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e e e IIPerhaps with those words it is important that I speak for a moment about the outcome of the income tax election last November. I do believe that the effort was a noble one. And it was brought forth in the best interest of this community. At the same time, the results were a loud and clear message from the taxpayers regarding either their lack of ability or lack of desire to make a greater contribution. I do not believe that the results were a negative voter referendum on the Agenda or the future of this community. IIIn terms of my own feeling, I would like to quote what Abraham Lincoln said when he lost an election in New York. He said he was too old to cry and it hurt too much to laugh. And that is just about the way I feel about November and that election. IIMany of you have visited with me asking that I not let the outcome of that election effect my enthusiasm or commitment, and you went on to ask that I express your concern and your encouragement to the City Council. I want to thank you for that hope and that offer of concern and your offer of support. III believe we, indeed, as a community, a City Council, a mayor, and City staff are ready to move forward with new energy and a new commitment. The needs remain greater than ever. The historic process of the public involvement program carried out by the City Council last August served to enhance the potential for achievement and certainly increased our commitment. 1I0ur commi tment and concern for the well-bei ng of thi s communi ty runs deep and none of us ever expected the path to be an easy one or one without trial. So let's focus on the objectives and do what has to be done to achieve the renaissance of this community. lilt is a pleasure once again, and certainly my responsibility, to reinforce the challenge spelled out in the Eugene Agenda. IIExpansion of Mahlon Sweet Airport Terminal must be our Number One goal in 1986. A modern airport is a not only a necessary item for prOViding 400,000 passengers with efficient air service each year, but it is also a critical underpinning of a diversified economy. As Oregon's second largest city, we have a tremendous opportunity to serve 25% of the population of this state. liAs Cynthia pointed out, our air service has greatly improved. Last year, PSA and American Airlines looked at the Eugene market, recognized it as a good investment, and began air service here. Today, I ask this community to join the city council and to commit to breaking ground on that terminal expansion in 1986. "Whil e we have a porti on of the $17 mi 11 i on needed, we do need a strategy on the balance in order to move forward. I would like to propose to you a 3-part strategy so that it can happen. First, I believe we can expect to obtain almost 1/3 of the needed dollars through additional Federal or State grants. Eugene was designated to receive priority consideration for additional Federal Aviation Authority funding in a bill signed by the preSident last month. We MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 6, 1986 Page 9