Pledge of Fair Campaign Practices

Now that the race has really begun, I want to make it very clear where I stand on the ethics and practice of campaigning. I'm speaking to my fellow candidates and their supporters, but particularly to anyone I'm fortunate enough to have supporting me.

Below is a copy of the pledge I took regarding fair campaign practices. All candidates across the state are asked to sign it, but it is optional. I want everyone to know how seriously I take this pledge. I fully support the spirit of this pledge, and fully intend to keep my pledge. I expect to be held to this commitment. I can't promise that I won't make mistakes, but I want to be called out when I do.

I want to draw particular attention to the fifth point of the pledge which calls for repudiation of supporters who do not act in the spirit of this pledge. I have committed to do this and this is fair warning to anyone who shows support for my candidacy.

I call on all candidates seeking Provo offices to publicly acknowledge whether they signed this pledge and address their own commitment to the pledge. Let's all, candidates and supporters, do our part in keeping this election civil, ethical, and issues-based.

PLEDGE OF FAIR CAMPAIGN PRACTICES

There are basic principles of decency, honesty, and fair play which every candidate for public office in the State of Utah has a moral obligation to observe and uphold, in order that, after vigorously contested but fairly conducted campaigns, our citizens may exercise their right to a free election, and that the will of the people may be fully and clearly expressed on the issues.

THEREFORE:

• I SHALL conduct my campaign openly and publicly, discussing the issues as I see them, presenting my record and policies with sincerity and frankness, and criticizing, without fear or favor, the record and policies of my opponents that I believe merit criticism.
• I SHALL NOT use, nor shall I permit the use of, scurrilous attacks on any candidate or the candidate's immediate family. I shall not participate in, nor shall I permit the use of, defamation, libel, or slander against any candidate or the candidate's immediate family. I shall not participate in, nor shall I permit the use of, any other criticism of any candidate or the candidate's immediate family that I do not believe to be truthful, provable, and relevant to my campaign.
• I SHALL NOT use, nor shall I permit the use of, any practice that tends to corrupt or undermine our American system of free elections, or that hinders or prevents the free expression of the will of the voters, including practices intended to hinder or prevent any eligible person from registering to vote or voting.
• I SHALL NOT coerce election help or campaign contributions for myself or for any other candidate from my employees or volunteers.
• I SHALL immediately and publicly repudiate support deriving from any individual or group which resorts, on behalf of my candidacy or in opposition to that of an opponent, to methods in violation of the letter or spirit of this pledge. I shall accept responsibility to take firm action against any subordinate who violates any provision of this pledge or the laws governing elections.
• I SHALL defend and uphold the right of every qualified American voter to full and equal participation in the electoral process.

I, the undersigned, candidate for election to public office in the State of Utah, hereby voluntarily endorse, subscribe to, and solemnly pledge myself to conduct my campaign in accordance with the above principles and practices.