The Illinois Senate recently hosted former Illinois First Lady Brenda Edgar as we paid homage to her late husband, former Gov. Jim Edgar.
Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen of the Senate, and to all of our guests here today, Governor Jim Edgar's leadership, both in office and out, made our state a better place. Governor Edgar guided Illinois through difficult times and made hard decisions he believed were right, knowing not everyone would agree, and in fact, knowing quite a few people would disagree. His brand of steady, principled leadership, his intellectual consistency, is what endures.
As a Democrat, I can say this plainly, Jim Edgar was a true statesman. He believed government was a place to solve problems, not to stage them. And while his years in office are an important part of our history, his work afterward may be his most lasting legacy.
Through the Edgar Fellows Program, he invested in leaders on both sides of the aisle, teaching that respect, listening, and compromise are essential to good government. I've had an opportunity to spend time with many of the Fellows. You can see the Governor's influence in how they approach this work.
Government doesn't have to be, and should not be, a show. Mrs. Edgar, thank you for sharing your husband with the people of Illinois. My sympathies remain with your family, and I offer my deep appreciation for a life of service that made this state stronger.
