Political Quotes

“we begin the new session on a note of optimism that has been sounded by Republican leaders, by our Democratic leader, the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Gephardt), and by the President of the United States in his recent appearance in this Chamber. This is important, because we have been consumed by the dark cloud hanging over this Capitol. Over this past year, a few bright spots have indeed emerged. I am especially pleased with the progress and the attention given to the Livable Communities movement. Recently highlighted by the administration in the President's State of the Union speech, elements were previewed a week earlier by the Vice President, who is a major architect of this work. The Vice President's address last September at the Brooking Institute was one of the best statements I have heard on the importance of Livable Communities and how to encourage them. While I am pleased with their leadership, I want to caution that this is not just a partisan initiative of the Democratic administration. As an appointee over 25 years ago of Oregon's legendary Republican Governor Tom McCall to his Livable Oregon Committee, I know full well that making our communities livable does not have to be a partisan effort. Indeed, it should not be. Oregon's achievements in land use, transportation and environmental protection have made it a beacon for the Livable Communities movement. Our efforts were marked by a spirit of bipartisan cooperation.”