by Karl Kurtz
Wisconsin state Sen. Dale Schultz recently concluded a speech explaining his position--contrary to the views of his caucus--on a controversial mining issue with some inspired writing:
I know there are some who will be beyond disappointed with me. Let me remind those folks that over a nearly 30-year span in the legislature, I’ve voted with my Republican colleagues about 99% of the time. But my first priority in coming to the legislature was not to be a good partisan. It was to be the best possible representative I could be to all of those I had and have the honor to serve.
Perhaps my decision today is best summed up by the following phrase:
“Presented to you by the people of the State of Wisconsin, your constituents. Receive this not as a gift, but as a reminder. Please display it close to you and look at it often. This is a picture of the person we have entrusted to deal with our most serious issues, from the most intimate to the most general. We have extended to you a privilege, our trust, and the responsibility you sought. We expect from you integrity, honesty, unselfishness, compassion, trustworthiness and accountability. We challenge you to take this opportunity to come together in mutual respect and cooperation for the good of Wisconsin.”
The phrase is etched on a mirror which sits in my office. It was a gift given to every member of the legislature by my good friend State Representative Al Ott.
I am far from the perfect legislator, but when all is said and done, I’m the one who has to look myself in that mirror, and today I do so with a clear conscience.
I wanted to see that mirror, so I contacted Jay Salvo, the photographer for the Wisconsin Senate, who provided the great photos in this posting.
The writing in white above the inscription is the oath of office that Sen Schultz took in 2003. I'm guessing that he added this inscription to the one provided by Rep. Ott.
Thanks to Sen. Schultz and Rep. Ott for some inspiring words and to Jay Salvo for the photos.
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