*  *  *  I join you this afternoon to once again share my thoughts on the prospects of our financial market. I have been asked specifically to talk about the issues confronting the capital market and identify policy directions. From where we came Everyone in this room is well aware that this issue is neither new nor novel.
Therefore, we spend a good deal of time thinking about the issues facing community banks and how to help them be competitive in today’s economy. I recognize that as MDIs you share many of the same issues as other community banks, and also some issues that are unique to your sector.