[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 50 (Thursday, April 24, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S3693]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO JOE STERNE OF THE BALTIMORE SUN

 Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, this month, Joseph R.L. Sterne 
will be retiring as editorial page editor of the Baltimore Sun--a job 
he has held for more than 44 years.
  I have known Joe for more than 20 of those years. As editor, he has 
been one of the best. I cannot remember a time when his name was not at 
the top of the paper's masthead. I read his editorials and he has read 
my press releases. I think I liked his better. His editorials were 
him--they were fair, professional, insightful, instructive, tough and 
thorough.
  I've learned a lot from them. So did Baltimore and so did Maryland--
whether it was an observation or suggestion regarding foreign policy or 
firm recommendation on how to improve Baltimore's housing policy or 
Federal tax issues.
  Joe started his career in 1953 covering the police beat. But he 
didn't stay there long. He quickly moved on to report on some of the 
most important moments in American history--from the civil rights 
movement to the Vietnam war to working in Africa and Germany covering 
international affairs. That was his true love. But he never forgot that 
a great hometown paper begins with a great hometown.
  His kudos and criticisms spurred all of us to do our best. But then, 
he asked no less of us than he asked of himself. He is one of the best. 
I will miss Joe Sterne. Baltimore will miss Joe Sterne. I wish him our 
best.

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