Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I also rise today to recognize and honor the career of Gene Haagenson on his retirement. A successful television news reporter for four decades, Gene spent the past 27 years covering stories throughout my home in the San Joaquin Valley for KFSN TV, Channel 30. He had the pleasure of working with so many of us over the years. An adept, smart reporter, he is known and respected for not only his fair reporting, hard-hitting questions, and the embodiment of a true professional, he did his homework. He knew what he was talking about. Gene's professionalism, his commitment to fair and balanced reporting will be missed, but he leaves a robust foundation for future journalists to build upon. He is a mentor, and he is a teacher. I wish him the very best with his family and his grandchildren in his new exciting phase of life. But I will encourage him, as I have before, that he use all these skills that he has honed over the years and teach, teach in our colleges and universities, the future journalists of America, to ensure that we have a vibrant, fair, and free press that is the cornerstone of our democracy. Gene has a lot more to give, and I hope he does so. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Gene Haagenson for his achievements, his outstanding commitment to Fresno, the San Joaquin Valley, and to our country, for always--always-- standing for a free and fair press. ____________________”