Some public officials may not want to face stricter ethics rules and more competitive elections, but all citizens will win when we finally get a government that puts the people’s interests, openness and integrity first.
With most of these reforms, there will be those who say we can’t, we shouldn’t, and we won’t.
They will peddle the politics of cynicism that we must now make the politics of yesterday. Because if we band together and succeed in our efforts, our future will mean a New York that values the dignity of each person -- and once more offers opportunity for all.
Two Objectives of Progressive Reform
Every policy, every action every decision we make in this administration will further two overarching objectives: we must transform our government so that it is as ethical and wise as all of New York, and we must rebuild our economy so that it is ready to compete on the global stage in the next century.
The simplicity of articulating these principles belies the complexity of the task. But victory will be ours, as it must be.
And so on this day of unbridled hope and possibility, I ask you to think not only of the challenges and aspirations that you hold in your own hearts, but of those that are held in the collective heart of New York.
This One New York includes Chris Kelder and his family, who have farmed their land in Ulster County for more than two centuries, passing their dreams on to each successive generation.
Immigrants Enrich Our State
It includes today's immigrants whose lips speak the languages of Spanish, Chinese, Korean, French and an infinite array of dialects from all over the world.
Today's immigrants enrich our state with their vitality and their vision, in the same way as the immigrants of the last century. All these different tongues translate into the incomparable work ethic of New York.
And it includes the brave immigrants who came through Ellis Island over the last century in search of a better life, one of whose grandsons stands here in front of you today the embodiment of their dreams.
Each of us comes from a different place and from a different background. Each has faced their own tests and trials along life’s journey.
But throughout the history of New York, what has always united us as a people is the recognition that we are all on this journey together, and if we’re willing to catch each other during our stumbles and look out for one another during the tough times, we have it in our power to remove any obstacles in our path and walk toward that brighter day.
No matter how great the challenge – no matter how impossible the odds – our destiny will never be a path to follow, but always a trail to blaze.
And so on this new day of a new year, I ask not just for your support, but also for your cooperation, your patience, and your participation in making our dream real once again.
Join Me in the Arena
As New York’s former Governor Theodore Roosevelt once remarked, there can be no great progress without first entering the arena.
My fellow New Yorkers: join me in that arena.
Lend your sweat, your toil and your passion to the effort of building One New York of which we can all be proud.
My fellow New Yorkers. Our moment is here.
Day One is now.
Together, let’s build that One New York. Let’s walk toward that better day.
Thank you, and God Bless.
