Senate Journal: Page 89: Friday, January 15, 1999

  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 a
  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.  Lt. 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.

  "America the Beautiful" was performed by the Children's Chorus
  of Des Moines, Iowa.

  The benediction was offered by the Rabbi Neil Sandler of Des
  Moines, Iowa.

  Representative Siegrist moved that the joint convention be
  dissolved.

  The motion prevailed by a voice vote and the joint convention was
  dissolved at 11:16 a.m.

© 1999 Cornell College and League of Women Voters of Iowa

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