Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. It's a political lesson we sit though too often.

Nationally, we're in the aftermath of years of absolute Republican rule and an administration whose plans and ideas have been implemented unchecked. Although one may argue that one-party rule is more efficient, it is too often wasteful and rash. For too long we have allowed the drumbeat of fear to set the rhythm of our voting.

One-party rule (this time) has brought us Iraq, an ill-conceived and expensive undertaking; engineered by a few whose biases, no matter how well-meaning, were unchecked and unchallenged before it was too late.

I'm not suggesting that Iraq is the sole responsibility of Republicans, it's just a glaring reminder that absolute power corrupts.

If we sustain a supermajority from one party we shouldn't be surprised when the outcome is less than stellar. Checking power is often more critical than who is in power because supermajorities operate a lot like steamrollers.

In Utah, we have chosen the same circumstance, a one-party super-majority, and it's time we take a more intelligent approach to government. We would be better served if our Legislature were balanced.

A case in point is the recent action regarding school vouchers. Most of us were opposed and our legislators knew it. But a few powerful Republicans bullied this legislation through anyway. Now we are involved in an expensive initiative that would have been entirely unnecessary had we enjoyed more balance on Capitol Hill.

Another unfortunate example of one-party rule is the delay we have experienced in developing transportation solutions along the Wasatch Front. As a result, we are living in pollution with expensive health consequences. The lack of action is simply a reflection of the bias of the supermajority, a bias with unfortunate effects on our children and grandchildren. When accountability is lacking, government is more likely to "strain at a gnat and swallow a camel."

And speaking of children, we are now the state with the distinction of being 51st in the nation in per-pupil expenditure. Throwing money at a problem isn't necessarily the solution, but 51st in the nationfi It's an indication of the corrupting effect of one-party rule and an unfortunate lack of accountability.

Balance and accountability in Utah politics will not come from the Republican Party. Expecting that is akin to trusting the fox to guard the chickens. This is not to say that our Republican representatives are bad people. My experience with most politicians, irrespective of party affiliation, is that they are intelligent, motivated and well-meaning. But one more good Republican in our Legislature won't balance anything.

No political party has a corner on intelligence, wisdom or righteousness. In order to enjoy better, government we have to choose better government, and the opportunity to make that difference in this state rests with the Democrats.

I would invite anyone who would like to make a difference in Utah to join the Democratic Party in our quest to select and elect quality individuals. Electing more Democrats to our Legislature will provide proper checks and balance and is our best assurance that Utah's public policies and laws will be intelligent, representative and efficient.

Vaughn R Cook is the chair of the Utah County Democratic Party.

This story appeared in The Daily Herald on page A5.