20000615 David Harrington elected MML 1st VP by Jeremy Brengstall Hyattsville Gazette

David Harrington elected MML 1^st VP by Jeremy Brengstall Hyattsville Gazette

Hyattsville Gazette: Area mayor makes history at League conference

Hyattsville Gazette

by Jeremy Breningstall Staff Writer

June 15, 2000

Tuesday marked a historic first for the Maryland Municipal League (MML) and Bladensburg Mayor David Harrington.

Harrington was elected MML first vice-president, representing the only African American to ever hold the post.

Selected by the more than 100 municipalities attending this week's convention in Ocean City, Harrington was chosen over Thomas Dillingham, a commissioner from Poolesville, by a 74-35 vote.

In explaining his decision to run, Harrington emphasized the symbolic importance of having an African-American as first vice-president.

"Diversity is very important to me," Harrington said after being sworn in. "As we build [a unified] Maryland, I want it to be as inclusive as possible."

Gov. Parris Glendening (D) of University Park commended the municipal representatives for their choice, describing Harrington as a "leader" and a "go-getter."

"I'm really pleased to be able to swear [Harrington] in tonight," Glendening said in an interview after the election. "I think it's tremendous. It not only reflects the great diversity of state, but the large number of municipalities that are majority African American. I think this is a big step for [the municipalities] as well."

Bladensburg Councilwoman Helen Robinson said, "[Harrington] is a great man. He's really done a lot for Bladensburg."

In particular, she mentioned his efforts to decrease traffic disruptions from CSX, and his role in the Historic Bladensburg Waterfront Port, a multi-million dollar project scheduled to open Sept. 16.

Harrington has been a member of the MML Board of Directors for two-and-a-half years. Current First Vice President W. Glenn Steckman III, Ocean City Councilman, was elected as president for the coming year. He will succeed Jack Gullo, mayor of New Windsor. Presidents cannot run for immediate re-election.

Glendening noted that if tradition holds true, Harrington will be elected president of MML next year.

Speaking before the Prince George's County Municipal Association (PGMA) on Monday, Harrington thanked the community for their support. He expressed special thanks to his council and New Carrollton Mayor Andy Hanko.

"It meant a lot to me to have a former [MML] president support my nomination," Harrington said.

Many Prince George's County officials showed their support of Harrington during the convention by wearing stickers supporting his nomination.

The annual MML Convention took place from Sunday through Wednesday, and included a series of training workshops and social opportunities for mayors, council members, police chiefs and administrators.

One hundred and fifteen out of 157 municipalities in Maryland were represented at this year's convention. The convention's networking opportunities did not fail to attract notables.

Lt. Governor Kathleen Kennedy Townsend (D), Prince George's County Executive Wayne Curry, and Montgomery County Executive Douglas Duncan were among those in attendance at numerous functions.

Speaking just before the swearing in of MML's new board, Glendening said, "I always take pride that [working as a Councilman] is where I started."

Prince George's County will be well-represented in the members-at-large positions of the MML Board of Directors.

Bowie Councilman Dennis Brady, Greenbelt Mayor Judith Davis, and Laurel Councilman Craig Moe were among the 10 new members-at-large elected on Tuesday. Also serving on the board are District 9 President Vivian Dodson, mayor of Capitol Heights; Prince George's County Municipal Clerks Association President Sue Page, clerk of Hyattsville; and Prince George's County Municipal Public Works Association President Frank Bigdeli, director of public works of Hyattsville.

####

20000615 David Harrington elected MML 1^st VP by Jeremy Brengstall Hyattsville Gazette

20000322 President Clinton State Dept. Fact Sheet on Global Warming

President Clinton’s March 22, 2000 State Department Fact Sheet on Global Warming

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
(Agra, India)

March 22, 2000

FACT SHEET ON
PRESIDENT CLINTON'S INDIA TRIP: PROTECTING THE
ENVIRONMENT, PROMOTING CLEAN ENERGY DEVELOPMENT
AND COMBATTING GLOBAL WARMING

Today, in a visit to Agra, India, site of the Taj Mahal, President Clinton will announce several new initiatives to strengthen Indo-American efforts to protect the environment, develop clean energy resources and combat global climate change.

There is broad scientific consensus that greenhouse gas emissions -- primarily in the form of carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels -- are at least partly responsible for an increase in global temperatures over the last century. Many developing nations are especially vulnerable to the projected impacts of global warming, particularly coastal flooding, increased incidence and severity of storms and drought, and increased incidence of disease.

The Clinton Administration is taking aggressive steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In the past year, President Clinton has issued directives to reduce energy use in federal buildings to 30% below 1990 levels by 2010, and to target tripling of the use of bio-energy in the U.S. over the next decade.

With greenhouse gas emissions from developing nations projected to surpass those of the industrialized world within a few decades, the United States is committed to ensuring broader developing country participation in global efforts to combat climate change. One of the principal goals of the President's climate change policy is to encourage developing nations to adopt clean energy technologies that can help them achieve their development goals while alleviating local air pollution and avoiding greenhouse gas emissions.

The new initiatives that will be announced today include:

Joint Statement on Cooperation in Energy and Environment: Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and Minister of External Affairs Jaswant Singh signed a joint statement on cooperation on energy and environment issues on behalf of the United States and India. The statement outlines a common agenda on clean energy development and environmental protection, including:

-- Two ambitious national Indian environmental goals:

-- 10% of new electric power will come from renewable energy sources by 2012;

-- and approximately 15% improvements in energy efficiency in power production will be made by 2007-08.

Creation of a binational 'Joint Consultative Group' on Clean Energy and the Environment that will focus on clean energy projects and policy, commercial development of clean energy, and, enhanced cooperation on global climate change;

Promotion of a shared vision that countries can achieve robust economic growth while protecting the environment and taking action to combat climate change;

A reaffirmation of the urgent need for international dialogue on ways both developed and developing countries can participate in actions to combat climate change, consistent with treaty obligations under the Framework Convention on Climate Change;

Agreement to work in closer partnership on the further elaboration of mechanisms under the Kyoto Protocol, such as the Clean Development Mechanism; and

Acknowledgement of the essential role of the private sector and reference to new initiatives.

South Asia Regional Initiative (SARI) Energy Program: The SARI Energy Program is a new $50 million USAID program designed to accelerate investment and trade in clean energy among South Asian nations, including India, Bangladesh and Nepal, which the President announced in Bangladesh on Monday. Program support will help countries foster regional cooperation and develop the appropriate policy, regulatory, and investment environments to encourage private investment. The program will promote the use of clean energy technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help stimulate economic growth.

U.S. Export-Import Bank Line of Credit: The Ex-Im Bank will provide a $200 million specialized line of credit targeted for clean energy development projects through a Memorandum of Understanding with the Indian Power Finance Corporation.

Clean Energy Trade Mission: To further the goals of President Clinton's International Clean Energy initiative, the Department of Commerce will lead a trade mission to India focused on clean energy projects by the end of the year.

Greenhouse Gas Pollution Prevention Project (GEP): USAID will provide $20 million for a three-year extension of this program to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency and cleaner fuel use. GEP will:

-- expand the efforts of India's National Thermal Power Corporation to increase efficiency in its power generation plants;

-- help increase use of clean energy technology in power production;

-- build local institutional capacity, and increase public/private partnerships for climate change abatement efforts; and

-- design and demonstrate climate change abatement initiatives in cities.

Energy Conservation and Commercialization (ECO) Project: USAID will provide $25 million for ECO, a program to help promote commercialization of energy efficient technologies and services. ECO will provide technical assistance and training to the Ministry of Power, electric utilities, and regulatory commissions on policy reforms and will work to address market constraints to greater use of energy efficiency products and services.

Resumption of Bilateral Energy Consultations and Technical Assistance: DOE will resume its cooperative efforts on non-nuclear power sector policy reforms, and on public and private collaborative projects related to clean energy, renewable energy and energy efficiency. DOE programs were suspended in 1998 in the context of policy-based restrictions on U.S. assistance to India.

Resumption of EPA Technical Assistance: EPA will re-establish its environmental cooperation program in India with proposals to address air quality management, strengthening implementation of environmental policies and regulations, risk assessment and management of priority pollutants, and greenhouse gas reduction projects. EPA programs were suspended in 1998 in the context of policy-based restrictions on U.S. assistance to India.

Joint Private Sector Statement: The Confederation on Indian Industry and the U.S. Energy Association announced a joint statement to cooperate on trade and investment for clean energy development in India. The parties announced creation of a new 'green business center' in Hyderabad and a 'matchmaker' initiative to help bring investors in contact with business/project opportunities.

[End of Document]

20000203 Chief Keeney LEOPS MGA Testimony

Chief Keeney LEOPS MGA Testimony

TESTIMONY OF CHIEF FRED KEENEY, DISTRICT HEIGHTS POLICE ON BEHALF OF THE POLICE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE MARYLAND MUNICIPAL LEAGUE ON SENATE BILL 175 LAW ENFORCEMENT PENSION SYSTEM

February 3, 2000

Good morning madam chair and members of the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee. My name is Fred Keeney and I am currently the Chief of Police for the City of District Heights. I am here representing the Police Executive Committee of the Maryland Municipal League. The Police Executives applaud the efforts of Senator Exum and the remaining Prince George’s County Senators, especially Senator Currie, whom represents District Heights, for bringing forward SB 175. This bill will make it more attractive for local government to participate in the Law Enforcement Officers Pension System known as LEOPS.

Currently, municipal law enforcement officers participate in one of three state pension plans; the traditional State Retirement Plan, Police and Fire Enhanced Plan and LEOPS. While not all local governments participate in one of the state’s pension systems, we believe that by allowing employee contributions to LEOPS, this plan becomes more attractive to participating local governments and will encourage them to make LEOPS available to the employee.

In Prince George’s County for example, more than twenty municipal agencies employee in excess of 300 police officers. Of these agencies, a mere handful participates in the state pension system because of the cost to local government. These costs range anywhere from approximately 18% to 24 % of the employee’s salary. With the authorization of an employee contribution of 5%, this reduces local government cost to approximately 13% to 19%, a much more attractive cost. LEOPS is not only an issue in Prince George’s County, but statewide.

I have heard from elected officials and police chief’s from Western Maryland and our Eastern Shore, all acknowledging recruitment and retention of police officers is a problem. In unison, we know that something must be done to enhance the benefits of municipal law enforcement. While many local governments do what they can to accomplish this, few have the ability to have their own pension system and rely upon the state to provide this benefit. The recruitment and retention of municipal law enforcement officers is a concern statewide!

Though this legislation only amends LEOPS, I would suggest that the committee evaluate amending all three pension systems that municipal law enforcement officers participate in to allow employee contributions. This will allow local governments in the system to move up to an enhanced program and perhaps encourage participation from non-participating local governments. The ability to participate in LEOPS or the state’s other pension system’s will greatly assist us with recruitment and retention of officers.

20000102 SDOSM 17770000 2000 Archives of Maryland Historical List Senate Legislative District Key

17770000 2000 Archives of Maryland Historical List Senate Legislative District Key

http://www.msa.md.gov/msa/speccol/sc2600/sc2685/senate/html/senatekey.html

For researching past Maryland State Senators,

first review the list below and then go to:

Return to Maryland Government, Historical List

OR MORE SPECIFICALLY, GO HERE:

Archives of Maryland Historical List Maryland Government

Return to Maryland Government, Historical List

Maryland State Archives

Also see: Archives of Maryland Historical List General Assembly Introduction

http://www.msa.md.gov/msa/speccol/sc2600/sc2685/html/gaintro.html

COUNTIES, CITIES, AND LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS

(As referred from: http://www.msa.md.gov/msa/speccol/sc2600/sc2685/html/senlist.html)

See also the key to Senate Legislative Districts OR: http://www.msa.md.gov/msa/speccol/sc2600/sc2685/senate/html/senatekey.html

_____

1777-2000

Counties
1777-1837

WS - Western Shore: Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore County, Calvert, Cecil, Charles, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Montgomery, Prince George’s, St. Mary’s, Washington
ES - Eastern Shore: Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Talbot, Worcester

1837-2000

Allegany County - AL
For 1967-1974 see Legislative Districts 1B & 1C
For 1975-2000 see Legislative Districts 1 & 2

Anne Arundel County - AA
For 1967-1974 see Legislative Districts 6A, 6B, & 6C
For 1975-1982 see Legislative Districts 30, 31, 32, & 33
For 1983-1990 see Legislative Districts 29, 30, 32, & 33
For 1992-2000 see Legislative Districts 27, 30, 31, 32, 33

Baltimore City - BC
For 1865-1902 see Baltimore City - Districts 1, 2, & 3
For 1904-1922 see Baltimore City - Districts 1, 2, 3, & 4
For 1924-1966 see Baltimore City - Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, & 6
For 1967-1974 see Legislative Districts 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, & 12
For 1975-1982 see Legislative Districts 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, & 47
For 1983-1992 see Legislative Districts 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, & 47
For 1992-2000 see Legislative Districts 8, 10, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, & 47

Baltimore County - BA
For 1967-1974 see Legislative District 13
For 1975-1982 see Legislative Districts 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, & 13
For 1983-1992 see Legislative Districts 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, & 12
For 1992-2000 see Legislative Districts 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 42, 46 & 47

Calvert County - CV
For 1967-1974 see Legislative District 6C
For 1975-1982 see Legislative District 30
For 1983-1990 see Legislative District 29
For 1992-2000 see Legislative Districts 27 & 29

Caroline County - CA
For 1967-1974 see Legislative District 15
For 1975-1982 see Legislative District 35
For 1983-2000 see Legislative Districts 36 & 37

Carroll County - CR
For 1967-1974 see Legislative District 2
For 1975-2000 see Legislative Districts 4 & 5

Cecil County - CE
For 1967-1974 see Legislative District 15
For 1975-1982 see Legislative District 34
For 1983-2000 see Legislative Districts 35 & 36

Charles County - CH
For 1967-1974 see Legislative District 5
For 1975-1982 see Legislative Districts 28 & 29
For 1983-2000 see Legislative District 28

Dorchester County - DO
For 1967-1974 see Legislative District 16
For 1975-1982 see Legislative District 35
For 1983-2000 see Legislative District 37

Frederick County - FR
For 1967-1974 see Legislative District 2
For 1975-2000 see Legislative District 3 & 4

Garrett County - GA
For 1967-1974 see Legislative District 1C
For 1975-2000 see Legislative District 1

Harford County - HA
For 1967-1974 see Legislative District 14
For 1975-1982 see Legislative Districts 5 & 6
For 1983-1992 see Legislative Districts 34 & 35
For 1992-2000 see Legislative Districts 6, 34 & 35

Howard County - HO
For 1967-1974 see Legislative District 3C
For 1975-1982 see Legislative District 14
For 1983-1992 see Legislative Districts 4, 13, & 14
For 1992-2000 see Legislative Districts 12, 13 & 14

Kent County - KE
For 1967-1974 see Legislative District 15
For 1975-1982 see Legislative District 34
For 1983-2000 see Legislative District 36

Montgomery County - MO
For 1967-1974 see Legislative Districts 3A, 3B, & 3C
For 1975-1992 see Legislative Districts 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, & 20
For 1992-2000 see Legislative Districts 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, & 21 & 39

Prince George’s County - PG
For 1967-1974 see Legislative Districts 4A, 4B, & 4C
For 1975-1982 see Legislative Districts 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, & 28
For 1983-2000 see Legislative Districts 13, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, & 27

Queen Anne’s County - QA
For 1967-1974 see Legislative District 15
For 1975-1982 see Legislative District 34
For 1983-2000 see Legislative District 36

St. Mary’s County - SM
For 1967-1974 see Senate, Legislative District 5
For 1975-1982 see Senate, Legislative District 29
For 1983-1992 see Senate, Legislative Districts 28 & 29
For 1992-2000 see Senate, Legislative District 29

Somerset County - SO
For 1967-1974 see Senate, Legislative District 16
For 1975-1982 see Senate, Legislative District 36
For 1983-2000 see Senate, Legislative District 38

Talbot County - TA
For 1967-1974 see Senate, Legislative District 15
For 1975-1982 see Senate, Legislative District 35
For 1983-2000 see Senate, Legislative Districts 36 & 37

Washington County - WA
For 1967-1974 see Legislative Districts 1A & 1B
For 1975-2000 see Legislative Districts 2 & 3

Wicomico County - WI
For 1967-1974 see Senate, Legislative District 16
For 1975-1982 see Senate, Legislative Districts 35 & 36
For 1983-2000 see Senate, Legislative Districts 37 & 38

Worcester County - WO
For 1967-1974 see Senate, Legislative District 16
For 1975-1982 see Senate, Legislative District 36
For 1983-2000 see Senate, Legislative District 38

Legislative Districts
1967-2000

1967-1974

District 1A - Part of Washington County
District 1B - Part of Allegany County & part of Washington County
District 1C - Garrett County & part of Allegany County
District 2 - Carroll & Frederick counties
District 3A - Part of Montgomery County
District 3B - Part of Montgomery County
District 3C - Howard County & part of Montgomery County
District 4A - Part of Prince George’s County
District 4B - Part of Prince George’s County
District 4C - Part of Prince George’s County
District 5 - Charles & St. Mary’s counties
District 6A- Part of Anne Arundel County
District 6B- Part of Anne Arundel County
District 6C - Calvert County & part of Anne Arundel County
District 7 - Part of Baltimore City
District 8 - Part of Baltimore City
District 9 - Part of Baltimore City
District 10 - Part of Baltimore City
District 11 - Part of Baltimore City
District 12 - Part of Baltimore City
District 13 - Baltimore County
District 14 - Harford County
District 15 - Caroline, Cecil, Kent, Queen Anne’s & Talbot Counties
District 16 - Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico & Worcester Counties

1975-1982

District 1 - Garrett County & part of Allegany County
District 2 - Part of Allegany County & part of Washington County
District 3 - Part of Frederick County & part of Washington County
District 4 - Part of Carroll County & part of Frederick County
District 5 - Part of Baltimore County, part of Carroll County & part of Harford County
District 6 - Part of Harford County
District 7 - Part of Baltimore County
District 8 - Part of Baltimore County
District 9 - Part of Baltimore County
District 10 - Part of Baltimore County
District 11 - Part of Baltimore County
District 12 - Part of Baltimore County
District 13 - Part of Baltimore County
District 14 - Howard County & part of Montgomery County
District 15 - Part of Montgomery County
District 16 - Part of Montgomery County
District 17 - Part of Montgomery County
District 18 - Part of Montgomery County
District 19 - Part of Montgomery County
District 20 - Part of Montgomery County
District 21 - Part of Prince George’s County
District 22 - Part of Prince George’s County
District 23 - Part of Prince George’s County
District 24 - Part of Prince George’s County
District 25 - Part of Prince George’s County
District 26 - Part of Prince George’s County
District 27 - Part of Prince George’s County
District 28 - Part of Charles County & part of Prince George’s County
District 29 - St. Mary’s County & part of Charles County
District 30 - Calvert County & part of Anne Arundel County
District 31 - Part of Anne Arundel County
District 32 - Part of Anne Arundel County
District 33 - Part of Anne Arundel County
District 34 - Cecil, Kent & Queen Anne’s Counties
District 35 - Caroline, Dorchester & Talbot Counties & part of Wicomico County
District 36 - Somerset & Worcester Counties & part of Wicomico County
District 37 - Part of Baltimore City
District 38 - Part of Baltimore City
District 39 - Part of Baltimore City
District 40 - Part of Baltimore City
District 41 - Part of Baltimore City
District 42 - Part of Baltimore City
District 43 - Part of Baltimore City
District 44 - Part of Baltimore City
District 45 - Part of Baltimore City
District 46 - Part of Baltimore City
District 47 - Part of Baltimore City

1983-1992

District 1 - Garrett County & part of Allegany County
District 2 - Part of Allegany County & part of Washington County
District 3 - Part of Frederick County & part of Washington County
District 4 - Part of Carroll County, part of Frederick County & part of Howard County
District 5 - Part of Baltimore County & part of Carroll County
District 6 - Part of Baltimore County
District 7 - Part of Baltimore County
District 8 - Part of Baltimore County
District 9 - Part of Baltimore County
District 10 - Part of Baltimore County
District 11 - Part of Baltimore County
District 12 - Part of Baltimore County
District 13 - Part of Howard County & part of Prince George’s County
District 14 - Part of Howard County & part of Montgomery County
District 15 - Part of Montgomery County
District 16 - Part of Montgomery County
District 17 - Part of Montgomery County
District 18 - Part of Montgomery County
District 19 - Part of Montgomery County
District 20 - Part of Montgomery County
District 21 - Part of Prince George’s County
District 22 - Part of Prince George’s County
District 23 - Part of Prince George’s County
District 24 - Part of Prince George’s County
District 25 - Part of Prince George’s County
District 26 - Part of Prince George’s County
District 27 - Part of Prince George’s County
District 28 - Charles County & part of St. Mary’s County
District 29 - Calvert County, part of Anne Arundel County & part of St. Mary’s County
District 30 - Part of Anne Arundel County
District 31 - Part of Anne Arundel County
District 32 - Part of Anne Arundel County
District 33 - Part of Anne Arundel County
District 34 - Part of Harford County
District 35 - Part of Cecil County & part of Harford County
District 36 - Kent & Queen Anne’s Counties, part of Cecil County & part of Talbot County
District 37 - Dorchester County, part of Caroline County, part of Talbot County & part of Wicomico County
District 38 - Somerset & Worcester Counties & part of Wicomico County
District 39 - Part of Baltimore City
District 40 - Part of Baltimore City
District 41 - Part of Baltimore City
District 42 - Part of Baltimore City
District 43 - Part of Baltimore City
District 44 - Part of Baltimore City
District 45 - Part of Baltimore City
District 46 - Part of Baltimore City
District 47 - Part of Baltimore City

1992-2000

District 1 - Garrett County & part of Allegany County
District 2 - Part of Washington County
District 3 - Parts of Washington & Frederick Counties
District 4 - Parts of Frederick & Carroll Counties
District 5 - Part of Carroll County
District 6 - Parts of Baltimore County & Harford County
District 7 - Part of Baltimore County
District 8 - Parts of Baltimore County & Baltimore City
District 9 - Part of Baltimore County
District 10 - Parts of Baltimore County & Baltimore City
District 11 - Part of Baltimore County
District 12 - Parts of Baltimore County & Howard County
District 13 - Parts of Howard & Prince George’s Counties
District 14 - Parts of Montgomery & Howard Counties
District 15 - Part of Montgomery County
District 16 - Part of Montgomery County
District 17 - Part of Montgomery County
District 18 - Part of Montgomery County
District 19 - Part of Montgomery County
District 20 - Part of Montgomery County
District 21 - Parts of Montgomery & Prince George’s Counties
District 22 - Part of Prince George’s County
District 23 - Part of Prince George’s County
District 24 - Part of Prince George’s County
District 25 - Part of Prince George’s County
District 26 - Part of Prince George’s County
District 27 - Parts of Prince George’s, Anne Arundel & Calvert Counties
District 28 - Charles County
District 29 - Parts of Calvert & St. Mary’s Counties
District 30 - Part of Anne Arundel County
District 31 - Part of Anne Arundel County
District 32 - Part of Anne Arundel County
District 33 - Part of Anne Arundel County
District 34 - Part of Harford County
District 35 - Parts of Harford & Cecil Counties
District 36 - Kent County & Queen Anne’s County; & parts of Cecil, Caroline & Talbot Counties
District 37 - Parts of Caroline, Dorchester, Talbot & Wicomico Counties
District 38 - Somerset & Worcester Counties; & part of Wicomico County
District 39 - Part of Montgomery County
District 40 - Part of Baltimore City
District 41 - Part of Baltimore City
District 42 - Parts of Baltimore City & Baltimore County
District 43 - Part of Baltimore City
District 44 - Part of Baltimore City
District 45 - Part of Baltimore City
District 46 - Parts of Baltimore City & Baltimore County
District 47 - Parts of Baltimore City & Baltimore County

19991231 Yeltsin Dec 31 1999 resignation speech

Yeltsin's resignation speech

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6584973.stm

Boris Yeltsin annouced his resignation on the last day of the 20th Century

Russian President Boris Yeltsin's shock resignation speech came in an address on Russian television on 31 December 1999. This is the full text of his speech.

Dear Russians, very little time remains to a momentous date in our history. The year 2000 is upon us, a new century, a new millennium.

We have all measured this date against ourselves, working out - first in childhood, then after we grew up - how old we would be in the year 2000, how old our mothers would be, and our children. Back then it seemed such a long way off to the extraordinary New Year. So now the day has come.

'Contemplated long and hard'

Dear friends, my dears, today I am wishing you New Year greetings for the last time. But that is not all. Today I am addressing you for the last time as Russian president. I have made a decision. I have contemplated this long and hard. Today, on the last day of the outgoing century, I am retiring.

Many times I have heard it said: Yeltsin will try to hold on to power by any means, he won't hand it over to anyone. That is all lies. That is not the case. I have always said that I would not take a single step away from the constitution, that the Duma elections should take place within the constitutional timescale. This has happened.

And likewise, I would have liked the presidential elections to have taken place on schedule in June 2000. That was very important for Russia - we were creating a vital precedent of a civilized, voluntary hand over of power, power from one president of Russia to another, newly elected one.

'We must go'

And yet, I have taken a different decision. I am standing down. I am standing down earlier than scheduled. I have realised that I have to do this. Russia must enter the new millennium with new politicians, new faces, new intelligent, strong and energetic people. As for those of us who have been in power for many years, we must go.

Seeing with what hope and belief people voted during the Duma elections for a new generation of politicians, I understood that I had done the main job of my life. Russia will never return to the past. Russia will now always be moving forward.

I must not stand in its way, in the way of the natural progress of history.

Why holding on to power for another six months, when the country has a strong person, fit to be president, with whom practically all Russians link their hopes for the future today? Why should I stand in his way? Why wait for another six months? No, this is not me, this is not in my character.

'Forgiveness'

Today, on this incredibly important day for me, I want to say more personal words than I usually do. I want to ask you for forgiveness, because many of our hopes have not come true, because what we thought would be easy turned out to be painfully difficult.

I ask to forgive me for not fulfilling some hopes of those people who believed that we would be able to jump from the grey, stagnating, totalitarian past into a bright, rich and civilized future in one go.

I myself believed in this. But it could not be done in one fell swoop. In some respects I was too naive. Some of the problems were too complex. We struggled on through mistakes and failures. At this complex time many people experienced upheavals in their lives. But I want you to know that I never said this would be easy.

Today it is important for me to tell you the following. I also experienced the pain which each of you experienced. I experienced it in my heart, with sleepless nights, agonizing over what needed to be done to ensure that people lived more easily and better, if only a little. I did not have any objective more important than that.

'Not leaving because of my health'

I am leaving. I have done everything I could. I am not leaving because of my health, but because of all the problems taken together.

A new generation is taking my place, the generation of those who can do more and do it better. In accordance with the constitution, as I go into retirement, I have signed a decree entrusting the duties of the president of Russia to Prime Minister Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin.

For the next three months, again in accordance with the constitution, he will be head of state. Presidential elections will be held in three months time.

I have always had confidence in the amazing wisdom of Russian citizens. Therefore, I have no doubt what choice you will make at the end of March 2000.

In saying farewell, I wish to say to each of you the following. Be happy. You deserve happiness. You deserve happiness and peace.

Happy New Year, happy new century, my dear people.

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