By Gil Gutknecht, District I congressman

Year in review; a look ahead…

We are told the expression, “May you live in interesting times,” is actually a Chinese curse. I’m not sure I agree. Either way, most would concur that these are, indeed, interesting times.

Who could have foreseen the capture of Saddam Hussein…alive? The images of a captured despot, together with the prospect of a stronger economy, should warm our hearts as we celebrate the New Year.

As we flip the calendar, it is good to look back before laying out plans for the coming year. I said last January that the world’s largest economy was underperforming.

At the request of President George W. Bush, Congress passed a significant stimulus package.

Since we were roundly criticized, it is only fair to take a little of the credit for the improving numbers. Most experts agree a robust recovery has begun. The last two quarters have shown strong economic growth, including a whopping 8.2 percent during the third quarter, resulting in 328,000 new jobs over the past four months.

But, there’s a more important story. The president of a small manufacturing company told me recently they were calling back 44 workers.

To those 44 families, a growing economy is more than mere statistics – it brings hope and a sense of dignity to the entire family and to our communities.

The past year was filled with many gratifying successes. We were able to finally finish the flood mitigation program for Austin residents.

This will help prevent future flooding problems in Austin.

We are fortunate to be inconvenienced by the numerous highway projects underway in Southern Minnesota. At the same time, I know some projects are taking a bit longer than we hoped.

I will continue to support important economic development initiatives that help spur our local economy. Current progress is a clear sign that our region is getting its fair share of transportation dollars.

I was named chairman of a powerful Agriculture Subcommittee, re-named vice chairman of the full Science Committee and am now one of the top ranking members of the Budget Committee.

My seniority is starting to pay dividends for the people of Southern Minnesota.

The Lewis and Clark water project is closer to completion today. That means 200,000 people in Minnesota, Iowa and South Dakota will have safe, reliable drinking water for generations to come.

Renewable energy programs in Blue Earth, Dodge, Jackson, Murray, Nobles and Rock Counties received grants from the USDA.

All across Southern Minnesota, our farmers are utilizing renewable energy sources such as wind, ethanol and bio-diesel to provide clean, environmentally-friendly energy.

I am proud of our record of accomplishments.

Still, 2003 was filled with frustrations. Congress didn’t do enough to keep a lid on wasteful Washington spending. As Minnesota families need to live within their budgets, so should our federal government.

My plan to allow Americans access to world-class prescription drugs at world market prices was not a part of the final Medicare bill. But, I have not conceded.

I firmly believe that facts and public opinion are on our side. Our efforts on prescription drugs have been endorsed by some courageous Governors and powerful Senators.

I will continue hosting town hall meetings, writing and mobilizing support for this great cause.

Thanks to the actions of brave Americans in uniform and the resolute leadership of our President, I am convinced that our nation is stronger and more secure than we were a year ago.

The doom-and-gloomers are reduced to whining, “Wait ’til next year!”

Ronald Reagan said, “I, like most Americans, live for the future.”

The year ahead, like the last, will be filled with unforeseen challenges. But, I think I speak for the majority when I say, “We can’t wait!”

(Gil Gutknecht represents Minnesota’s First District. He is chairman of the Agriculture Subcommittee on Department Operations, Oversight, Nutrition and Forestry; vice chairman of the Science Committee; and a member of the Budget Committee.)