Quotations from Isaac

On being mayor
"I read people and I think that's our job. We represent the people. If you don't like what they think, then don't represent them. And you don't have to run. Elect somebody who feels more attuned. There are a lot of people in public office today who don't like what their constituents think, but still choose to represent them. They try to ram things down their throats, which doesn't work. Service is a principle, that's what we're here for. I say there are basic services, and the people will vote for them. You put on a bond issue for a needed road, an airport, a prison, and they'll pass. You put it on for museums and civic centers, and they won't. . . . My goal as mayor has been to serve the community and to see it improve - to see the environment maintained and to see Colorado Springs become a place where people enjoy living and working."


On naysayers critical of growth that comes with a strong economy
"Now we've got the good times, and a lot of people are unhappy. Prosperity is hell, isn't it?"

On growing up and public service
"I attended Ivywild School, South Junior High and Colorado Springs (now Palmer) High School. I could walk to school, even to the high school. . . . In those days, you could walk anywhere you wanted at any time day or night. I graduated from high school in 1945. At that time, we were going through the war situation. We didn't know how soon the war would be over and we all knew kids who were older and had gone to war. So, there was always a little bit of apprehension. . . . My dad would always say, "Well, you just do what you have to do for your country." That was just normal in those days. My dad was always involved in service. . . . I just thought it was normal that you would get into community activities. I don't think that you just learn that. I mean, I don't think it comes naturally; I think you have to learn it from your parents . . . or from somebody . . . that there is a tremendous satisfaction in serving."


On what college graduates need to know about decision-making
"Mine (decisions) have been examined by the press. They have been looked at with absolutely clear hindsight, perfect vision. My motives have been challenged. Sanity questioned. But never, even after they've turned out right - and occasionally they do - have I seen in the front page two years later: "Mr. Isaac is right." Because it is old news. So what you need to know is, don't be expecting any credit for your decisions because that will just depress you. You will get it now and then, but just be satisfied with your own activities and make sure you make the decision."


On sticking with decisions
"Every time you take a position on principle, people are going to distort motives. If you hear all the input, make your decision and it's what you consider to be a vital decision for the future of your community, you have an obligation to do everything you can to bring it about under the law, and stick with it. And when you do that, you make some enemies. And that's unfortunate."


On Colorado Springs voters
"You cannot lead the citizens of Colorado Springs in the direction they absolutely do not want to go. Our citizens are intelligent, they're active and, when necessary, they are quite stubborn. That's not a slam, because I think some of us have been that way at times."


On taxes
"I don't like to raise taxes because I don't like to pay them. But I also know if you want services, you've got to pay for them. But we're going to do that as economically as possible. Raising taxes is always the last resort."



On the press
"I've always been frank. I've always given a straight answer; I don't want to mislead the public, and I never have. If somebody in the press asks a ridiculous question, I guess I do respond bluntly once in a while. But I guess when they haven't done their homework, and I know they're going to write something that's totally off base, I tell them. And yet, I get along with the press just fine."


SOURCES: The Gazette, Journeys Magazine