[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 148 (Wednesday, November 30, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: November 30, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                     TRIBUTE TO FRANCIS BARDANOUVE

 Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, when Representative Francis 
Bardanouve retired from his post in the Montana Legislature this month, 
he capped a remarkable career as Montana's longest serving house 
member. But as he returns to tending the Harlem ranch he so loves, 
Montanans will continue to draw on him as a source of wisdom and 
inspiration on progressive reform.
  I like to think of him as the Mike Mansfield of the Montana state 
Legislature. Francis is a mentor of mine, and has been since I observed 
him in action in the house of representatives almost 20 years ago. As a 
young legislator, I was privileged to serve on Chairman Bardanouve's 
appropriations committee. From that experience, I know that the Montana 
taxpayer had no greater friend.
  At the north end of the Montana Capitol is a statue of Territorial 
Governor Thomas Francis Meagher that reminds me of Francis. Looking out 
over the sleeping giant, Meagher brandishes his sword and stands guard 
over the Capitol. Likewise, Francis Bardanouve brandished a sharp knife 
and stood guard over the budget of this State.
  Lawmakers everywhere can learn from Bardanouve's dedication: In four 
decades, he never lost his zeal in serving his hi-line district. And 
the institution never changed him.
  Rather, Francis changed the Montana Legislature. He piloted many of 
the innovations that made it a more efficient, adaptable body. He 
always looked to the future. Among his initiatives: Setting up councils 
to help State lawmakers rein in the purse strings, helping to integrate 
the mentally ill into society and tapping new technology to speed up 
the work of the legislature.
  Francis embodied the best of the citizen legislature. For 36 years, 
he left Blaine County and made the 4-hour-plus trip to Helena to serve 
in the legislature. He put in extra hours making sure that Montanans 
were well-served. And he served Montanans well in watching the budget 
bottom line like a hawk.
  So I wish him well as he returns full time to his beloved family and 
ranch. But Francis knows that he is not one to quietly ride off into 
the sunset. As Mike Mansfield continues to save our Nation--his wisdom 
a guidance--Francis Bardanouve will remain an active participant in the 
affairs and direction of the State. Montanans will rely on his vision 
and advice as we continue our journey into a new millennium.

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