If there is a lesson to be learned over the voucher debate, it is that in order to find ways to prepare our children and adults to succeed in today's "flat world," we must redesign our education and training systems to do so. That calls for leaders from all segments of our community to offer long-term solutions and support elected officials who are willing to use their political capital to reform schools for the 21st century.

Our education policymakers seem content to be "average" while some of our legislators are calling for world-class standards. But, like citizens, lawmakers are also considered by many bureaucrats as an inconvenience to be ignored. That is why citizens must support elected leaders who are willing take the long view in reforming education in our state. We must strive for excellence and take no less.

All too often, we look to others to lead — let the professionals tell us what is good for us. The founders of our nation always envisioned that there would be alert and educated individuals to make sure their institutions kept pace with change. It's our duty.

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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