As the legislative session in Washington comes to an end this week, I want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the residents of the First District for giving me the privilege of serving you in Washington for the past two years. Representing our part of Maryland in Congress has been a great honor, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve at such an important time in our nation’s history.
In these challenging times, it’s understandable that so many people across the country are more angry and frustrated than ever. I remain hopeful, however, that progress can be made if lawmakers from both parties take a lesson from the results of November’s election and truly commit to changing the way Washington works. This starts by recognizing that pragmatism and moderation must be viewed as strengths, not weaknesses, and the responsibility of leaders is to place the greater good of the country ahead of the narrow political goals of the most partisan voices on the left or the right.
The passage earlier this month of an historic tax relief and unemployment insurance compromise was a rare and hopeful glimpse at a better way of doing business in Washington. While the package was hardly perfect and there were loud objections from some on both sides, negotiators recognized that failing to reach a compromise was simply unacceptable, and did the hard work necessary to find common ground for the greater good. It’s a model for leadership that I hope lawmakers of both parties are willing to emulate in the years ahead.
I again want to thank you for giving me the great honor of serving you in Congress these last two years, and wish you and your family the very best in this holiday season.
Clark says
I hope we will see you back in 2012.
Larry G. says
WATCH the WeatherVane:
Former Kratovil is in HIGH consideration for becoming the next Judge on the District Court in QA Co. Remember that the Governor makes the selection and appointment.
Good luck, Frank.