Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor one of the longest-serving mayors in the Nation, Marvin Johnson, as he retires after 45 years of leading the city of Independence in Minnesota. Marvin was actually my inspiration to run for office. When my wife, Jacquie, and I were starting out, our city public works department marked 400-year-old trees on our property, two oaks and two maples, and they were to come out the next day for a new road. I called Marvin. He showed up at my house at 10 o'clock at night. He looked at the trees, he looked at the road, and he took out his ``brick phone'' that some of us remember from 30 years ago, and he called the public works director. He said, Danny, move the road 50 feet, we are not going to take these trees. Since that time, I have never seen a government official as effective as Marvin. His council meetings were models of efficiency and respect, even as I rocked my newborn children in their car seats under the table during late-night evening sessions. He is a true public servant and has been an outstanding mentor and friend over the years. As his career in public service comes to an end and he looks ahead to his 90th birthday this spring, we wish him all the best in whatever comes next. I thank him for his support over the years and his leadership on behalf of the city of Independence. Remembering Minnesota State Representative Dick Borrell”