Political Quotes

“Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the amazing life and, as The New York Times put it, the outsized career of Richard Ravitch, who passed away 2 weeks ago. A lawyer, a builder, a public servant extraordinaire, Lieutenant Governor of New York, he ran the subway system. The Times' obituary labeled Dick ``the rescuer of New York.'' As someone who had a chance to work with him, I can attest he was that and much, much more. He was a tireless student of government. He sought to understand its inner workings, and he would be quick to share his insights with others. His was a strong voice for thoughtful, sound, creative policy. Those skills are what enabled him to work to rescue the subway in a dire time in New York, to improve municipal finance in that city, unscramble New York State finances, and help Detroit and Puerto Rico navigate bankruptcy. He was a respected, successful businessman; pioneered integrated public housing. He was an adviser to organized labor, involved with Major League Baseball, and, along with his friend, Paul Volcker, an outspoken advocate for public finance and sound State and local budgeting. Well into his eighties, he was still teaching at Yale Law School. He seemed to know everyone and have a story or two that involved each. He displayed a vast memory and boundless energy. He was a practitioner of the political arts at the highest level. He spent his final months keenly focused on the upcoming election for Congress.…”