Principle matters on Legacy Highway

In an editorial, the Deseret Morning News recently called those of us who question or oppose the Legacy settlement "sore losers." Last July UDOT and the governor's office brought a preliminary settlement to the Legislature. While I believe this current settlement is bad, that one was far worse. We "sore losers" have improved the original settlement tenfold. But even though it is better, I cannot support in principle this terrible turn in public policy. Principle does matter.

In 1779, John Adams expressed his desire that the Founders form "a government of laws, and not of men." That is the principle behind President Bush seeking judicial nominees who will interpret the law as it is, not as what they think it should be. Giving in to groups who threaten to use the courts to rob Utah taxpayers of money and economic progress is giving in to a government "of men."

In the Legislature, we learn quickly that good, honest people can honestly disagree on issues. I don't resent my colleagues who support the compromise; we are all doing the best we can to do what is right. This is a bad situation, and opinions vary on how to get through it.

I will vote against this compromise. I want the Legacy to be built. I understand the needs and desires of commuters along the northern Wasatch Front. I don't want to delay it a single day. But more important is that we remain fully committed to a "government of laws, and not of men."

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David Ure is a Republican representative from Summit County.