Carroll Gardener Speaks At State Senator Squadron's Inauguration

oo

Vincent Joseph

I thoroughly enjoyed attending the swearing-in of Daniel Squadron to the office of State Senator, representing the 25th Senate District. The ceremony took place at St. Francis College yesterday. Senator Squadron had invited Carroll Gardener Vincent Joseph to speak at the inauguration. Mr. Joseph delivered a great speech.
I asked him if I could reprint it here for all and he was kind enough to agree.
Here it is.

Since December of 2007 I have served on the core committee of the Union-Sackett Block Association, an organization that formed for the purpose of giving a voice to our neighborhood in the face of large real estate development in Carroll Gardens. It is through my work for this group that I came to know Daniel Squadron, who was a fellow member of our association.

In the last week, with the inauguration of Barack Obama, we all experienced America making history in a positive way, in a way that we have not experienced in recent memory. Suddenly we are seeing new possibilities for the future of our nation.
Now, more than ever, it is very important for us to have representatives on the local level who are not interested in perpetuating the status quo.
I recognize there are limits to how much my state senator can get done on his own, but I do have some expectations.

First, I expect him to be honest, always.
I expect my state senator to be more of a role model than a sports figure or a music or movie star. They never ask for my support or my vote, my proxy, but my senator has.
I want my senator to inspire trust, even during those times when we might not agree.
It is very important to me that my senator pay special attention to the marginalized, the less articulate, the old and also the young, as both these groups often have unique and enlightening points of view, as well as special needs.
I expect my senator to lead, but also to engage us, the constituents, in dialogue often, and to be in touch frequently.
Lastly, a sense of humor is an asset that can’t be underestimated!
I think we would all agree that Daniel Squadron fills the bill in every way. I am very proud to have him as my state senator and to be here on the day of his inauguration.