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Giffords will continue to inspire beyond Congress
It wasn't for a pension, which she won't receive for almost another decade. It wasn't for some political reason that would benefit the Democratic Party or hurt the Republican Party.
Anyone who shares any connection with Gabrielle Giffords understands that she will resign her seat in Congress so that she can do what she believes is the best thing for her constituents by focusing on her recovery.
And that is what Giffords does best. She does what is best for her constituents. She has always done this so well because she has always listened to her constituents - whether they voted for her or not.
In Willcox, Giffords made several appearances. While still campaigning, she visited with residents at City Hall/Depot and again during a Congressional District 8 forum. After she was elected, Giffords garnered a hefty grant to help start the senior center in Willcox, and she came here a year and a half ago on Rex Allen Days to present it. She also came out to the Sulphur Springs Valley to celebrate a special occasion at Bowie School.
On each of those occasions, she spoke with local residents, including newspaper staff, and listened to concerns.
We will miss that, but we believe in her determination... we believe that when she said Sunday that she will return, she meant it.
Her spirit conquered plenty of obstacles before the shooting on Jan. 8, 2011, and her remarkable recovery to this point is further evidence that she has the resolve to accomplish what she sets her mind to achieve.
That has always been a mark of distinction for Gabrielle Giffords. She had the dogged determination to find answers for her constituents, to clear the path for sensible changes in Washington that benefited her congressional district, and to offer solutions where there seemed little hope.
In today's political landscape, it is rare to find an elected Washington official who hasn't succumbed to the big money lobbyists, or acted in their own interests ahead of those they represent.
During her years serving in Congress, Giffords did not succumb. She kept in close contact with her constituents and took an engaging, sincere interest in the issues that confront Southeast Arizona and its residents.
She offered an example that other politicians, at all levels, should emulate.
And so, writing this chapter of her career, we have no hesitation in trusting her motivation when she tells us that to better serve the interests of the citizens of Arizona she must resign and focus on continuing her recovery.
That brings with it a sadness that recognizes just how exceptional Gabrielle Giffords has been for Arizona and how difficult it will be to find someone with comparable enthusiasm, knowledge and personal qualities for the job.
Anyone who shares any connection with Gabrielle Giffords understands that she will resign her seat in Congress so that she can do what she believes is the best thing for her constituents by focusing on her recovery.
And that is what Giffords does best. She does what is best for her constituents. She has always done this so well because she has always listened to her constituents - whether they voted for her or not.
In Willcox, Giffords made several appearances. While still campaigning, she visited with residents at City Hall/Depot and again during a Congressional District 8 forum. After she was elected, Giffords garnered a hefty grant to help start the senior center in Willcox, and she came here a year and a half ago on Rex Allen Days to present it. She also came out to the Sulphur Springs Valley to celebrate a special occasion at Bowie School.
On each of those occasions, she spoke with local residents, including newspaper staff, and listened to concerns.
We will miss that, but we believe in her determination... we believe that when she said Sunday that she will return, she meant it.
Her spirit conquered plenty of obstacles before the shooting on Jan. 8, 2011, and her remarkable recovery to this point is further evidence that she has the resolve to accomplish what she sets her mind to achieve.
That has always been a mark of distinction for Gabrielle Giffords. She had the dogged determination to find answers for her constituents, to clear the path for sensible changes in Washington that benefited her congressional district, and to offer solutions where there seemed little hope.
In today's political landscape, it is rare to find an elected Washington official who hasn't succumbed to the big money lobbyists, or acted in their own interests ahead of those they represent.
During her years serving in Congress, Giffords did not succumb. She kept in close contact with her constituents and took an engaging, sincere interest in the issues that confront Southeast Arizona and its residents.
She offered an example that other politicians, at all levels, should emulate.
And so, writing this chapter of her career, we have no hesitation in trusting her motivation when she tells us that to better serve the interests of the citizens of Arizona she must resign and focus on continuing her recovery.
That brings with it a sadness that recognizes just how exceptional Gabrielle Giffords has been for Arizona and how difficult it will be to find someone with comparable enthusiasm, knowledge and personal qualities for the job.
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Maggie M wrote on Feb 1, 2012 5:17 PM: