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. "In the past few weeks, these people have taken the points, and they've taken the flack, and 11m sure will move that project forward certainly with the message that we had in Salem. lid like to thank them for their support there, at the airport, and at all the other projects we work on throughout the year. And certainly, commend Bill Rogers, who is not here. He is chair of that particular commission and has done an outstanding job in providing, certainly leadership that we all need. "S0 we've been to the State, welve been to the County, and now it's up to us. "0ur challenge in 1988 is to break ground on the Riverfront Research Park. Break ground so that we can begin laying the park's foundation and future: the streets and the utilities. "But I have to tell you, there are dangers ahead. We have more work to do. As of this moment, I regret to say that there are five initiative petitions that have been filed in an attempt to stop the Riverfront Research Park and the downtown renewal projects. Those that wi sh to stop these proj ects--or entangle them endlessly--will soon be collecting signatures so that those petitions can go on the ballot. "I also regret to say that these same people have tried hard to frustrate our progress--fortunately they have failed--now they do ply their will and play their games with the future of this community--our future, yours and mine. The would serve their special interest over the community's interest. - "I believe it is time for us to stop. I believe it is time that our patience must end, we can no longer tolerate this group sabotaging the second century of this community. "If you are asked to sign a petition, I ask you to say "No," say "Hell, no!" "If we are to be a city that not only survives, but thrives, we must be definite in purpose. "I challenge all of you--the university, the City Council, the staff, the Riverfront Park Commission, and the community--to make it happen in 1988! "Welve got a particularly difficult time ahead of us in making it happen. Not only because of the d;stractors that I mentioned, but through the unfortunate experiences of both chancellor Bud Davis and President Paul Olum, two tremendous supporters of this community and of the Riverfront Research Park. And certainly they'll be there to carry the load for a while, and there's no doubt in my mi nd that they will gi ve every bi t of energy that is necessary to carry that load. They are both committed to this project, as are many others, but as they move on, it will be up to us to share and carry the burden to even a greater extent while those transitions take place. We must not let a vacuum be created. We must not let anything fall between the cracks. Now is a critical time. "We have in our audience a gentleman that is chair of the Riverfront Research Park Commission, a man that is going to help us and see to it that we break e MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 4, 1988 Page 5