Tuesday, May 15, 2001

Mr. Chairman, Senator Sarbanes, Members of the Committee: It is an honor and my great pleasure to introduce Alphonso "Al" Jackson to this Committee as Deputy Secretary-designate for the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

I have known Al for nearly thirty years, since the first time I ran for Governor of the State of Missouri. We'll let Senator Hutchison claim Al as a Texas native, but he sure spent a lot of time in St. Louis.

Al holds a law dgree from Washington University, and held many of the toughest positions in the City of St. Louis, including Director of Public Safety and executive director of the St.Louis Housing Authority. He has also run the housing authorities here in Washington, D.C. and in Dallas, no small tasks. Throughout his career, Al has had a reputation for creativity and competence.

In addition to being eminently qualified for the position of Deputy Secretary, Al is a man of energy, commitment and integrity who will bring all those good qualities of character to the Department.

My colleagues know that I share Al's passion for improving public and assisted housing and reviving troubled communities. For fourteen years, both as a former member of this committee, which formulates housing policy, and now as the lead appropriator for HUD, I have been dismayed at the deplorable lack of management protocols and leadership at this troubled agency.

The Deputy Secretary has the responsibility for the day - to - day financial operations of the agency. The Deputy Secretary must be smart, competent, financially responsible and creative.

Given all the problems HUD has experienced in recent years, the new Deputy Secretary must also have the leadership skills to overcome the inertia of a large agency. Let me assure you that Al Jackson is the right man for this job.

I urge the Committee's expedited confirmation of Mr. Jackson.

Thank you.