House Journal: Page 104: Friday, January 15, 1999

arts. We must expand cultural diversity and opportunity. We must recognize the 

importance of recreation. Let us seal that bargain today for a better Iowa tomorrow. 
To the members of the General Assembly, let me repeat what Governor Harold 
Hughes said in his first inaugural address and I quote:
"As we meet, the question uppermost in the minds of the citizens we represent is 
whether or not you of the legislature with a substantial majority and I the democratic 
governor can work together to develop a constructive legislative program for the good of 
the state. As I see it we have no choice - if we are to keep faith with our oaths of office."
He went on to say on that day: "Our constitution states that all political power is 
inherent in the people. The people of Iowa elected a democratic governor. They elected 
a large republican majority in both houses of the assembly. They expect us to do our 
jobs regardless of party labels yet now the campaign is over and we proceed to the 
constructive tasks of legislation and administration, it is worth noting that the 
differences that divide us as partisans are small by comparison with the common 
ground that unites us as fellow Iowans. We want a better, more progressive, more 
prosperous Iowa. To attain it we must seek both unity and continuity in government." 
I believe Governor Hughes said it as well as it could be said. 
A better - more progressive - more prosperous Iowa will not evolve by and through 
government alone. We must have a clear vision of the Iowa of the future. How would 
each of us answer the question - what should Iowa be in the year 2020?  What kind of 
state do we want and need?  We must ask those questions now - and, we answer them 
thoughtfully now - for a better Iowa.  We must strategically plan our future.
Future success will require a partnership with the private sector and the non-profit 
sector to achieve our common goal. Building and creating these relationships and 
partnerships can make all the difference. Lieutenant Governor Pederson knows how to 
build such partnerships. We will work together - drawing on our collective experiences 
to move Iowa forward.
Twenty-three years ago I followed my heart to Iowa - now my heart and my soul 
belong to our state. As someone for whom life started in an orphanage in Pennsylvania 
I have been privileged to be a husband, a father, a lawyer, a mayor, and a state 
senator.  It is an extraordinary honor to stand here as your governor - embraced by the 
family and the community we call Iowa.
Let us work together for a better Iowa.  Let us not forget that Iowa is great because 
Iowa is good.  Let us make today's dreams tomorrow's Iowa.  If we do, we say again 
what was said by Samuel Kirkwood more than 100 years ago - "Iowa - our eyes have 
been permitted to behold only the beginnings of her glory."
Thank you and may God bless you.
The Children's Chorus of Greater Des Moines presented the song 
"America the Beautiful."
The benediction was offered by Rabbi Neil Sandler of Des Moines.

© 1999 Cornell College and League of Women Voters of Iowa

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