I read with interest Gov. Leavitt's comments in the Deseret News entitled "Big government . . . get unfunded mandates off states' back." I'm certainly in agreement with his closing remarks: "But together, the governors and legislatures of this country can restore the proper balance in our federal system and put power back in the hands of officials who are close to the citizens . . ."
I feel we are long past the time when we as citizens assert our God-given rights and responsibilities to rein in the "rampant centralization of authority at the national level."It is very clear that the primary purpose of the U.S. Constitution was to limit the power of the federal government.
I call upon Leavitt to determine which of the "130 separate mandates" are not within the clear and strict interpretation of Article 1, Section 8, which delineates the legislative powers of Congress. I would be surprised if they cannot find 100 that are in violation.
Then the governor should announce to the federal government and the people of America that the citizens of Utah will no longer abide by these unconstitutional mandates.
Robert Wren
Heber City