To keep government lean, flexible and responsive to current state needs, it is important for legislators to renew each state agency's mission. That would include getting answers to the following questions: What was the original problem that required the Legislature to create the agency? Does the problem still exist and, if so, how has it changed? What specifically needs to be done to solve it? How will the agency monitor and measure progress? What legislative changes does the agency recommend? These are tough but important questions lawmakers need to ask if they are to be responsible stewards of the public's institutions.

People and businesses want a government that is stable, open, honest and serves the public good — one they can count on. Citizens also have a duty to keep government responsive to their needs — it's citizen oversight. They should not be so naive as to think legislators will change their own institution. At least that's the way the founders designed our government. How about next legislative session lawmakers focus on getting rid of laws that are useless and creating inertia, renew those that are working, and not pass any new ones until they have finished cleaning house.

---

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