And you know what? The naive ones often become the great leaders because that's what it takes to bring about change while maintaining our common values. People, especially when facing tough times, look for a leader who can sense and articulate what is in their hearts and minds and begin offering hope and solutions. Huntsman, by bringing up illegal immigration for public debate at the local and national level, is doing what he said he would do — take risks!

His greatest challenge will be in bringing together the diverse leadership of our state, including business, religious, labor and community groups, to help. The problem cannot be solved by government alone, rather by people supporting leaders willing to stand up for the common good.

The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce should take an active role in helping to solve the problems facing Hispanics since they stand to benefit from illegal immigration. The Alliance for Unity coalition that was founded for the purposes of healing the divide they believe exists in our community is silent on the most polarizing issue facing our citizens. One would hope that group would begin speaking out.

We have a governor who seems to have the needed humility to know he does not have the answers and who is willing to listen. However, there are those benefiting from illegal immigration — businesses and employers — who are pressing for the status quo; and, on the other side, citizens who want change, feel threatened, worry about national security and feel taxed unfairly.

What the governor seems to need most are people who have the public interest at heart and want to solve problems consistent with the values about human life that we hold dearly, rather than those looking for political gain.

As he said at his inauguration, "We live in an era in which taking no risk is sometimes the biggest risk of all.

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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