SALT LAKE CITY — One of the reasons some members of the $186million Beehive Credit Union oppose their CU's proposed move to amutual bank is the key role they contend a noted Utah bankinglobbyist plays on the CU's board.

Beehive Board Member Douglas Foxley, a partner in the lobbyingfirm of Foxley and Pignanelli that has represented industrial loancorporations, the so-called non-bank banks which Utah chartersalong with some other states, as well as the state's paydaylenders. Members also pointed out that Foxley is a regularRepublican Party donor, has served Republican administrations andhas advised Republican candidates, all of which makes him wellconnected to the dominant political party in the state.

Foxley has not yet responded to an interview request.

Even though Beehive's disclosure documents indicate that Foxleyhas been a board member since 1995, long-term members who opposethe conversion still say they have misgivings about his potentialrole. Among other things, they contend that Foxley has helped gethis lobbying clients and political allies on the board. Thisundermines their confidence in the board's actions, they said.