KSL Interview With Grag Curtis Subpoenaed In Bribery Case

KSL:

The investigation into the scandal over the Republican primary race for state treasurer is moving forward, and prosecutors want to know more about broadcast interviews with key players.

The Davis and Weber county attorneys charged with investigating allegations of bribery in the race have asked KSL News to provide copies of radio and TV interviews. They say they're interested in interviews involving three people, including Speaker of the House Greg Curtis.

Prosecutors sent a subpoena in their criminal investigation to KSL News. They asked for two things: edited and unedited copies of a Doug Wright radio program on KSL Newsradio and an Eyewitness News story.

[...]

Now, prosecutors have subpoenaed KSL regarding a Doug Wright radio show from June 23 and a July 10 Richard Piatt story. They're looking for copies of any and all interviews, TV programs and news broadcasts and both edited and unedited versions of interviews with Walker, Ellis and Curtis.

[...]

Curtis didn't mince words when KSL-TV asked him if he had anything to do with claims that Walker offered Ellis money. "I'm not gonna comment on that. You know that's an unprofessional question. I did not talk with Mark Walker at all in regards to treasurer's race, salary or anything else," he said.

Meanwhile, prosecutors interviewed Ellis and at least one other witness today. "They had their list of questions; and since it's an ongoing investigation, I'm not at liberty to say much. They just asked their questions," Ellis said.

What isn't clear yet is what Curtis might have said that would be of interest in the investigation. Subpoenas may include witnesses and not necessarily someone criminally involved in the case.

Curtis insists today, the only reason he's being subpoenaed is because he's the only lawmaker to comment on the allegation so far. However, several lawmakers have commented publicly to KSL News, including Steve Mascarao, Phil Reisen and Roz McGee. No legislative leaders have spoken to KSL News except Curtis.

One former county prosecutor Eyewitness News spoke with tells us prosecutors may be interested in that material because they're looking for inconsistent statements, perhaps they have a witness who is refusing to testify, or may just be looking for any new information.

GUEST POST: From Ed Alter's Daughter

[I received this email a few days ago from a girl in my LDS Ward. While it says pretty much the same thing as I said a few days ago, I'm pretty sure she said it better. I'm reprinting it with permission of the author. -Bob]

Hi All -

I want to share something that I consider to be really important. I'm not the type to send out large emails -- but this one is going to be a exception -- hopefully you'll understand after reading the below.

There is a primary election coming in Utah that many people aren't very familiar with. It's the only race running a republican primary -- and it's the State Treasurer's race. Some of you know that my dad, Ed Alter, has been State Treasurer for the past 28 years. He and his team have earned millions of dollars for Utah tax payers through savvy investing, and have also earned the state of Utah a AAA Bond rating - which is no easy task (Utah is one of the few states to have the highest bond rating). I'm really proud of the work he's done in serving Utah. His term will be up at the end of this year, and he's decided to retire. His Deputy Treasurer, Richard Ellis is running is his place. Sadly, there is another republican running for the office as well who is not qualified for the position. His name is Mark Walker.

I'm sure Mark is a nice guy - but he is not qualified to serve as State Treasurer. He sold furniture at RC Willey for a time, lucked into a legislative seat (by 18 votes) and then landed a sales job at Zion's Bank. He doesn't have a degree in Business or Finance - and doesn't have an MBA. He also doesn't have experience with the type of investing and money management that are the daily routine in the Treasurer's office.

Richard Ellis, on the other hand, has a Finance degree, an MBA, and has 22 years of experience in the industry. He's worked as Deputy Treasurer for 8 years, was the Treasurer for Draper City, was the Finance Director for a water district, and has served as the State Budget Director under Gov. Olene Walker for 3 years. His resume is impressive - and he is a wonderful person as well. Richard has the qualifications and the practical know-how to keep the state's finances in incredible shape.

It scares me to think that someone with no notable finance training or other qualifications could end up managing $12 billion of our state's money. Having watched my dad do it for so long, I know how important the job is and I really care about having a capable, qualified person doing it in the future. Richard Ellis is the right person for the job. If you want to learn more about Richard, please visit his website at www.ellisfortreasurer.com

The primary election is on June 24th - next Tuesday. PLEASE go cast your vote for Richard Ellis. Because of the low-profile nature of this primary, I'm afraid that there will be a low turn out. We need everyone to vote on Tuesday to ensure that Richard Ellis wins the primary. If you don't know your pooling location, you can call the county clerk at 468-8683 or visit www.clerk.slco.org.

Thanks in advance for your support!
Christy

PS - Also, PLEASE forward this message along to other people that you know. We need to get this important message out - Vote Richard Ellis!

ENDORSEMENT: Vote Richard Ellis for Treasurer June 24

A little known fact here in Utah is that there is a primary election coming up next week.

And one of those races up for bid is State Treasurer. One candidate has the experience to fulfill the duties of the office.

The other candidate has the qualifications to be a politician. Maybe.

Richard Ellis has a BS in Business/Finance from BYU and an MBA from the U. Mark Walker has a BA from the U in something, but his web site doesn't even list his BA (found it in his state bio), let alone his major.

Richard Ellis has 8 years experience as Chief Deputy State Treasurer, plus ten years as a Treasurer and Finance Director at Draper City and Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District. Mark Walker has worked for Zion's bank in their municipal investing department for an unknown period of time, a job he quit to run "full time" for treasurer. Walker has served for four years in the Utah Legislature, and only won his district by 18 votes in 2006.

We need someone with experience and knowledge as our treasurer, not a politician.

That's why I'm voting for Richard Ellis for Republican nominee for Treasurer.

-Bob