This is an impressive gathering of officials and individuals, far greater than what is customary for the low-key ceremony we ordinarily have in even-numbered years.  I want to welcome you for the beginning of an important and anticipated productive 2004 session.

Taking the oath of office is always an occasion of solemnity, but the pressure was really on to get this one right. Something about the judge is especially inspirational.

I get a hint of what folks face on Oscar or Emmy or Grammy night -- there are so many people who deserve thanks.

This whole process begins with the people, and I thank the people in the 30th Senatorial District who have given me their trust and their support through twenty-nine years. A number have graciously joined us today.

Thank you to my family, for indulging me in this journey of public service and for accepting the sacrifices that come with elected office and legislative leadership.

Thank you to Senator Brightbill, Senator Mellow, and Senator Piccola, for honoring me with your generous words of nomination, and to every member of the Senate, for your support, for your trust, and most importantly, for your friendship.

When I first ran for office, it was with results in mind -- jobs, roads, opportunity for families. Setting any sort of record of service was not even “wishing upon a star” stuff.  This record is a nice entry in the history books, but it comes with an explanatory note -- it is the quality of our action, not the duration of our tenure, that truly impresses.  The record that matters most to Pennsylvanians is the one each member of the Senate helps to compile, the record of proposals debated, decisions weighed, legislation approved, problems solved, opportunities created, rights protected, and yes, the occasional bad idea given a proper burial.

The advent of a new year, and this constitutionally-ordained ceremony, bring on reflection.

While we understand the commitment and sacrifice involved in public service, we have the example of the extraordinary courage and sacrifice by our armed forces, in Iraq and in Afghanistan and in other areas of high risk, as our nation combats terrorism and promotes freedom.  When we see the high degree of difficulty in establishing democracy elsewhere, it gives a much greater appreciation of the strength and durability of our democracy.

The story of the Senate in 2003 was one of constructive cooperation, and of extensive bipartisan participation, in legislation and in debate.  People may not always admire our process or agree with our priorities, but there is no doubting the intelligence, the character, and the commitment across the members of this body.  I am proud to serve with such a talented and accomplished group of men and women.

There is opportunity early in 2004 to deliver major measures of bipartisan priority -- an economic stimulus package, a combination property tax relief bill with both local alternatives and state-funded relief, and a refurbished lobbyist disclosure law, courtesy of a sensible new rule by the Supreme Court.

The passage of the state budget and the accompanying school code bill do not conclude our deliberations on education.  We are constantly striving to strike the right balance, between what policies demand and what practicality can yield, between encouraging innovation and assuring accountability, between granting local discretion and gaining desired results, between teaching what is needed and testing what is necessary, between those divided over questions of funding sufficiency, fairness, and effectiveness.

Nor does the delivery of relief for doctors and medical facilities end the search for effective remedies for what ails the medical care system.

A lot of years ago, there was an exceptionally intelligent and insightful syndicated columnist by the name of Sydney Harris.  He wrote that: “The art of living successfully consists of being able to hold two opposite ideas at the same time: first, to make long-term plans as if we were going to live forever; second, to conduct ourselves daily as if we are going to die tomorrow.”

There is something in there valid for the art of legislating successfully.  We must respond to the problems and challenges of the moment, but must also avoid the long-term consequences of too much live-for-the-moment legislating, which could cause a California-type quagmire.  There is confidence that our collective experience and judgment will help us pick the right road toward lasting progress.

In recent years, as we have said farewell to veteran members, Republican and Democrat, we have celebrated their careers, their talents, and their contributions.  Some have gone on to higher office, yet they still prize their Senate experience, the capacity of the members, and the forum for contribution this chamber provides.

The late Fred Rogers had a wonderful perspective on the world.  He never considered himself to be TV star. He viewed himself as a neighbor who just came in for a visit.  No matter how long-running our service, we are only here at the pleasure of the people.  Yesterday’s action makes for a worthy record, but it is what we do today, to prepare Pennsylvania for a better tomorrow, that will be the ultimate measure of our work.

Governor Casey had a trademark line about our being judged by what we do when we hold power.  The fifty Senators each have power, and a sense of responsibility, and the ability to make a difference.  So this is more than a day of ceremony; it is a day of resolve.  That we will provide leadership, that we will act with wisdom, and that we will earnestly advance the public interest, as defined by those we are elected to serve.