House Journal: Page 70: Wednesday, January 10, 2001
As I was preparing for today’s speech, I thought of the many esteemed public
servants-legislators, governors, even presidents-who have addressed the General
Assembly, indeed the people of Iowa, in these magnificent chambers. For more than
twenty years, it has been the great honor of the Chief Justice of the Iowa Supreme
Court to stand here and report on the state of the judiciary. Today, as I address you for
the first time, I do so with genuine humility and a sense of awe.
Before I begin my remarks, I need to mention a few matters.
First of all, on behalf of the Court, I welcome the new legislators who join us today.
We look forward to working with you on any issue involving the administration of
justice.
Like the new legislators, I’m also a new kid on the block. Because I’m new, I feel I
should tell you a little bit about myself. Those who know me recognize that I am candid
and plainspoken. I am sure that some will say this is an understatement. What you
see is what you get. My colleagues on the Court will tell you that, when I feel strongly
about a cause, I am a passionate advocate. But they will also tell you that I know the
value of consensus building.
I pledge to do all that I can to promote communication with you, within the Judicial
Branch, and most importantly, with the public. With that in mind, I am pleased to
announce that we are taking a step in that direction today. This address is being
broadcast over the Internet.
I want to also mention that the members of the Court and I invite everyone to join
us, after my remarks, for refreshments and conversation in the courtroom downstairs. I
assure you that the refreshments are under the three-dollar limit for gifts, and the
conversation is free.
And finally, I am proud to tell you about our Child Advocate of the Year, Jill Viau of
Adel. She is not only a remarkable advocate for children, she is a remarkable person.
While in college Jill was a "Big Sister" for two children. For six years she worked as a
volunteer mentor for teenage mothers. Jill also volunteered in a program that helps
children with cancer. For the past ten years, she has devoted many hours as a Court-
Appointed Special Advocate, working on behalf of abused children who are before the
court for protection. Jill demonstrates the very best of what it means to be an Iowan.
And now it is my great pleasure to introduce our Child Advocate of the Year, Jill Viau.
Please join me in applauding her.
I want to thank you for the invitation to talk to you about the state of the judiciary.
Although the news is not uniformly good, we have some exciting opportunities within
our grasp that will lift the delivery of court services out of the past and into the
present. I am going to describe those opportunities and outline the steps we need to
take to realize them. We have already taken many steps in that direction.
HARNESSING TECHNOLOGY TO IMPROVE GOVERNMENT
Let me begin with a brief look back.
© 2001 Cornell College and
League of Women Voters of Iowa
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