The Helenic Era Begins

In her first speech after being sworn in as borough president, Helen Marshall detailed "ambitious" goals for the future of Queens, while at the same time saying that her plans would be built upon the foundation laid by her predecessor, Claire Shulman.
Surrounded by hordes of renowned public officials and community leaders, including Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who administered the oath of officecalling it a "distinct pleasure"Marshall expressed pride in becoming Queens first African-American Beep. "Being elected borough president is an affirmation of what is good and decent about this countryI was not judged by the color of my skin, but by the content of my character. I want that for everyone of this City," said Marshall, echoing Martin Luther King Jr.
Though the ceremony marked the culmination of Marshalls career to date, which took her from the ranks of Democratic District Leader to the State Assembly and finally the City Council, the newly coronated "Queen of Queens" shared the limelight with the boroughs exiting monarch. Marshall praised Shulman, who lent the new Beep her critical endorsement during her campaign. "I am fortunate in that I am taking over an office that has had one of the most capable leaders this borough and this entire City has ever knownI plan to continue so much of what is being termed the Shulman legacy."
Introducing Marshall with brief remarks, Shulman was similarly gracious. "I am proud to hand the reins of county government to [Marshall]," said Shulman, who was prohibited by term limits from running again for the post she had held since 1986. Although Marshalls regime marks the beginning of a new era for Queens, by early indications, Marshalls allegiance to the Shulman epoch is more than just talk. In addition to pledging her dedication to continue many of Shulmans platforms, Marshall is maintaining numerous key staff members from the previous administration.
Even the venue selected to host the occasion recalled Shulmans career. The New York Hall of Science, located in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, part of the area Marshall represented as a Councilwoman, was the site of Shulmans first inauguration too. But the Hall had other significance for Marshall as well. "Its symbolic about how I feel about the future. Queens is the borough of the future."
First and foremost in Marshalls vision of Queens future is the amelioration of its educational system, an issue close to her heart, since she worked as an early childhood teacher prior to her terms in the Assembly. Announcing that she was "putting the Board of Education and the School Construction Authority on notice," Marshall vowed to continue the "War Room" on school construction that was initiated by Shulman as part of her drive to insure that "every student has a seata real seat, not a chair with a clipboard in the hallway." Other education reforms proposed by Marshall include the inception of a "parents institute" to involve parents in their childrens academic lives; investing in new technology for students, such as laptops; and the creation of a "buddy system" whereby ESL students would pair with native speakers in a symbiotic exchange of language, knowledge, and culture.
In affirming her dedication to providing affordable housing, Marshall proposed "intergenerational housing opportunities," where families and seniors live in the same housing project to encourage interaction between the two communities.
Cultural diversity was another recurring theme of Marshalls speech. Standing before an overflowing crowd as heterogeneous as Queens itself, Marshall recounted how her own unique background opened her mind to the fact that "diversity is our most valuable resource." She announced her intention of forming a General Assembly, a League of Nations of sorts exclusively for Queens. Representatives from each ethnic group in the borough would be selected to constitute the Assemblys population with the aim of uniting the microcosmic rainbow of cultures that shines across the county.
The audience greeted the words of Queens new borough president with enthusiasm. The residents in attendance appeared up to helping Marshall realize the expectations she voiced in her closing statement. "My plans for the future are ambitious. I can only accomplish them by enlisting your support."
Even with strong popular support, however, Marshall will have her work cut out for her. With budget cuts by the mayor speculated to be up to 20 percent for her office, Marshalls resources promise to be considerably less than Shulmans.