Lucas -
Today, we celebrate our larger New York family and the fundamental understanding that binds New Yorkers together:
That big dreams are not a luxury reserved for a privileged few, but the animating force behind every community, in every borough.
So now, as we begin a new year and open the next chapter of our city's history, we commit to a new progressive direction in New York.
We will reform a broken stop-and-frisk policy, protect health care in all communities, and ask the very wealthy to pay a little more in taxes so that we can offer full-day universal pre-K and after-school programs for every middle school student.
We know this won’t be easy. And it won’t be accomplished only by me.
It will be accomplished by all of us.
So I ask of you: continue to make your voices heard. Be at the center of this debate.
Together, we will remember that we are a city of five boroughs -- all created equal. And that New York is a city that fights injustice and inequality, not just because it honors our values, but because it strengthens our people.
When I said we would take dead aim at the Tale of Two Cities, I meant it.
And we will do it.
Our march towards a fairer, more just, more progressive place — our march to keep the promise of New York alive for the next generation — begins today.
I will honor the faith and trust you have placed in me. And we will give life to the hope of so many in our city.
I couldn't be more proud to have you by my side,
Bill