Political Quotes

“I would like to take a moment to remember a remarkable Vermonter, Tim O'Connor, who passed away last week. For those of us who knew him, Tim was unforgettable. He had a terrific sense of humor, especially when it involved the Irish. Marcelle and I have been friends with Tim and his wife, Martha, since I was a young lawyer starting my practice. We fondly remember meals at their home and how they cared for us and our children as I was first running for Senate. Tim loved Vermont and was committed to making a difference, both in Brattleboro and statewide. He set an example for the importance of public service, serving in positions as humble as town moderator, to those as important as speaker of the Vermont State House. He served as a Democrat in the Vermont House of Representatives from 1969 to 1981. Throughout his career, Tim embodied bipartisanship above all else, reaching across the aisle to put Vermonters first. In what surely sounds like a fairytale in this hyperpartisan era, when Tim served as speaker of the house, Republicans controlled the chamber. The only thing that Tim loved more than our State was his family. Marcelle and I have them in our hearts, and our prayers go out to Martha, Kerry, Kate, and Kevin. I called Martha to tell her how I will miss him, but that I will look, every day, at the walking stick Tim brought me from Ireland. I ask unanimous consent that Bob Audette's article in the Brattleboro Reformer be printed in the Record.…”