In January, Mitt Romney, the head of the Salt Lake Organizing Committee, will take his seat as governor of Massachusetts. Of course, the residents of Provo and half of Utah are thrilled to see a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a graduate of BYU finally get his chance to run a piece of government outside of Utah, but there is more here to celebrate than just a Mormon triumph. This is a time to celebrate a people, in this case the people of Massachusetts, taking control of their democracy.

Romney is clearly a Republican, and the state of Massachusetts carries a clear Democratic majority. Democratic voters outnumber republicans three to one. So how is it possible for Romney to have won?

Apparently, anti-government sentiment has been growing in Massachusetts over the past few years. Romney played to this passion and proved successful. He carried a distinct ensign throughout his campaign that rallied, "the people come first, not the politicians." (Which is exactly what he said in his acceptance speech Tuesday night.)

And the people really do come first in Massachusetts; politics really is not about politicians. Romney, a venture capitalist, has no political experience besides a failed election in 1994. His opponent, on the other hand, is a fourth generation Massachusetts government official. But still the people chose whom they wanted and whom they trusted to run their state.

The people should never forget they come first. After all, what happens first, voting or politics? Voting. And the voters have sent their message loud and clear in Massachusetts. The government is to serve them and not the other way around.

We would like to commend the people of Massachusetts for putting politics where it belongs, back in the will of the people. We would also like to encourage the residents of Utah to take such aggressive action in future elections. Remember, it is your state, and your government. Make it work for you.



Copyright Brigham Young University 7 Nov 2002