Voters must attend caucuses to make impact

That's why participating in Tuesday's caucuses is critical. Those attending will choose delegates to the county and state conventions of each party, who will then decide which candidates will run in the primaries and then on to the general election. Incumbents have an advantage because they have the resources and know-how to get their delegates to get their neighbors to attend the caucus and vote for them in the primaries. It is there that one can choose candidates who will reflect their interests and values.

Some voters may rationalize not going to a caucus, saying they should do away with caucuses or that their vote doesn't matter anyway. But until citizens start saying, "Enough is enough, we are going to reclaim our government," nothing will happen. Just don't expect those in power to reform our government; they are the beneficiaries of keeping the system the way it is.

Let's worry about it today. If we want to reform our government so it is ethical, open and represents the public, rather than special interests, then we must stand up and say enough is enough. And it all starts with us, tomorrow, in our neighborhoods, when we elect those who will select candidates who are principled and will commit themselves to serving the public, rather than buying in to labels and slogans.

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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