," no doubt a reference to the budget impasse last session that stalled action on his income tax reform plan.
But House Speaker Greg Curtis, R-Sandy, and Senate Majority Leader Pete Knudson, R-Brigham City, were more interested in talking about the governor's exercise of his power to veto legislation.
The tone of the discussion at the U.'s Hinckley Institute of Politics, broadcast live on KUER's "RadioWest" program, remained civil. Utah Supreme Court Chief Justice Christine Durham and U. political science professor Ron Huefner also participated.
Curtis said there is "always healthy tension" between the branches of government. He described Huntsman as having "framed up in the media quite skillfully" one of the bills he vetoed "as a legislative power grab."
The House speaker quickly added his comment was made "with respect to the governor."
The bill, SB70, would have taken away the governor's power to unilaterally veto the expansion or establishment of hazardous or radioactive waste disposal sites in the state. The veto was the only one lawmakers attempted to override — but they didn't succeed.
Knudson said the bill was not meant to "smash the governor in the nose" but to restore a right lawmakers had given away earlier by allowing the state's chief executive to have that authority.
"I think we created the problem ourselves legislatively," the Senate leader said. He described the bill, which had widespread support, "as finally waking up and taking back the right we gave up."
Huntsman said that unlike lawmakers, he represents all Utahns. Having the power of the veto, the governor said, is what makes the executive branch "a player" in the legislative process.
Durham reminded the audience of students and others that the relationship between the branches of government isn't always tense.
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