Bill deeply influenced our class of policy analysts in our formation as professionals. The values I took away from my class work and research with Bill included:
- Be rigorous in your analysis. Use facts; verify them before using them. Apply them carefully.
- Respect others. You may challenge someone’s opinions, assumptions, and/or reasoning, but do not attack the person.
- Remember to challenge your own opinions, assumptions, and reasoning, especially when they may lead to more government activity.
- Have a sense of humor. You will encounter much absurdity in policy work.
- Have integrity. We all know Bill paid a price to maintain his integrity. That inspired many of us to have that courage when necessary.
- Make time to help others, especially those less fortunate than you.
- Enjoy each day and thank God for it.
I have drawn on Bill’s wonderful example for the 30-plus years of my career in public policy. The value of his example has been beyond measure—which I’m sure would strike Bill as ironic.
May he rest in peace.