Governor Michael O. Leavitt

The 15% tax cut called for in this platform places a sharp contrast before the American people. Republicans believe in less government and lower taxes. For 40 years, Democrats have done the opposite. They have raised taxes and expanded government.

But there is another bright line drawn by this platform. Republicans want government conducted close to home. Democrats like decisions made in Washington.

If you believe that parents, teachers and the school principal are better at deciding how money is spent at your neighborhood school than someone in Washington, you think like a Republican.

If you're inclined to have decisions about the sewer system that runs in front of your home made by the people who live in your town rather than the EPA in Washington, you think like we do.

It you think it's crazy that a policeman in your town can't volunteer extra hours at a boy's club without violating a federal employment law, this platform is for you too.

These are not new ideas. Our party's agenda for change, profound and permanent change in the way government behaves, is based on the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution. Bob Dole carries a copy of it in his pocket. Twenty-eight words, guaranteeing that all powers not delegated to the national government belong to the states or the people. It's part of the Bill of Rights. It is the means the founders used to assure that this remains a nation powered by individual responsibility and local initiative.

As a new century beckons, we want to restore the vision of our founders. Republicans recognize that none of the extraordinary things about our country are gifts of government. They are accomplishments of free people in a free society. They are achievements, not entitlements, and are sweeter for the fact. They result when men and women live in obedience to their conscience, not to the state.

Bob Dole believes, as did the founders, in the power of the people in America. We share their vision. Our platform returns the power in America to the people.