REMARKS
Brooks Powers speaks in support of Adrienne Adams
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3 min
Council member Brooks Powers delivers a speech in support of Adrienne Adams.
Speaker 5
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Brooks Powers.
Speaker 7
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Permission to explain my vote.
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So, Ward, Good afternoon, colleagues.
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2 years ago, I rose in this chamber to nominate Adrienne Adams as the first ever black speaker of this council.
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We knew the election of our class was a beacon of hope to so many in our communities.
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We were the 1st ever majority women council in the city's history and the most diverse council in its history.
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Full of clear eyed leaders with a passion for making New York work for everybody.
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But the promise of that election was rivaled by an uncertainty about our future.
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We were still in the thick of the COVID 19 pandemic.
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Another wave of infection and death had just crested and crashed over our city.
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At that crucial moment, we chose Adrienne Adams as our speaker.
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We believe she had the vision and the compassion to honor the promise of this council and the strength and the experience to confront the challenges we face.
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After 2 years, it is abundantly clear.
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We were right.
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Speaker Adams has executed a bold agenda to improve the lives of every New Yorker, irrespective of race, or class or neighborhood.
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She was ushered to passage.
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She has ushered to passage transformative legislation across issue areas.
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She has sought to increase affordable housing access under her watch.
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We've built tens of thousands of new housing units, reformed the city effects voucher program, and establish a fair housing plan that will guide development in the years to come.
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She has fought to protect the right of every woman seeking an abortion.
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She has championed investments in public safety, expanded childcare programs, secured nearly a $100,000,000 in annual funding for fair fairs.
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The list goes on.
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She has led this city council through 2 budget cycles during which she has defended the essential public services and programs on which our constituents depends.
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This city is stronger, safer, cleaner, and kinder as a direct result of her leadership.
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Today, we herald the start of a new session.
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This moment is no less urgent than the last.
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The needs of our communities are still great.
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We must build more housing, strengthen our schools increase access to health care.
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We face economic headwinds that put pressure on our budget in the years to come.
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But the promise of this council endures, and it is stronger than ever.
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We have an opportunity to build on the bold work of these past 2 years to move ahead an agenda that uplifts New Yorkers in every corner of this city.
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Speaker Adams has proven that she is the right person for the job, and I could not be prouder to serve under her leadership.
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As we enter into this new term.
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So with great pride, I nominate my friend, representative of the great 28.
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Adrian Adams, speaker of the New York City Council.
