• To promote responsible immigration reform. As the influx of Hispanics into Utah increases, this promises to be one of the most important public-policy and social issues of the 21st century. It also is an issue that tends to generate heated emotions on both sides, which can impede real solutions.

Quite simply, the United States has a twisted policy when it comes to undocumented workers. According to the law, they are not welcome here. Yet, in point of fact, they are here, and they are here in large part because of a market demand. Many businesses and industries rely on them. The economy needs them to keep the cost of certain foods and products in check.

On the other hand, the dark side of the issue lies in the many social costs of illegal immigration, as well as the dangers to the immigrants themselves. U.S. border patrols, meanwhile, are not serious about stemming the tide.

It makes little sense to go on treating all undocumented workers as criminals, or in punishing their children, who are bound to grow up in this country and are in danger of creating a dangerous and desperate underclass. It makes little sense to deny them drivers' licenses, thereby filling the roads with unskilled and untrained drivers.

President Bush has suggested allowing guest-worker passes. Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch wants to allow education benefits to the children of illegals who are law-abiding and have lived here a long time.

Mexican President Vicente Fox is scheduled to visit Salt Lake City some time in April. That will offer a good opportunity to explore and discuss these issues.

• To promote responsible tax reform. One of Gov. Olene Walker's most impressive achievements in 2004 was her plan for total tax reform, as unveiled by a committee she appointed during her short term in office. Unfortunately, that plan is in danger of disappearing now that a new governor and a largely unsympathetic Legislature is taking over.

We do not endorse all parts of Walker's plan, but she made a strong case for the need of some sort of reform. Without it, the state eventually will find itself having to raise taxes again and again to keep up with growth and with growing needs. Our hope is to keep the discussion going and the proposals coming.

• Reducing the incidences of domestic violence. This is a holdover of an editorial goal from last year. Quite simply, we didn't think it was time to remove the focus. It's likely almost everyone in the state has had a brush with domestic violence, through an acquaintance, a co-worker, a friend or some other way. Too often, it is a crime that is treated as a private matter, rather than as a public menace.

This is a crime with many victims. It must be confronted by individuals, communities and the government, and we intend to keep applying pressure in that regard.

Naturally, there are many more needs than these in Utah. These, too, will receive our attention as they come up. But we hope to help Utahns focus on these four areas of critical need.