Sixth, many voters believe leaders of the dominant political party will use any tactics to advance their narrow agendas. Voters point to the bizarre experience with the twin voucher bills in last year's Legislature and to the leadership's Christmas tree education bill pushed through at the last moment in this year's session.

Seventh, voters throughout the state were shocked when an unpopular and embarrassing lawmaker escaped a primary runoff by one vote during the state convention of the dominant political party. Some are convinced there was considerable pushing and pulling behind the scenes in order to avoid what would surely have been an awkward primary campaign.

Eighth, many critical decisions at the Legislature are made in closed-door caucus meetings of the dominant political party. As a result, voters feel their voices are no longer relevant. Political leaders who are unsure of themselves and their ideas often resort to secrecy and backroom arm-twisting.

Ninth, tactics used by legislative leaders to secure tax subsidies for a new soccer stadium added to voter distrust.

Tenth, a bill pushed through by powerful interest groups made it too easy to split school districts. This tactic told large groups of voters that their interests are not of much concern to legislative leaders.

There was a time when political leaders listened to their constituents more than they listened to special-interest lobbyists. There was a time when political leaders from both parties talked to one another, worked out compromises and avoided public name-calling. There was a time when decisions affecting the state and its people were discussed in open meetings and when the news media had access to legislators on all sides of every issue.

Sadly, those principles are ignored by leaders who claim to know what's best without the benefit of legislative debate or public discussion.

No wonder voters are disillusioned. No wonder they stay away from the polls.

No wonder they grieve over the lack of great men and great ideas — men and ideas such as those we honor this month.

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G. Donald Gale is president of Words, Words, Words Inc. He wrote and delivered 6,000 editorials for KSL Radio and Television. E-mail: dongale@words3.com