Even if you don't grasp the human dimensions of this issue, the economic impacts of this population cannot be underestimated. Utah's unemployment rate is under 3 percent. We need these workers. We need a means for them to work legally in this country, laws that protect them and their employers and ensure that the workers pay taxes and contribute toward other programs such as workers compensation insurance and Social Security.

Second, you've got to either eliminate or drastically overhaul the No Child Left Behind Act. It's been a good program in the respect that it has made schools accountable for the education of students that have been traditionally underserved. But the states have become so worried about making the grade some have gone so far as to cook the books to ensure their testing programs indicate they're leaving no children behind. Suddenly, Lake Wobegon is in every state.

Some states have responded to this mandate by lowering their standards to the point that nearly everyone is making adequate yearly progress. How this helps American students, in an increasingly globalized world, is beyond me.

Last, as boring as it may sound, the next president must lead out on Social Security and health-care reform. These are difficult, technical issues. But for baby boomers like me, these are important issues. Thanks to advances in medical science and public health, we will live a lot longer than previous generations. Our retirements will look different than those of our parents, which is probably a good thing. But will there be sufficient resources to pay people the Social Security benefits they accrued over the years? Will the government be forced to cut benefits or push dates of eligibility? Will the Medicare model be relevant in the coming years?

These are weighty issues. And I have to hand it to you that you are willing to put yourself through the buzz saw of presidential politics to have the "opportunity" to take on these matters.

May the best man or woman win today and in November. But don't expect a honeymoon. After this long, expensive campaign, Americans will expect you to hit the ground running.

Sincerely,

Marjorie Cortez

a Utah voter

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Marjorie Cortez, who looks forward to joining you at the polls today, is a Deseret Morning News editorial writer. E-mail her at marjorie@desnews.com