From Deseret News archives:
Sen. Mayne a true statesman
Mayne, who died of cancer Sunday in the middle of his fourth Senate term, at age 62, had humor and grace. Reporters remember him as impish at times, playing movies on his computer during the final days of a legislative session and turning the screen so they could see. He loved helping the downtrodden and felt politics was a noble public service.
But he also served with passion and energy.
Mayne was a Democrat, which put him in a distinct minority in Utah's Legislature. Often, the Republican majority will ignore the concerns of Democrats, who don't have enough numbers to mount serious threats to many proposed laws. But they listened to Mayne precisely because of his gentlemanly qualities and his reputation.
In politics, opinions often differ sharply. But leaders on both sides of the aisle understood that Mayne held his opinions because of deep convictions and because he truly wanted to make Utah a better place.
Utah politics has been dominated by one party for many years now. One-party rule can be harmful if it leads to proposals that don't have to survive the legitimate arguments of a credible opposition.
Mayne provided that leveling influence. He served his West Valley City constituents well. More importantly, he was an example of statesmanship and dignity, two things of which the modern world needs more.
Recent comments
Sen Mayne was a good man and a statesman, but do we have to turn even...
Waaa! One Party Rule! | Nov. 27, 2007 at 12:53 p.m.
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