Representative Carl Wimmer: a Statement about My Friend
June 25, 2009 by C. Rick Koerber
Filed under Controversy, Rick Koerber's Recent Posts
“I originally approached Representative Wimmer and discussed my concerns of abusive and illegal tactics used by Francine Giani’s Department because I believed that he understood the proper role of government and also agreed that every person investigated by the government deserves to be treated with fairness. I also hoped that as a former law enforcement official Carl could see that, regardless of the underlying case, severe government abuses against its citizens during official investigations cannot be tolerated in a free society.  The 2008 legislative audit results of the Utah Division of Securities vindicated our common concern, and demonstrates that my request for assistance was accurate and well founded. Why he is now apparently seeking to distance himself from me is a question only he can answer. Representative Wimmer has not been involved, to any degree, in the businesses mentioned in the federal indictment against me.
“Did I consider Representative Wimmer a friend at the time I first approached him? Yes. Do I now consider him a friend? Yes. Am I surprised and disappointed at the way he has responded to questions about our relationship? Yes.
“However, what I am even more concerned with, is how little scrutiny has been given to Francine Giani and her department since the legislative audit of the Utah Division of Securities publicly revealed that she and her department regularly engage in a disturbing pattern of conduct including: 1-Misleading the public, 2-Misstating the law to citizens, 3-Arbitrary enforcement of the law, 4-Conflicts of interest, 5-Document fraud, 6-Contempt or lack of respect for court rulings pertaining to innocent parties, 7-Coercive settlement tactics, 8-Knowingly making false statements during official proceedings, 9-Failure to remain impartial, and 10-Ongoing problems after the resignation of former Director Wayne Klein.”
Note: Carl and I got to know each other through my radio show and political events.  We did not know each other before that nor have we ever been “social” friends.  I have never been to his home, and he has only been to mine during events hosted there.  I consider Carl a friend and value our relationship.  While I cannot agree to the characterization that we are “distant acquaintances” I stand behind whatever other characterization Carl wishes to use as he defines, for himself, our relationship.  For several years, I have considered him a friend and a reputable lawmaker–even given the few matters upon which we’ve disagreed related to policy & politics.
None of this, of course, is real news.  The real news is related to government, the accountability of government officials for stepping over the lines of civility and legality.  Should I succeed in my current legal defense pertaining to present federal charges I’m facing, all of this talk about Carl and me will be seen as nonsense by those of sound judgment, but many questions will be still outstanding related to Francine Giani and, even more importantly, the flawed construction and operation of the Utah Department of Commerce.  Utahans, of all professions, should be demanding a dramatic reform of the Department to ensure that legal issues are dealt with and supervised by those with expertise and adequate qualifications in the law, that government employees are held to strict legal and ethical standards, and that elected officials maintain active (rather than Gov. Huntsman’s currently passive) oversight over all bureaucracy—to ensure the just treatment of all Utahans by their government.
Related News Items:
- Francine’s Domain – Scandal Brewing in Utah Government
- Utah lawmaker wanted heads to roll for ‘my friend’
- How close were Koerber and Utah legislator?
- Legal experts analyze meeting between Shurtleff, Koerber and Wimmer
- Legislative Audit Results of the Utah Division of Securities
I just read the report. It’s not nearly as damning as you made it out to be. Also, just a general suggestion, stop whining.