Political Quotes

“I would urge this body not to force Washington's local governments to pay $400,000 with local funds to make a name change to a transit station. It does not fit in length. It does not fit with the policy of naming stations after places rather than people. In attempting to honor Reagan, we are contradicting everything he stood for. I have several quotes that I ought not to have to share with the body where President Reagan urged us to respect local government. This is not respecting local government. What is being said is, we stand by Reagan's principles as long as it suits our politics. That is not right. The principle of deference to local government is correct, and in this case it is being violated not only with the naming of the airport, but certainly with the naming of the transit station. I would urge my colleagues to read George Will. I would urge them to read President Reagan's statements, and I would particularly urge them to abide by President Reagan's principles of recognition and respect for local government.”