"If the state Legislature were willing to lead..."  

If indeed, this lede is reminiscent of the 16th century English ditty "If wishes were horses then beggars would ride."

400 years later dreamers still ignore reality.  The idea that any local politician will risk taking the lead on a contentious issue is to say the least humorous.  Politicians follow the smoke of the torches and the glint of the pitchforks.  Arriving after the mob was done its work they linger at the site of the devastation and jostle each other for the best photo-op.