[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 6 (Wednesday, February 4, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S410]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             LANE A. RALPH

 Mr. LUGAR. Mr. President, on February 1, 1998, Lane A. Ralph 
celebrated his 20th anniversary of service in the Indiana State Office 
of the United States Senate. In recognition of this milestone 
achievement, and with deepest appreciation, I commend him.
  An alumnus of Indiana State University with a Bachelor's Degree in 
Political Science and a Master's of Public Administration, Lane joined 
my state office staff during my second year of membership in the 
Senate. In the ensuing years, Lane has worn many hats with unbridled 
enthusiasm, vast energy and selfless commitment.
  In 1980, Lane rose to the challenge of serving two senators, as 
Senator Dan Quayle and I established the only combined state office in 
the country. When Senator Dan Coats joined the Senate in 1988, Lane 
continued his selfless commitment to serve both of us, ceaselessly 
offering sage council, valued continuity and dedication to a shared 
purpose. Lane has consistently articulated a vision of humane 
government and has demonstrated a genuine commitment to public service. 
He has served with humility, compassion and empathy for those in need.
  As the Director of Projects for the United States Senate State of 
Indiana Office, Lane has provided leadership with integrity and 
intelligence. He has developed an extraordinary encyclopedic-knowledge 
of people, places, facts and issues which affect the quality of life of 
all Hoosiers. He has cultivated a comprehensive network of contacts in 
federal, state and local government and among community leaders who 
value his responsible and credible expertise, as well as his well-
reasoned approach to public policy.
  Lane's leadership in environmental issues is well-known throughout 
Indiana. He has been a steadfast advocate of soil and water 
conservation, clean air and water, better forest management and 
responsible hazardous waste disposal. In his collaborations with 
Operation Lifesaver, Lane has worked tirelessly to educate Hoosiers in 
railroad-crossing safety. As an expert in public works issues, he has 
assisted elected officials, municipal administrators and concerned 
citizens enhance Indiana's roads, drinking-water systems and planning 
mechanisms.
  In his many years of service, Lane has consistently demonstrated a 
talent for forthrightness and for clarifying the intricacies of complex 
situations. He cuts to the heart of concerns and issues with a knack 
for asking key questions. Lane is fairminded and industrious with 
people from all walks of life, balancing the interests of conflicting 
parties and affably fostering collaborative partnerships.
  Apart from his distinguished career of public service, Lane has been 
a loving and generous partner to his wife, Ruth, throughout their 18 
years of marriage. He is a caring and supportive father to his two 
daughters, Elina and Emily. He is also personally, my trusted and loyal 
friend.
  For his honesty, sincerity and integrity, for his dedication to 
excellence and for his genuine decency, I commend Lane A. Ralph for 20 
remarkable years of service.

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