Capitol Words a project of the Sunlight Foundation

Rep. Mike Quigley

Mr. Speaker, Chicago is a city of many treasures. From the architecture to the museums and cultural institutions, from the sports teams to our food, there are many, many reasons to celebrate the Windy City. But with so much to do, see, and eat, some of our city's finest features do not make it onto most tourists' to-do lists. But if you want to share with the visitors some of the true heart and soul of Chicago, drive down Lake Shore Drive with our lake on one side and our beautiful skyline on the other and 93 WXRT on the radio.

I have tried to explain to my children about the vast wasteland that was music radio in Chicago before XRT. Forty years ago, all you had was the same 10 songs on AM radio. Then came XRT, with a rich, diverse playlist, with a passion and an integrity unmatched even today. No coincidence it became a 24-hour station in 1976, demonstrating our city's unique commitment to independent thinking and an unbridled celebration of art and music.

Like many others, XRT linked me to a new world. XRT encouraged me to leave my sterile environment and travel to the Earl of Old Town to listen to Steve Goodman and my first concert at the Aragon Ball Room to see Mott the Hoople and the New York Dolls, not to mention other famous haunts that played host to greats like Iggy Pop, David Bowie, Muddy Waters, Frank Zappa, Roxie Music and the like.

Thank you, XRT, for 40 great years. You made me a better person. And when your kids turn their dial to 93, they will find Lin Brehmer, ``your best friend in the whole world.'' Lin has been the morning voice of XRT for the last 20 years and is a Chicago institution unto himself. For 20 years, Lin has been there with us to celebrate all things Chicago, from commiserating with us over another Chicago Cubs loss to suggesting the perfect restaurant for a post-concert dinner. He shares with us the best of the city and makes sure we better understand the world with ``Lin's Bin.'' He helps us discover new sounds, rediscover old favorites and provides an unparalleled soundtrack to our days.

A celebrated fixture in radio, Lin has received a variety of honors throughout his illustrious career. In 1990, he was honored as Music Director of the Decade by Hard Report.

Lin's musical sensibilities are nicely summed up by his motto, borrowed from the writing of Gerard Manley Hopkins: ``Flesh fade and mortal trash fall to the residuary worm, you and I might as well rock and roll.'' Dubbed the Reverend of Rock and Roll early in his radio career, Lin sought to put together a radio program unlike any other.

Now, more than 35 years since he first hosted a radio show in Albany, New York, Lin has succeeded in doing that and so much more.

Radio isn't Lin's only passion; he is also quite the accomplished foodie, never going anywhere without a food guide in his car and his self-described ``eating pants,'' an outfit with enough give to accommodate another Chicago meal--oh, that Wiener Circle. His favorite restaurants in Chicago include a wide variety of cuisine for an even broader array of occasions. His recommendations have included ``best upscale Mexican restaurant for when you want to leave the kids at home'' and the very specific ``best late night steak burrito.'' I'm sure he also enjoys splitting a cinnamon roll with our friend and his colleague, Teri Hemmert, another Chicago jewel, at her favorite table at Ann Sather's Restaurant on the north side.

Lin Brehmer is a man who helps us discover the best about Chicago, and in doing so, has become a Chicago treasure himself. We appreciate and applaud his career as one of our city's finest radio personalities and most recognizable voices, and look forward to the music experiences and food he will help us discover in his next 20 years. Thank you, Lin, for always reminding us why it's great to be alive.