posted January 29, 2008
City Council members decided Tuesday to ask the local legislative delegation to tighten up on penalties against someone who lives outside their district.
City Attorney Randy Nelson drew up one possible idea, but council members said that should be passed on to legislators as well.
That was to have those signing a candidate's petition to be subject to felony perjury charges if it turned out the candidate was out of district.
He said that would put the onus on the candidate to shoot straight. He said, "How would you like to live with sending 25 of your friends to jail?"
But Councilwoman Linda Bennett said the target should be the elected official, and those signing the petition should not have to face a penalty.
Councilman Leamon Pierce said those signing petitions often do not stop to read them.
Councilman Manny Rico said he does not believe there is any need for new regulations in the wake of all the publicity about Marti Rutherford having to give up her District 6 seat.
He said, "I don't think anybody will be stupid enough to ever try this again."
Councilman Rico said under the "old politics" it was possible to get away with living out of district, but "we're not going to let that happen again."
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