Bill Owens Quotations

True leadership lies in guiding others to success. In ensuring that everyone is performing at their best, doing the work they are pledged to do and doing it well.

Leadership is an active role; 'lead' is a verb. But the leader who tries to do it all is headed for burnout, and in a powerful hurry.

Freedom is contagious. That's why despots fear it so much.

It is the solemn obligation of a leader always to be a leader. Even when - perhaps especially when - you don't feel like being a leader.

Families are the tie that reminds us of yesterday, provide strength and support today, and give us hope for tomorrow. No government, no matter how well-intentioned, or well-managed, can provide what our families provide.

Americans no longer look to government for economic security; rather, they look to their portfolios.

Actions, not words, are the ultimate results of leadership.

A strong economy begins with a strong, well-educated workforce.

I believe the Patriot Act strikes the right balance needed to protect our freedom and security.

We know that, when it comes to technology and the economy, if you're not constantly moving forward, then - without a doubt - you're moving backwards.

Leadership offers an opportunity to make a difference in someone's life, no matter what the project.

Our American story, for generations, is of a people who seek to move forward. A people who look at a mountain and worry not about the tough climb ahead, but dream about the view from the summit.

A renewed commitment to the freedom and opportunity of our people is the touchstone of our time. In this new century, where tests are many and challenges change with the shifting of the wind, we must hold fast to the principles that have made our nation the envy of the world.

If you ask me to compromise on principle, I will get out the veto pen.

This year, we must address the Colorado Paradox. We have more college degrees per capita than any state. Yet we lag the nation in the percentage of students who go on to higher education.

As a governor, I am naturally inclined to focus on the domestic side of protecting the United States.

All the faith and good will in the world is wasted without direction.

Government frequently has a problem recognizing perception versus reality.

While one party may possess the levers of power, one party does not possess a monopoly on good ideas. Good lawmaking, after all, is about the ability to craft effective solutions.

Government can't create wealth, but it can create the conditions for private enterprise to flourish.

Ideally the world would look like Davos, where there's more security than we can even see on the street.

It will take years to bring Iraq the democracy it deserves.

We must renew our efforts to keep our communities safe, from the dangers of terrorists from foreign lands and from common criminals here at home. Let no criminal believe that tough fiscal times will yield an open cell door and a ticket to freedom.

In this new century, our commitment to family and to faith, to community and opportunity, to freedom and to hope, will be the light that shines to lead us forward.

Unless it's down in the teens, we're actually bringing outside air in to cool it off a little bit. And if they're down by two, late in the game, it really does get hot.

Much of the park has never been burned, so we've never had a chance to see what's underneath the brush. We have archaeologists in right now cataloging and protecting the items that have been uncovered in the first fire this summer,

We may come from different political parties. And on some issues, we may see the world a bit differently. But there are major bonds that unite us.

I would stress that the judge's order in no way precludes reciting the pledge in our schools. I would hope that the day would begin in every Colorado classroom with the Pledge of Allegiance as it has in most of our classrooms for decades.

Job creation in the 21st century economy can't be business as usual. Competition is global, and it's fierce. We must aggressively support Colorado's economic pillars. Tourism and Agriculture are superb economic generators and we are all proud of these key industries.

Our task is nothing less than to protect that special Colorado way of life.

Our parking lot has had license plates from surrounding states. ... It's had regional appeal, ... I think it's been wonderfully successful in every aspect, and it has generated significant economic impact for us here in the center and downtown.

Patients -- when they really have control over their lives and over their disease in some way -- I think are overall going to do better regardless of whether that comes from traditional treatments or a combination of western medicine plus other alternative approaches,

It has become apparent to Gary and me ... that we have divergent management styles and our business views differ. I respect him for his decision and I wish him every success in his future endeavors.

there hasn't been anyone that's been presented to the group that meets all the qualifications.

We spend about three days together in camp, and we just have a great time. We ride our horses and talk and joke and let our hair down, and that forms a camaraderie. I truly believe that's one of the reasons this group has stayed together so long.

People believe. They believe in the desire of state government to help. They believe that the overwhelming majority of state government employees and elected officials are honest. They believe that a troubled time in the history of our state does not necessarily mean the future is forever clouded.

As a big fan, I told him something needed to be done, ... He said they were close to reaching an agreement.

This deal strengthens Ericsson in a number of areas. Marconi just did not have the scale to continue as an independent business, but they are well-known for solid products, very good R&D, and technical expertise.

It's great news for Colorado consumers. Southwest is the airline that communities all over the country try to get. But it will be a great challenge to our friends at Frontier and United.

Colorado today is being tested in a way it has never been tested before.