If we are to return trust and confidence in our government, our leaders must have trust in citizens and public employees. Successful businesses are those that have leaders that welcome risk-taking and allow failure. Rather than punishing failure, our elected leaders ought to encourage risk-taking and open government so taxpayers can see the problems in policymaking and overseeing government. It is the current practice of lawmakers that forces adherence to process, rather than assuring we have a government that can respond to change.

Our public institutions are suffering from paralysis at a time when they must meet the challenges brought about by a rapidly changing world. What is needed are leaders who are willing to put their self-interest aside and work for the common good. If we are to return confidence in government to our people, they must not fail to act.

Jim Barker had it right, put your trust in the people.

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Utah native John Florez has founded several Hispanic civil rights organizations, served on the staff of Sen. Orrin Hatch and on more than 45 state, local and volunteer boards. He also has been deputy assistant secretary of labor. E-MAIL: ">jdflorez@comcast.net