Press Office
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Speeches
by
Helen M. Marshall |
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INAUGURATION SPEECH –
JANUARY
3, 2006
Thank you Justice Leech. And thank you Mayor Bloomberg, Reverend
Tweed, Assemblyman Aubry, and each of you who have joined me today
as I begin my second term as your Borough President.
It is truly fitting that we meet here, in Flushing Meadows-Corona
Park in the center of our magnificent Borough. 67 years ago,
this park was created as a legacy of the 1939 World's Fair. 24
years later the park was home to the 1964-65 World's Fair. Both
of these events were dedicated to sharing knowledge and technology
between people from every corner of the globe. I sometimes wonder
what the planners of these great fairs would think if they saw this
park, and this Borough, today in the 21st century. On any summer
afternoon, this park is the world's backyard --- with children playing
ball, families having picnics and visitors strolling.
Queens County in 2006 is the greatest collection of people ever assembled;
with more than 150 languages spoken and almost half our population
born in a foreign land. Family ties, business connections and cultural
histories extend globally. And, in an era of instant communication,
we understand more and we can respond faster than any generation that
came before us.
Here in the Borough of Queens, we have our share of the same issues,
problems and concerns as our brethren around the world. And,
as elected officials we need to respond effectively and honestly to
you, the people, who have elected us to office. For many are
called, but few are chosen, to be chosen is a rare honor and responsibility
which I take very seriously and with great joy. It is our sacred
obligation to wisely use the responsibility you have bestowed on us. I
hope I have lived up to your expectations in the past 4 years: and
I hope to do so in the next 4.
The office of the Borough Presidency is manifold. The key contributions
it provides are: insuring that our capital needs such as building schools,
public institutions and major technology are attended to; advocating
for needed programs and services; coordinating policies that best meet
our needs; and responding to constituents seeking to navigate the maze
of government. In the past four years I have worked hard to accomplish
the goals I set forth in my first term. With the help of many
of you, I am proud of all that has been completed.
I have helped open more than 25 new schools that have provided
more than 25,000 more seats;
I have allocated over $30 million dollars to our libraries
for expansions and renovations; My history with the Queens Libraries
goes back to 1957, long before I even thought of public office. I am
proud to be the recipient of the Empire Friends Daniel W. Casey Award
for 2005. This award is given to the individual who has been
the largest contributor to a country library in the State of New York.
I have initiated our first needle exchange program which
will prevent the spread of HIV-AIDS; But I did it my way. All
Exchange locations will be full service providers. Every recipient
of needles will face the possibility of Freedom from Drugs;
I have allocated funds to convert the beautiful old Courthouse
in the Rockaways to be the first City University facility on the Peninsula;
I have created the New York City Housing Authority
Youth Initiative which has sponsored scouting and sports programs; And
now we have added Tennis in Hammel Houses. I plan to expand this to
Queensbridge and Jamaica Developments;
I have supported economic development in our commercial
hubs of Jamaica, Flushing, and Long Island City for new office, retail
and residential growth; We are fortunate to have a vital
and active Queens Chamber of Commerce, the greater Jamaica Development
Corporation, the LIC Business Development Corporation, the Queens West
Development Corporation, and each of the Business Improvement Districts
throughout our Borough for their Cooperation and support in strengthening
our borough's economic magnificence;
I have worked with our task forces to review zoning issues
and problems of illegal conversions so that our neighborhoods remain
desirable places for families to live;
I have invested $50 million dollars in our parks so that
they can be enjoyed by all;
I have expanded my Domestic Violence Task Force to
include child maltreatment and elder abuse --- and our ANNUAL conference
has grown larger and taken on national significance.
I have funded the expansion of our cultural institutions
so that they can provide the services and programs necessary for our
growing population;
I have convened the first tourism roundtables that have
resulted in an increased awareness of the tourist opportunities in
our museums, parks and neighborhoods; making Queens an exciting destination.
And, something I am very proud of --- I have created
a Queens General Assembly so that our multi-ethnic population has a
forum to share their cultures and foster tolerance and understanding
between people. Just imagine two Indians watching the Pilgrims
landing on Plymouth Rock and one said to the other - "There goes the
neighborhood"... We cherish being the most multi-ethnic county in the
World. We are like World Travelers in our own neighborhoods, enjoying
the richness of all cultures in our own backyard.
None of this could have been accomplished without the participation
of my colleagues in government; The City Council, The State Assembly
and Senate, and our Congressional Delegation. It has been a bipartisan
effort including both republican and democrats throughout. And of course,
our community members --- many of who volunteer their
time and knowledge. I salute you all and I thank you.
NOW THE FUTURE IS UPON US AND YOU AINT SEEN NOTHING YET!
I ask you to join me as we begin anew in the year of 2006.
In 2002, when I was sworn in for my first term, we were in uncharted
waters --- we were still hurting and many of us were not sure what
direction the City was headed. Clearly, we have recovered [and
a great deal of that credit goes to our Mayor and my friend, Michael
Bloomberg. Thank you, Mike. We have worked together well
and I have no doubt that we will accomplish great things in the
next four years.] New York City has tremendous human resources
that get us through the difficult times --- and that was certainly
the case last month as shown by our perseverance during the transit
strike.
I am keenly aware of how the only constant in this great city is
change itself. New York City is always being re-invented and re-defined. Neighborhoods
change, schools change, shops change, cultural venues change --- nothing
remains static.
As I look ahead, there are key issues that impact every sector of
the Borough and deserve our attention.
ENSURING QUALITY HEALTH SERVICES FOR ALL IS A PRIME ISSUE:
We also have to address the coming hospital crisis which
I am afraid looms in the future. I will not tolerate the closing
of any hospitals in Queens. Currently Queens has 1.4 hospital
beds per 1,000 residents --- Manhattan has 7.1 hospital beds per 1,000. This
is a gross inequality. I will testify before the
Governor's Commission on Health Care Facilities in the 21st Century
in Albany to acknowledge this fact and not shortchange the people of
Queens. The Commission must pinpoint the actual health needs
of our people and plan accordingly -- Just counting hospital beds cannot
be the only criteria!! I also plan to work closely with our Queens
State Legislators to properly evaluate and protect health services
for Queens. This is especially troubling as we are the home of two
major airports, and in an emergency scenario, local hospitals are essential. I
do not want the people of Queens left in dire straits or put into the
position of having to travel far from their homes in order to receive
treatment. This would be an unfair burden --- especially on those
who seriously ill and can least afford it.
Last year we had a shortage of the flu vaccine. In
a Borough with more than 370,000 people over the age of 60, this caused
alarm and fear. While we managed to cope, I am concerned about
the future. The spread of new strains of influenza gives us a mandate
to develop a vaccination system that meets the needs of all members
of our society. i have been and will continue to pursue
bringing the biotech industry into our borough. presently we
have great examples of what this industry can yield. at elmhurst
hospital we have two robots, one analyzes blood samples and the other
fills prescriptions. we want to put more robots to work here
in our borough.
SENIORS:
Queens has a very vital and active senior population, a large network
of senior centers, seniors very often provide the backbone of our civic
organizations and many other volunteer efforts, we have a great para-transit
network. A concern that around this year was a plan to substitute hot
meals with once a week frozen meals. I was able to stop this horrendous
initiative. While I am Borough President our senior citizens will have
a friendly face and a hot meal delivered to their door every day.
HOUSING:
Housing is a fundamental right. In this City, and especially
this Borough, we have seen so much innovative housing development and
types that have been vanguards for the rest of the country. There
was a time when building quality, affordable housing for the middle
class was the norm, not the exception. Look at the co-ops in Jackson
Heights, or Sunnyside Gardens that were developed in 1920's and are
still excellent examples of places to live and for the middle class
to raise a family. We must strive to recreate the lofty goals
of these developments --- where quality housing can reflect public,
private partnerships to meet the housing needs of our people.
My goals include intergenerational housing, mixed income levels,
such as the 80/20's whereby 80% of the people are market rentals and
20% are below market rents. Some affordable components in areas like
Queens West and all developments that are on the drawing board now.
Young people both married and single today have high incomes but decent
housing is still not within their grasp.
We have to be more innovative in how we develop our communities so that it benefits all sectors of our society. Currently we are rebuilding Arverne in Rockaway. Ultimately there will be close
to 4,000 new homes providing quality housing. Plans are underway
for the continued development of Queens West, the Airtrain site in
Jamaica. These areas are to be mixed-use projects with commercial,
retail, cultural and housing components. They are important economic
development projects that will bring jobs, commerce and housing. I
want to see that they follow the model we have put forth in the Flushing
Municipal Lot development whereby a portion of the project will be
housing that will be within the financial costs of those who are the
backbone of our city --- teachers, nurses, bus drivers and all those
who contribute to the greatness of New York City but are slowly being
forced out of New York City due to the high cost of housing.
Queens is defined by our neighborhoods --- and I will continue
to work with community leaders and the Department of City Planning
in their efforts to study their zoning needs and make the proper recommendations
for future development. A balance must be struck so that there
are ample opportunities for growth, but not at the expense of destroying
the historic character of a community.
ILLEGAL CONVERSIONS:
We mustprovide for decent accommodations within the context
of balanced community growth. If we do not, we will see more incidents
of overcrowding and its terrible consequences such as the fire that
took place last month claiming the lives of three small children and
an elderly man. When I visited the Site I was pleased to see the
Fire Prevention Truck that I provided funding for (click for pic) at
the scene talking to and circulating materials to alert the family
in like circumstances to prevent such disasters. The Department of
Buildings and the Fire Department need and should be given the resources
to deal with violations that lead to tragedies. We clearly need
the investment of the Federal Government Funds to meet the need of
our ever expanding population. This includes safe accommodations for
those that are victims of domestic violence, seniors and young families
who are just beginning their ascent up the economic ladder
EDUCATION:
"All of us do not have equal talent but all of us should have
an opportunity to develop their talents," a quote from John F.
Kennedy, "for me that establishes the real mission of Public Education." It
is crucial that we provide our youth more meaningful opportunities
not only in their school houses but also in sports, business knowledge
and the Arts. One of my first initiatives was to establish a Parents
Advisory Council here at Borough Hall. It consisted of parents, educators
and interested citizens. After two years it culminated into a major
conference at Queens College involving at least 400 parents, the Chancellor,
our State Regent Dr. Chapey and Mayor Bloomberg. We established some
core concerns and possible solutions through very exciting workshops.
That was only the beginning. Education is a prime priority of my administration.
We will continue our work.
YOUTH:
As all parents know, every stage is important in a child's life,
from preschool through their teens ... Each stage provides the building
blocks towards a productive life. --- During the teen years, young
people have to begin making decisions that will impact and give direction
to their future. Many times, we, as policy makers make decisions
concerning youth without ever listening to what they have to say. I
have initiated a Youth Task Force made up on young men and women recommended
by our Community Boards and Provider Groups that will serve as an advisory
board to my Office. This spring, we will sponsor a Youth Forum
that will bring together young men and women to discuss issues important
to them. I want to understand their concerns and work with them
in setting goals and making recommendations on topics affecting their
lives.
We have already brought together the Queens Providers to partner
with us in this most important venture. STAY
POSTED.
A great deal can come out of fostering youth development
and empowerment. While our schools are improving and there is
more choice, especially on the high school level, class room learning
is just one part of gaining knowledge. I will continue to urge
our great cultural institutions to partner with local schools to show
students what it is like to explore a museum or do hands-on work through
internships and mentoring programs. I want to see city agencies
be more proactive in developing recruitment and entry level opportunities;
and I want our business community to share their knowledge and expertise
that young people have exposure to a world outside of their norm. I
call upon our Chamber of Commerce to help us in this effort to develop
internships in your place of business.
(While I have outlined these issues as priorities, this in no
way diminishes the many other ongoing concerns. While I am proud
to have contributed funds for new schools, expanded libraries, and
more parks in the last 4 years, I promise that I will continue to fight
for and fund those institutions that are essential to the development
of our Borough.)
In this year we will see the opening of new facilities such as the
Joseph P. Addabbo Family Health Center in Arverne; the High School
of Architecture and Planning in Woodhaven; the Performing Arts Center
at the former Dutch Reform Church in Jamaica and the new sports field
in Queensbridge Park in Long Island City. This year we will break ground
for the new Frank Sinatra High School for the Arts; a renovation of
the Museum of the Moving Image, a new stadium for the New York Mets;
Willets Point will be born anew; and, the old RKO Keith Theatre will
once again light the path of Main Street, Flushing, along with a great
Plaza and Development Parking Lot. And, they are but some of the many
projects which we see move forward over the next four years.
There is so much going on in the borough Queens. Queens is constantly
changing and I believe for the better. We can learn from planning mistakes
of the past, we can capitalize on the latest technology. Fortunately,
we have enough open space to plan properly.
STAFF:
When I cam into the Borough Presidency I had certain goals in mind,
I guess they were really hopes, I cannot tell you how much it has meant
to me to see my staff carry out these goals with expertise and enthusiasm. "AN
IDEA IS ONLY AS GOOD AS ITS FULLFILMENT." Our staff at Borough
Hall, in spite on an almost 50% cut in numbers, has not only worked
the Marshall Plan (as they call it), but they each have doubled, and
in some instances, tripled their workload. I like each and every one
of them here to please stand, starting with Karen Koslowitz, our Deputy
Borough President, and Alex Rosa, our Chief of Staff. I applaud them
all.
I want to thank you for sharing this day with me. And I would like
to again thank all of the dignitaries and community groups who have
participated in this ceremony. And a special thanks to my family starting
with my husband Donald, who has always given me support, courage and
love. To my son Donald, and his wife Chalena, my daughter Agnes, my
sister Joan, and of course, my two special grandsons Chandler and Chasen,
my cousins and many lifetime friends. And each of you - my Queens
neighbors and friends.
Thank you for your confidence and support throughout the years. I consider public service a privilege and an honor. Thank you for giving
me both.
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