House Journal: Page 15: Monday, January 14, 2002
Iowans. We will finally pass a venture capital plan. We need to establish Renaissance
Zones so that communities have another tool in their economic development toolbox.
We must examine the best way to redesign the Department of Economic Development
to provide a better public-private working relationship. We must listen to Iowans and
pass a bill that will help limit the growth of property taxes. And because Iowans value
the competitive bidding law and the Right to Work law, we will pass legislation to not
allow Project Labor Agreements in Iowa. So, while the budget is the primary focus,
there are many other things to accomplish. And by the way, Representative Dotzler,
the doves will be safe this year.
So, here we sit. We have left our families and friends back home. For at least
thirty members, this will be our last opening day. That will certainly make this session
special to us. We all come here to do our very best job. We all have our individual
feelings as to what is the best way to vote. It is our job to listen to everyone, and then
collectively solve the challenges in front of us. Though I know it will be a difficult
session, I am excited to get to work. The excitement comes from the knowledge that in
my many years in the Iowa House, we have been at our best when the times are
toughest. That has been when the members of this great body have risen to the
challenge. That’s what the challenge is before us. Working together to get the job
done. In the song, Peaceful World, on John Mellencamp’s new CD, he sings "If you’re
not part of the solution, then get out of the way."
Ladies and gentlemen, that sums it up. If there are members who want to spend
the session trying to achieve political gain, get out of the way. We don’t have time for
political posturing or game-playing. We have real and significant challenges facing us.
We have real and significant opportunities before us. We have to find and craft
solutions and we must take advantage of the opportunities presented. I’m hopeful and
confident that we can all be part of the solution. Let’s get to work.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
Myers of Johnson and Rants of Woodbury presented a certificate to
the following employees of Musco Lighting of Oskaloosa who provided
lighting shortly after the September 11th terrorist attack at ground
zero at the World Trade Center and at the attack on the Pentagon,
free of charge. Joe Crookham, President; Jeff Rogers, Vice President
of Developmental Sales; Diane Crookham Johnson, Vice President of
Administration; Brent Jack, Lead Technician at the World Trade
Center, ground zero; Gene Fynaardt, Lead Technician at the
Pentagon; and Frank Kminek, Digital Marketing Specialist whose
sister, Mari-Rae Soper, was killed on the flight that hit the Pentagon.
They were escorted to the well by Representatives Van Engelenhoven
and De Boef of Mahaska.
The House rose and expressed its appreciation.
© 2002 Cornell College and
League of Women Voters of Iowa
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