Senate Journal: Page 52: Wednesday, January 15, 2003
Lieutenant Governor Sally J. Pederson was escorted into the
House chamber.
Mrs. Janis Lavorato, wife of the Chief Justice; his sons, Anthony
and Dominick Lavorato; his stepdaughter, Jenna Green; his sister-in-
law, Delayne Johnson, and her sons Matt and Jacob Johnson were
escorted into the House chamber.
The committee waited upon Governor Thomas J. Vilsack and
escorted him into the House chamber.
The committee waited upon Chief Justice Louis A. Lavorato and
escorted him to the Speaker’s station.
President Kramer then presented Chief Justice Louis A. Lavorato,
who delivered the following Condition of the Judiciary Message:
Mr. Speaker, Madam President, Members of the General Assembly, Governor
Vilsack, Lieutenant Governor Pederson, distinguished guests, and friends. On behalf of
the Iowa Judicial Branch, thank you for the invitation to speak here today. Before I
begin, I would like to invite you to join us downstairs in our courtroom for coffee and
conversation following my remarks.
I would also like to extend a warm welcome to the new members of the General
Assembly, and to acknowledge the newest member of the Iowa Judicial Council, Judge
Michael Walsh, Chief Judge of the Third Judicial District, which encompasses most of
northwest Iowa. No doubt you will encounter many challenges in your new roles,
especially this year. But that’s what public service is all about-finding solutions to
challenges facing our society.
Dr. Martin Luther King
It’s appropriate to take a moment to acknowledge the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther
King, Jr., which is today. Challenges did not deter Dr. King and his followers. They
encountered hostile, often violent opposition to their peaceful efforts to end racial
segregation and discrimination, and yet they persevered, helping bring the promise of
the Constitution to all Americans.
Dr. King once said: "The ultimate measure of man is not where he stands in
moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and
controversy." Although the present challenges we face in Iowa are much different from
those Dr. King confronted, his example and words can serve to inspire us as we work
through our present difficulties.
We are concerned, as you are, about the state’s fiscal problems. I’m here to report
that notwithstanding continuing financial hardships and unprecedented cuts in court
operations, the Judicial Branch is managing to perform its basic responsibilities. All
credit for this belongs to our judges and court staff. We’re immensely proud of them.
© 2003 Cornell College and
League of Women Voters of Iowa
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