Final Thoughts

When do the responsibilities of office override an elected official’s desires, likes, and dislikes?

As I write this, it is Columbus Day. In The New York Times today, there was an article about the fact that Mayor Mamdani will not be participating in the Columbus Day Parade celebrating Italian culture. He hadn’t been involved in the Israel Day Parade earlier though he was front and center in the St. Patrick’s, Puerto Rican, Dominican, and other parades throughout the city since assuming office.

I personally hate parades. As a younger kid, I participated in a few and even once stood in the cold on March 17th to cheer on the Irish. I had already had a great amount of beer beginning the night before with a few friends to see me through the ordeal.

After I became an elected official, it was suddenly just part of the job to march. Though the parades in Stuart are much smaller than in a big city, it was my obligation to wave to the crowd. Even when I first ran before being elected, I began attending.

A few instances after my time in office, I also helped organize a festival and parade. At some point, that responsibility fades and others take over those responsibilities. But you do what you can do for your community, which is part of the implied contract for those elected.

Mayor Mamdani is not only the chief executive but also the ceremonial head of the city. He is the cheerleader for all New Yorkers regardless of whether he believes Jews or Italians should be celebrated or not. The beauty of New York, indeed all of America, is how the many come together as one but can still have individual pride in where they or their ancestors immigrated from.

That is something some of us have forgotten. To be an American doesn’t mean you give up your heritage. It doesn’t mean you can’t be proud of your race or ethnic group. It is all part of what being an American is all about. It is what makes us special.

Mayor Mamdani should take a couple of hours and be Italian, Irish, Polish, Puerto Rican, Jew, Dominican, Jamaican, Indian, Chinese or any other nationality or race that your constituents want to celebrate. It is your responsibility to be the ceremonial head of New York City in all its diversity.

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GET THE WORD OUT  

Friends and Neighbors of Martin County is your eyes and ears so that you know what is going on in Martin County’s municipal and county governments. I attempt to be informative and timely so that you may understand how your tax money is being spent. Though I go to the meetings and report back, I am no substitute for your attending meetings. Your elected officials should know what is on your mind.

Tom Campenni 772-341-7455 (c) Email: thomasfcampenni@gmail.com