GOP Convention: Sen. Norm Coleman
September 2, 2008, 10:03pm
ST. PAUL — America can learn a thing or two from the recent turnaround of this city once known as Pig’s Eye, Sen. Norm Coleman told delegates here at the Republican convention.
The Minnesota Republican said conservatism is responsible for resurrecting the city. Here’s an excerpt of his speech:
Fifteen years ago, downtown St. Paul was in trouble. Our largest employer left. Crime was rising. And downtown, we had sex shops and the nation’s only failed McDonald’s. The old Civic Center on this site was falling apart while leaders of the city were holding gang summits and raising taxes.
The mayor at that time asked, “I’m not indecisive … am I?” That could be an [Barack] Obama campaign slogan.
Conservative principles restored this city. We put a lid on taxes — never raised taxes for 8 years! We made city government a trustworthy partner to local business. We said hope plus confidence equals investment, and together we proved it. We added 18,000 new jobs. We planted 35,000 trees and shrubs along the Mississippi. We reduced crime.
And, through a public-private partnership, we built this magnificent arena.
Categories: Minnesota, Norm Coleman, Politics, Republican Convention
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