Senate Journal: Page 990: Wednesday, April 7, 1999

  Well, yes, I replied.  They're fun to cover if you're up at that hour or
  don't blink.

  "Then you know I've got the votes," he said. "Just keep it short."

  So thank you Senator for the invitation.  In that spirit, I'll proceed. Far
  be it from
  me to do anything to impede the adjournment of this session.  What was it
  you
  promised, Representative Siegrist - April 23?
  This is actually the second time I have addressed the Iowa General Assembly.
  The
  first time, in June, 1967, I was the 17-year old governor of the American
  Legion Boys
  State program.  They weren't in too good of a mood, mired in a June session
  as they
  were.
  I told them they should lower the voting age.  They didn't.  And legislators
  haven't
  taken my suggestions since, so I'll not preach any here today.
  However, my work has been acknowledged frequently from the floor of each
  chamber although not always in flattering terms.
  I was recognized once by Representative Doderer.  Fourteen years ago this
  month
  she rose on a point of personal privilege to say this was an important day
  for Iowa
  women.
  Everyone looked around the chamber to ask what was going on.  She said
  "David
  Yepsen's wife just had a baby girl and that's going to make him a whole lot
  more
  sensitive to the needs of Iowa women than he's been."
  Well, I want to report, Representative Doderer, that Elizabeth's teachers
  have
  given her the tests and find she has a "slightly liberal" political
  philosophy.  I told
  Governor Vilsack that and he said "Tell your wife she's doing a good job
  raising your
  daughter".
  To the point here today, my friend John Flannery out in the lobby is fond of
  telling
  me that this place is really just one big family.  We've all got our roles
  to play as
  members, as staff, as reporters, doorkeepers, clerks, secretaries or
  lobbyists or pages.
  We work, fight, celebrate and commiserate together. Like it or not, for
  several months
  out of the year we're all thrown together into this hothouse atmosphere
  where we all
  play that part and try to do the right things for the people of Iowa.
  Tell John I think he's right because you don't get to choose all the members
  of your
  real family either.
  Sometimes our family roles conflict.  Most of you understand the press has a
  watchdog role to play in our society. But you still don't like it when we
  write those
  stories about campaign finance, ethics or secrecy in government. But that's
  our job.
  But John's on to something. Regardless of the role we play in this
  statehouse
  family, we all come here with a fierce love of Iowa and a desire to make it
  better.   It's a
  trait that has gone on in these halls for over 100 years and if Senator
  Jensen has his
  way, it'll go on here in a newly restored capitol for another 100 years.
  In fact, it may take 100 years to complete the restoration.
  For decades, men and women from all walks of life have come to this building
  to
  serve Iowa.  Most of could be making more money doing something else.  Most
  make
  personal financial and family sacrifices to be here.    All of us have had
  the unpleasant

© 1999 Cornell College and League of Women Voters of Iowa

Comments about this site or page? sjourn@legis.iowa.gov.
Please remember that the person listed above does not vote on bills. Direct all comments concerning legislation to State Legislators.

Last update: Fri Apr 9 03:40:03 CDT 1999
URL: /DOCS/GA/78GA/Session.1/SJournal/00900/00990.html
jhf