Reactions to Lewis Retirement Show Admiration and Dislike

Below are unedited comments and statements from collegues and constiuents reacting to Rep. Jerry Lewis' Jan. 12 announcement that he would retire.

Richard H. Hart, Loma Linda University and Ruthita J. Fike, Loma Linda University Medical Center

"Loma Linda University and Loma Linda University Medical Center are grateful for all that U.S. Rep. Jerry Lewis has done to help us carry out our mission and fulfill our commitments in health care, medical education, and community service in the Inland Empire, as well as our international aid work throughout the world.

As Rep. Lewis sought to improve national policy and make the federal government more efficient and effective, he never forgot about the people he represented and served in his district, the region, and the state. He has been a great friend and supporter.

The impact of Rep. Lewis’ efforts and contributions, through his support of LLU and LLUMC, is impossible to quantify. This support touched numbers of people, through far-reaching programs and innovations in medical treatment, technology, and service.

His support of Proton research at LLUMC helped establish the clinical benefits of proton therapy. Today, we are joined by major cancer centers in the United States in bringing the benefits of this technology to cancer patients. Rep. Lewis supported this clinical breakthrough that is now making a difference in many thousands of lives worldwide. In our region, the James M. Slater, M.D., Proton Research and Treatment Center has treated over 16,000 patients in the last two decades.

Rep. Lewis was instrumental in establishing important research between LLUMC and NASA to use technology to protect astronauts and their equipment in their safe return from space. Rep. Lewis is Honorary Director of the Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital Foundation Board, and has maintained his commitment to serve the children of our region and beyond. He is committed to our international outreach, including our health program in Afghanistan, in cooperation with USAID.

He has helped develop important learning and research facilities on campus, including Chan Shun Pavilion, where students representing over 80 countries are routinely learning compassionate health care in the service of people around the world.

His support of basic research to relieve the pain and suffering of veterans severely hurt in U.S. wars in the Middle East, helped the development of new applications for proton therapy to treat spinal cord injuries.

The Congressman distinguished our district in the roles he played in Washington. Jerry, and his wife, Arlene, have brought meaning to the words, “public servants.” They worked hard to make a difference. We wish them a well-deserved, enjoyable retirement and we look forward to always welcoming them back on campus whenever they have a chance to visit with us."

Rep. Ed Royce, 40th Congressional District

"Upon receiving the news that my good friend and colleague, Congressman Jerry Lewis, has announced his retirement and my other friend and colleague, Congressman Gary Miller, has chosen to run for the newly drawn 31st Congressional District, I offer them both my wishes of support and encouragement.

Congressman Lewis is an honorable man who has diligently represented his community for many years, and I applaud him for his capable service.

It is my belief that Congressman Gary Miller is the correct choice to represent the newly-drawn 31st Congressional District in San Bernardino County.  In his race for the 31st District, Gary Miller has not only my endorsement, but my full support and backing in his upcoming election.

I wish both Jerry Lewis and Gary Miller my congratulations on their news and much success on their upcoming endeavors."

Rep. Ken Calvert, 44th Congressional District

“The House is losing a great man with the retirement of my good friend, and mentor, Jerry Lewis. From his early days in Congress, Congressman Jerry Lewis has worked tirelessly for the good of the nation and for the well-being of his constituents. Whether it was securing water supplies for southern California, rebuilding our defense programs, supporting the nascent unmanned aerial vehicle, eliminating wasteful spending or improving the quality of life for thousands of Inland Empire residents, Jerry Lewis has been the definition of a leader and a patriot. His great depth of knowledge will be sorely missed by the entire House and especially the House Appropriations Committee, where he served as the Chairman and Ranking Member.

“I congratulate Jerry on his retirement and while he will be deeply missed here in Washington, D.C., he has much to look forward to as he enjoys retired life with his wonderful wife Arlene, his children and grandchildren.”

Rep. Dan Lungren, Third Congressional District

“The announced retirement of Wally Herger is a loss for the House of Representatives. Wally is without a doubt one of the hardest working members for his constituents and the American people. I know he will work just as hard in his last year as he did the first time he stepped foot in the Capitol back in 1987.  In addition to his work ethic and commitment to the people he represents, he is truly one of the nicest individuals I have had the pleasure to know. He will be missed.”

Rep. Gary Miller, 42 Congressional District

"Today, Congressman Jerry Lewis (R-Redlands) announced his retirement after 17 terms in Congress.  His retirement means California’s 31st District will lose 34 years of seniority.  Congressman Gary Miller, a successful businessman, chairman of the Financial Services Subcommittee on International Monetary Policy and Trade, and California’s senior member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, has announced his intention to seek reelection to the new 31st Congressional District.

“Jerry Lewis has been a great leader in Congress and for California,” said Miller.  “His commitment to his constituents and the integrity he has shown over his career will be missed.”

Continued Miller, “California is losing a tremendous amount of influence in Washington with the recent retirements of Jerry, Wally Herger, and Elton Gallegly.  There are serious challenges ahead if we are going to rein in out-of-control spending, fight President Obama’s efforts to increase taxes, and fix our economy.  We are losing decades of seniority with these retirements and it will mean California’s congressional delegation has to work that much harder to protect California’s interests.”

Zoe Lane, Occupy Redlands

"Congratulations, Mr. Lewis - You get to retire as a multimillionaire while the people that made that possible for you get to go on struggling to make ends meet, continue to lose their homes left and right, and worry about losing their jobs (*involuntarily*) if they're lucky enough to have a job at all. Like George W. Bush, you'll leave office with the people you supposedly served badly hurting. Congratulations indeed."

Al Kelley, Occupy Redlands

"Jerry Bear...........will miss your 'secret earmarks' and non-evolving hairpiece!"

Steve Valkenburg, Occupy Redlands

"Jerry, Don't let the door hit you on the way out!"