"Salute to Progress" Luncheon January 9, 1957 LADIES AND GENTLEMEN: I am proud to be among those speaking at this important occasion honoring our good friend and dynamic leader, Mayor George Christopher. It is a particular privilege, inasmuch as I come as a representative of the past, while the other speaking heretoday her products of the present and the future. As last year's Chamber president, I feel a bit like "Old Man 1956" coming back for a curtain call but I am glad. For I bring to the stage for your applause a man who not only has richly earned the tribute afforded him today but will perform, outstandingly, again and again. I had the privilege of working closely with Mayor Christopher during his first progressive year. I want to say that from the viewpoint of the president's office at the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce during that period, we had never worked with a more stimulating, active and aggressive Mayor of San Francisco. George Christopher, during his many years of public service, was never found wanting in ability and leadership; these attributes he took with him to the office of Mayor and has used them to the great benefit of all San Francisco In the field of community betterment, many of the programs initiated or sponsored by civic groups such as the Chamber and the Down Town Association depend finally upon political action to become reality. Without strong leader ship in the Mayor's office, many a worthwhile program either dies a'borning or suffers from "paralysis by analysis" because the faint-hearted are afraid to make a decision.