Westland Hialeah Senior High School
4000 West 18th Avenue
Wednesday, February 20, 2008 at 10am

Opening

Thank you, Senator Villalobos for your kind words. You are a man of true
conviction – never putting politics or party before the people you serve.

I also want to thank Commissioner Seijas and Mayor Robaina for welcoming me to Hialeah. Combined, they have served this city for more than 30 years and called it home for many more.

I’d like to thank all of our program participants, especially our young program
participants and greeters. I’d like to ask those young people to stand. Let’s give them a hand. Ladies and gentleman, these are just some of the children supported by The Children’s Trust.

It is The Children’s Trust that is making possible health teams in our schools; the Trust that is paying for higher-quality after-school care and summer camp for 45,000 children; the Trust that is investing millions for higher-quality child care. Later this year, we all will be asked if we want The Children’s Trust to continue funding valuable and critically-needed children’s programs. I can tell you now – and without hesitation – that The Children’s Trust has my vote. I hope it has yours.

Before you leave here today, I’d also like you to take a good look around at the campus of Westland Hialeah Senior High. It’s a state-of-the-art three-story school, maximizing available acreage to create a productive educational environment. Today’s event inaugurates the auditorium. I’d like to ask the leadership of Westland Senior to stand as well as Superintendent Rudy Crew. Thank you for providing excellence in education.

Chairman Bruno Barreiro, Members of the Board of County Commissioners, Hialeah Council Members, Madam State Attorney Fernandez-Rundle, Fellow Elected Officials, members of our Consular Corps, Clerk Ruvin, Mr. Manager, County Attorney Cuevas, Superintendent Crew, Department Directors, Fellow County Employees, Miami-Dade County residents and friends. Bienvenidos. Bon jour.

One year ago, I stood before you eager to begin the transition to a new form of government. Determined to make it work. Ready to take on new challenges. Ready to realize our potential. We have taken the first steps.

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