Local Pols React to Sen. Kennedy’s Death
Mayor Michael McGlynn:
Senator Kennedy was the preeminent advocate for issues affecting ordinary citizens of our nation and our city. His legacy obviously includes efforts to protect civil and labor rights and to bolster educational initiatives for all including a career- long devotion to individuals with special needs. Internationally he sponsored efforts to oppose the spread of nuclear weapons. But perhaps his most notable position was advocacy for Health Care Reform – a battle being waged today because of his firm belief that every American deserves health care coverage as a right and not a privilege. Senator Kennedy was most responsive when his assistance was needed at the local level. When you called upon Senator Kennedy for assistance, his response was immediate and the problem or request was resolved. One prime example of the Senator’s influence and interest in local affairs was his unwavering support for funding the COPS program which allowed cities, like Medford, to hire additional law enforcement personnel with federal start-up funding. Ted Kennedy has been called the Lion of the Senate which is a tribute to his four decades of service to his state and nation. Despite his lofty status and world wide notoriety, the Senator never lost the ability to provide a personal touch when necessary. We have lost a legend; but now we must honor his legacy by keeping his vision of a kind and compassionate America alive for every man, woman and child regardless of wealth or status.
Sheila and I join with all the citizens of Medford in expressing our deepest sympathy to his wife Vicki and members of the Kennedy family.
Congressman Edward Markey:
Today our country and the world lost a leading light and a legislative legend. Edward Kennedy was the greatest senator this country has ever known and an inspiration to all who have answered the call to public service.
Never afraid to sail against the wind in the name of justice, equality and opportunity, Senator Kennedy was a treasured friend and a legislator without peer. Throughout his distinguished career, he helped bring health care to millions of children, enabled many young people to afford a college education and ensured that so many could realize the American dream.
In these difficult times, my thoughts and prayers are with the entire Kennedy family, especially with Senator Kennedy’s wife Vicki, and with Kara, Teddy Jr. and my colleague Patrick.
To echo his own immortal words, the causes which he championed shall endure, his hopes will live on in the millions of people his work touched and the dreams of Ted Kennedy shall never die.
Attorney General Martha Coakley:
It is with profound sadness that we mourn the loss of Senator Ted Kennedy. Massachusetts has lost a son, and the nation has lost a great and compassionate statesman.
Senator Kennedy had a tremendous impact on our Commonwealth and indeed the entire country. He remained tirelessly committed to fighting for his constituents, especially on the issue of health care, even while fighting his own personal battle with cancer.
Massachusetts was truly blessed to have had him as our Senator. We will always remember his courage and his tenacity. We honor his life and his legacy.
My thoughts and prayers are with the Senator’s family during this sad time.