2012 LOVERIDGE STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS

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January 19, 2012 State of the City Address Mayor Ronald O. Loveridge Riverside, California PRIDE IN RIVERSIDE... AGAIN! Thank you. This is my 19th, and last, State of City. 2012 will also end my 32 years as a local elected official. Robert Kennedy is one of my three political heroes. I have dedicated myself to making a difference, to realizing Kennedy's vision for the good city: "The city is not just housing and stores. It is not just education and employment, parks and theaters, banks and shops. It is a place where men should be able to live in dignity and security and harmony, where people can see and know each other, where children can play and adults work together and join in the pleasures and responsibilities of the place where they live." Many thanks are in order; let me emphasize five. The first is the continuing support of Riverside residents. I have stood for election nine times. I am honored by your confidence, trust, and thus the opportunity to serve as your Council member and Mayor. The second is the sustaining support of my wife, Marsha. She is central to whatever success I have had being a good mayor, council member, and professor. For over 50 years, Marsha has been my best friend. The third is the long standing partnership with the best Chamber of Commerce in the State of California, led so ably, first by Art Pick and now by Cindy Roth. Fourth, over the years, many people answered the Mayor's call to come together, to set directions for the City. Many tables were set: including Task Forces on Use of Force, Santa Ana River, Clean & Green, Go Riverside, and High Technology. And fifth, governance is not a solitary act. Success depends on collaboration with many others. Kudos to elected and appointed City officials. I am especially proud of the civility at City Hall, and our "best practice" focus on the quest for the good city. I must also thank members of the Mayor's Office; no mayor in California has a better staff, led for 10 years by an outstanding Chief of Staff, Kristin Tillquist. SUCCESS STORIES The overarching message is Pride in Riverside... Again! Over the years, I have been asked, what were my most important successes, what stands out? Specific highlights also profile why there is Pride in Riverside... Again!