“The most important and effective government is the one closest to the people.” The most senior member of Utah’s congressional delegation touted this oft-cited principle of “local control” in his Jan. 14 newsletter.
Only 7 days later, the Republicans of our esteemed state Legislature decided that the government closest to the people is not important when it is not willing to fall in line with the state party leadership.
Overruling the Salt Lake County and Summit County mask mandates is just the latest assault by our Republican Legislature on their sacred principle of local control; our local leaders also represent a constituency that elected them.
Given their recent record of bans on bans and overturning citizen ballot initiatives, it seems that this is just the beginning of yet another legislative session focused on controlling the counties and towns that do not subscribe to the state GOP agenda.
Jared Zitnay, Salt Lake City
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