The Senate recently wrapped up its legislative activity for 2014. And as we gavel out of session for the holiday season, I bid farewell to a friend, a colleague and a long-time champion for Nebraska’s values, Senator Mike Johanns. Senator Johanns has devoted more than three decades of his life to serving the people of Nebraska. He will retire from public office when the Senate reconvenes in early January, closing the book on a long and distinguished career in public service.
It all began in 1983, when he was elected to the Lancaster County board of commissioners on the advice and encouragement of friends who recognized his big heart and passion for helping others. He later joined Lincoln’s city council and eventually became mayor of Nebraska’s capital city where he served for two terms.
In 1998 and in 2002, Nebraskans elected Mike to serve as governor. In this role, he focused on fiscal discipline and the responsible use of limited state tax dollars—principles he upheld here in the Senate as well. In addition, Senator Johanns always had a heart for the most vulnerable among us, particularly those suffering with mental illness.
Senator Johanns has always been a strong advocate for Nebraska’s ag producers. Before entering public life, he worked on his family’s dairy farm—a job that undoubtedly instills work ethic, character, and humility. Every day—before school, on weekends, even Christmas morning—he would rise early to milk and tend to the cows. The experience provided a deep understanding and passion for agriculture. So when President George W. Bush was looking for someone to lead the Department of Agriculture, Mike was the obvious choice.
Senator Johanns dutifully served in this role, overseeing a new reform-oriented farm bill and opening doors to new global markets for our nation’s ag producers. As secretary of agriculture, he saw firsthand the challenges facing hungry nations. It was in this role that he fell in love with the people of Africa, and has worked in the Senate to develop food aid programs that not only feed, but also empower hungry populations around the world.
All of these experiences have helped to shape his work as our senator. It is rare to have a representative with such a deep understanding of the role of government, having served at virtually every level. His well-rounded approach to his work here reflects that unique wisdom.
In the Senate, Mike has been a staunch advocate for Nebraska’s values and interests. He has always been willing to work across the aisle to reach solutions for the common good without ever compromising his principles.
He is known by his colleagues for his calm, confident demeanor and plain-spoken clarity. He is not motivated by seeing his name splashed across front pages, but rather by helping to improve our nation.
This is who Mike Johanns has always been: A quiet workhorse with a soft spot for the world’s most disadvantaged, and a burning desire to help. Friends who have known him since before he began his career in public service say he is the same man today as he was back then—never losing sight of his goal of helping people, never getting a big head, and always putting Nebraska first.
Over the years, Mike has crisscrossed Nebraska countless times, listening to the concerns of constituents and comforting his fellow Nebraskans in times of crisis. Throughout it all, his wife, Stephanie has been by his side, always supportive and steadfast.
Mike Johanns is a statesman and model citizen. Nebraskans can be proud of his legacy and service. He has represented us with dignity and integrity. I am thankful for all the work he has done, and I wish Mike and Stephanie the very best. I know wherever life takes them, they will continue to do extraordinary things for Nebraska and the nation.
Thank you for participating in the democratic process. I will visit with you again next week.
In 1998 and in 2002, Nebraskans elected Mike to serve as governor. In this role, he focused on fiscal discipline and the responsible use of limited state tax dollars—principles he upheld here in the Senate as well. In addition, Senator Johanns always had a heart for the most vulnerable among us, particularly those suffering with mental illness.
Senator Johanns has always been a strong advocate for Nebraska’s ag producers. Before entering public life, he worked on his family’s dairy farm—a job that undoubtedly instills work ethic, character, and humility. Every day—before school, on weekends, even Christmas morning—he would rise early to milk and tend to the cows. The experience provided a deep understanding and passion for agriculture. So when President George W. Bush was looking for someone to lead the Department of Agriculture, Mike was the obvious choice.
Senator Johanns dutifully served in this role, overseeing a new reform-oriented farm bill and opening doors to new global markets for our nation’s ag producers. As secretary of agriculture, he saw firsthand the challenges facing hungry nations. It was in this role that he fell in love with the people of Africa, and has worked in the Senate to develop food aid programs that not only feed, but also empower hungry populations around the world.
All of these experiences have helped to shape his work as our senator. It is rare to have a representative with such a deep understanding of the role of government, having served at virtually every level. His well-rounded approach to his work here reflects that unique wisdom.
In the Senate, Mike has been a staunch advocate for Nebraska’s values and interests. He has always been willing to work across the aisle to reach solutions for the common good without ever compromising his principles.
He is known by his colleagues for his calm, confident demeanor and plain-spoken clarity. He is not motivated by seeing his name splashed across front pages, but rather by helping to improve our nation.
This is who Mike Johanns has always been: A quiet workhorse with a soft spot for the world’s most disadvantaged, and a burning desire to help. Friends who have known him since before he began his career in public service say he is the same man today as he was back then—never losing sight of his goal of helping people, never getting a big head, and always putting Nebraska first.
Over the years, Mike has crisscrossed Nebraska countless times, listening to the concerns of constituents and comforting his fellow Nebraskans in times of crisis. Throughout it all, his wife, Stephanie has been by his side, always supportive and steadfast.
Mike Johanns is a statesman and model citizen. Nebraskans can be proud of his legacy and service. He has represented us with dignity and integrity. I am thankful for all the work he has done, and I wish Mike and Stephanie the very best. I know wherever life takes them, they will continue to do extraordinary things for Nebraska and the nation.
Thank you for participating in the democratic process. I will visit with you again next week.
No comments:
Post a Comment