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Dick Lee’s Last Inaugural

by Staff | Dec 30, 2007 2:30 pm

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Posted to: Politics

lee.gifFollowing is the text of the address Richard C. Lee gave upon his inauguration as mayor for an eighth term, at Conte School on Jan. 1, 1968.

For me it is both a moment of great honor and a moment, indeed, of humility to take the oath of office today and become the first mayor in the history of this city, going back to 1638, to win re-election for an eighth consecutive term — but I recognize even in this moment of both honor adn humility the grave responsibility which is mine. I pledge to all of you my determination to use every ounce of my strength and all of the years of my experience to meet the challenges which I am certain the next two years will bring.

We gather at a time when the cities of America are in ferment both of social change and social revolution. Never before in the history of America has so much discord been heard in our cities — and New Haven is no exception.

My election was by a majority of the people of our community — people of all faiths, all races and every ethnic background and I represent, therefore, all of the people, and so help me God, I will lead all of the people in our city without fear or favor in the next 24 months. As mayor I shall continue to welcome ideas from whatever section of the city they may come, just as I shall welcome positive suggestions dealing with existing programs. But let no man or group mistake patience or compassion for weakness. And let no man mistake recognition of the rights or the civil liberties of all for unwillingness to enforce the law.

I recognize the rights just as I respect the opinions of all of the people in our community — young and old, white and black, rich and poor, conservative and liberal — for a government without challenge or without constructive opposition will not long be responsive to the needs and the will of the people.

Just as there is one mayor for all of the people of New Haven, there is as well but one set of laws for all the people — and as long as I am mayor those laws will be enforced without fear or favor wherever and whenever necessary. For only in a city of order, in a city free from anarchy, can individual opinions be expressed and individual liberties protected.

I pledge that this administration in 1968 and 1969 will continue to encourage the comments and the opinions of citizens on all subjects whether in the field of housing, or equal opportunity, or civil liberties, or education, because the basis of democracy is an active forum for discussion and the free exchange of ideas. But violations of our laws will not be tolerated, and I pledge that the city will protect and safeguard people on the streets, in their homes, in the schools, and indeed throughout the community.

This is a special occasion for me for many reasons, for I follow in the tradition of Roger Sherman, the first mayor of New Haven, who served from 1784 to 1793 and who was one of the first signers of the Declaration of Independence. In the spirit and the tradition of Roger Sherman, in the days and months ahead I will continue to do all in my power to create and to preserve an environment of freedom and equal opportunity for all who dwell in our city.

One warning note, however, as these brief remarks of mine draw to a close, and I mean it with all my heart: Equal opportunity for all people carries as well equal responsibility and equal obligation for all. None can deny this and all should understand this from whatever background or whatever origin we spring.

On this first day of January, 1968, as I begin my 15th year as mayor, I say to all of you that we shall continue to press forward with the programs, the business and the commitment to improve the opportunities for all the people of New Haven. But let there be no misunderstanding that I shall as well enforce the same set of laws for all people whether in the streets or in the schools. This is a great city for all people; it is a great city which offers opportunity for everyone and so it will remain as long as I am mayor, so help me God.

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