Some names in Utah's political history will always pop out in high relief. Brack Lee, Frank Moss, Wallace F. Bennett. The political career of Laurence J. Burton may have been more understated, but he, too, was a standout. And he left a lasting impression on the state's political and environmental landscape.
The four-time Utah congressman passed away earlier this week at age 76.
Burton's political heyday came between 1963 and 1971 — back when political turbulence filled the news. For many budding baby boomers, it was an era of war, free love and macrame. The political climate was tempestuous. But Burton, always the circumspect politician, kept a steady course. Today, in retrospect, his solid, grounded leadership served the state well during a difficult time.
Burton loved the outdoors. He cherished the family's log cabin in Island Park, Idaho. And his frontier spirit made him a true pioneer of conservation and land reform. He crafted legislation to establish the Dixie and Uintah reclamation projects. He established Canyonlands as a national park and — after leaving Congress — worked in the Department of the Interior.
Born in Ogden and schooled at Ogden High and Weber State, Burton served his nation in the U.S. Navy, then went into public service. At a time when the voting trends in Utah favored Democrats, Burton held onto his first district seat in 1964 because of his ability to tackle grass-roots, populist concerns with an appealing, high-minded style.
Burton mentored many young politicians and made few enemies. In a 1969 column, Deseret News political editor M. DeMar Teuscher called the congressman "popular and personable" and a "battle-tested vote-getter of formidable stature." At the time, Burton was gearing up for his failed run against Sen. Frank Moss. A year before, he'd laid the groundwork for his Senate campaign in an interview with the News. When asked what he considered to be the most pressing issues, he said he had the sense that "crime and lawlessness" was a major concern and that his constituents longed for a swift and honorable end to the war. He also wanted congressional reform and accountability among those in charge of the economy.
He could run on those issues today, take the same positions and win.
As always, Laurence J. Burton had his ear close to the heart of the people.