House Journal: Page 1810: Wednesday, April 28, 1999

	The tragedy in Colorado has left many of us looking for answers as to how such a 

senseless act of violence could have happened.  While there are probably many 
answers, the most important answer is parents.  I was fortunate to be raised by two 
loving and caring human beings.  My parents, Bob and Nancy, are here today to share 
in this ceremony.  I want to thank them for what they've done for me, and I only hope I 
can be as good of a parent as they were.
Lastly, I want to let the members know that I realize that I now serve as the 
Speaker of this entire House.  That's a pretty awe-inspiring thing to do but this is a 
great family. We've seen it time and time again this year as we've had tragedies visited 
upon various individuals in this place. And Representative Schrader, you're right. I 
hate having this coat on. I don't intend to spend that much time up here the next day 
or two because I still consider it Ron Corbett's session as Speaker. But as I sit up here I 
will do my level best to be fair and respectful to everyone in the Iowa House.  We will 
have differences, but to move this great state forward we will have to work together in 
this House to accomplish our goals. Thank you very much.
ELECTION OF SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE
Dix of Butler placed in nomination the Honorable Steven E. Sukup 
as candidate for Speaker pro tempore of the House of Representatives 
of the Seventy-eighth General Assembly, preceding his nomination 
with the following remarks:
I nominate Steven E. Sukup of Franklin County for the office of Speaker pro 
tempore. Colleagues it is a distinct pleasure and honor that I have this opportunity to 
place the name of Steve Sukup in nomination for Speaker pro tempore this afternoon. 
And as I contemplated my remarks here, I also would provide for a moment of 
reflection. It's often been said and we've often heard it that we are truly family here. As 
we gather today for this occasion it is obvious in my mind that we truly are family. 
During these last few days of session, with the tensions that are there and how we go 
out of here unified together, the leadership is altogether fitting and proper. I think 
Steve has demonstrated an ability, a number of which leadership skills entail. But 
more specifically, listening. Steve has dealt with a number of difficult issues here and 
has chosen to take input from all members of this body. He has also demonstrated an 
ability to understand a number of complex issues and the needs of people. He 
understands rural and agricultural issues, urban and business and has worked very 
hard to bring people together with balance and conformity to develop a vision not only 
for those issues but for the broader issues that bring all of us here. A vision for our 
schools - that they produce educated young people; for our farmers - that they have 
markets for their products; for employers - that they may compete not only in Iowa but 
in the world. And as I said earlier, that our state's needy receive the helping hand that 
they desire. Finally, it's key that we have an individual to complement our Speaker in 
developing and implementing a plan of action to get that done. Past performance in 
business and in this body I think demonstrates clearly that Representative Steve 
Sukup of Franklin deserves our vote, and I would ask you to concur with me in that 
matter.

© 1999 Cornell College and League of Women Voters of Iowa

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