Pignanelli: "Legacy" is a 15th-century European term for something given or transmitted by an ancestor. The Legacy Parkway is more than a much-needed transportation corridor to be used by generations of Utahns; it also serves as an example to our descendants of how to avoid similar pitfalls that plagued its development.

House Democrats first learned details of the litigation resolution from UDOT officials just a few hours before the press conference announcing the settlement of the lawsuit. No member of their caucus had been involved in the settlement negotiations. (Democratic Senator Ed Mayne was part of the negotiations team but was forbidden to share information with House colleagues because of confidentiality restrictions.) After their presentation, UDOT officials could not answer important questions posed by the Democrats. As a result, Minority Leader Ralph Becker stated that his caucus — which supports a new road for Davis County — would withhold endorsement until more information was forthcoming. Normally, the Democrats would be ignored, but a number of Republicans are upset, and Democrat votes are needed to pass the legislation in special session. By asking questions vital to taxpayers, commuters and homeowners, the excluded Democrats serve an essential role as the loyal opposition — despite being demonized for their efforts. While the Democrats' stance is temporary — they will not prevent construction of the highway — it does illustrate a reccurring problem behind Legacy Parkway.