Best Congress in a Half Century

The 111th Congress winds up its work in Washington, the most productive Congress in a half century.

• Federal stimulus bill, including large tax cuts
• American auto industry rescue
• Children's health insurance
• Health insurance reform
• 9/11 first responders aid package
• Wall Street reform
• Credit card reform
• Creation of Consumer Financial Protection Agency
• Repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" discrimination in our military
• Nuclear arms reduction treaty with Russia

If the 112th Congress does half as well, Americans will be well-served. Here's wishing for a happy 2011.

Locally, our Richardson City Council is also winding down on its own two year term, which ends in May, 2011. It also has been a very productive one so far.

• Open and transparent government initiatives
  • Televising city council meetings
  • Code of Ethics for City Council members
  • Online checkbook for the city
• Bond program for streets, parks, municipal buildings
• Progress on West Spring Valley corridor redevelopment
• Progress on Bush Station development

If the city can keep the momentum on these last two items before its term ends in May, it will be one of the most productive city councils in my memory. Here's wishing for a happy 2011 locally, too.