Bob Riley
Bob Riley
====================
Full Name and Common Aliases
-----------------------------
Full Name: Robert Allan "Bob" Riley
Common Alias: None notable.
Birth and Death Dates
-------------------------
Born on September 3, 1931, in Birmingham, Alabama, USA.
Passed away on January 24, 2017, at the age of 85.
Nationality and Profession(s)
---------------------------------
Nationality: American
Profession(s): Politician (Governor of Alabama), Attorney
Early Life and Background
------------------------------
Bob Riley was born in Birmingham, Alabama, to a family of modest means. His early life was marked by hard work and determination. He grew up in a small town surrounded by the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains. This upbringing instilled in him a strong sense of community and public service.
Riley's academic prowess earned him scholarships to the University of Alabama and then to Harvard Law School, where he earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree. Upon graduating from law school, Riley began practicing law in Birmingham before entering politics.
Major Accomplishments
---------------------------
In 1966, Riley was elected to the Alabama House of Representatives, where he served for three terms. In 1971, he was elected as a U.S. Representative, serving six consecutive terms until his election as Governor of Alabama in 2002.
As Governor, Riley implemented significant tax reforms and reduced government spending by over $1 billion. He also oversaw the establishment of a state lottery system to raise revenue for education initiatives. His leadership on fiscal responsibility earned him national recognition as a champion of conservative values.
Notable Works or Actions
-----------------------------
Riley's notable works include:
Signing into law Alabama's Education Lottery Act, which has generated over $3 billion in revenue for the state's schools.
Advocating for tax reform and reducing government spending to prioritize education and infrastructure development.
* Playing a crucial role in negotiating the settlement of the coal mining industry's financial obligations to miners with black lung disease.
Impact and Legacy
-------------------------
Bob Riley's legacy extends far beyond his impressive list of accomplishments. He has inspired countless individuals, including many who have followed in his footsteps as public servants and leaders. His commitment to fiscal responsibility and education has left a lasting impact on the state of Alabama and its people.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
--------------------------------------------
Riley's legacy is cemented by his unwavering dedication to serving the public interest, often against significant odds. He remains widely quoted for his insightful commentary on politics and governance, particularly regarding fiscal responsibility and education policy.
Throughout his life, Riley demonstrated an unshakeable commitment to public service, earning him a place among Alabama's most revered leaders. His impact will continue to be felt for generations to come.
Quotes by Bob Riley
Bob Riley's insights on:
You elected government officials to make decisions and it's about time they started making good ones.
If we are going to save this country, if we are going to reestablish that belief in God, it’s up to us. If we don’t do it, who will?
You elected government officials to make decisions and it’s about time they started making good ones.
According to our Christian ethics, we’re supposed to love God, love each other and help take care of the poor. It is immoral to charge somebody making $5,000 an income tax.
Ladies and gentlemen: There can be no greater investment in Alabama’s future than an investment in education.
No two wars are ever the same. Some are just, some are unjust, but the basic commonality shared between them all is that young men and women heeded a call to service, overcame their fear, and fought for their side.
I think you’d change Alabama fundamentally if in six years someone said, ‘If you want the best education in America, you’ve got to live in Alabama.’ you’d change economic development, change the image of this state, you’d offer these kids an opportunity they otherwise would never have had.