每日評論 0306 追念故友特納市長

                                                                                圖片來源： 路透社

                                                                      追念故友特納市長

十年前的一個仲夏，我邀集了包括兆瓊兄在內的十二賓客及社區領袖在我家紅廳的長桌上，為當時之州議員特納參選市長舉辦了一場溫馨而感人之募款餐會。當時聆聽了他的政見和出身，深深感人，一個從休斯敦貧民區出身最後獲得哈佛法學博士之艱辛人生，他終於要出人頭地挑戰市長寶座。

就如預期，他以民主黨籍非裔候選人當選為市長，在他任內對於華亞裔社區及許多小型企業給予許多機會，並大量提拔少數族裔進入市政高層,一直到八年任期屆滿之後並成功選上美國國會議員，不幸只有三個月時間，即因病撒手人間。

十年前之募款餐會後，我們就記下了他的私人手機號碼,有了直通電話管道，在他八年任內每年由美南新聞主辦的春節大會他從未缺席,其中一次就在市政府廣場舉行,在我們主辦的世界大戰結束七十週年大會上，面對二萬五千位羣眾他也慷慨激昂為世界和平加油。

這位傑出之非裔政治家走完了精彩之一生，身為華亞裔族羣他始終和我們站在一起，我在此感謝他,在天堂之路平安前行。

一別泉台成永隔,今朝葉落人何在?

Reminiscing About Our Friend Mayor Turner

One midsummer ten years ago, I invited twelve good friends and community leaders, including C.C. Lee, to hold a warm and touching fundraising party for the then State Representative Sylvester Turner in my house, who wanted to run for Houston City Mayor. We listened to his political views and learned about his background, which was all very deeply touching. He grew up in Houston's Third Ward in a poor family and finally got his law degree from Harvard.

As expected, he was elected Mayor of Houston as a democrat of African descents. During his tenure he help many minority businesses and promoted a large number of minorities to join the city government. After he served his 8-year term, he was successfully elected to become a U.S. Congressman. Unfortunately. he only served three months of his term. 

During his eight-year tenure, he never missed our Lunar New Year Festival, including one time in front of City Hall.

Mayor Turner as a. outstanding politician, has completed a wonderful life. As a

friend of Chinese Americans, he has always stood with us. I just want to say, Mayor, please walk safely on the road to heaven.