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More than any other state, Florida defines the breathtaking scope of our American experience. It was here that Europeans first ventured into the New World, an from here, genius and courage took mankind to the moon. From Florida, America literally reaches for the stars.
I am deeply honored for the privilege given to me by
the people of Florida to lead our great state. I love living in
Florida and love serving her people and working to make our home the
greatest state in the nation. Already we are accomplishing great
things, but there is much more work to do.
I am inspired by my grandfather Adam, who came to
this country in 1914 from the island of Cyprus. He arrived nearly
penniless at Ellis Island in New York City and was told that they were
hiring shoeshine boys in Altoona, Pennsylvania. He went there and
worked for the five dollars a month. His struggles and his love of freedom
have inspired my family for two generations.
My grandfather's legacy reminds me that future
generations in Florida will be shaped and inspired by decisions made today
by state and community leaders. For that reason, I am committed to
working to provide a solid foundation for Florida's children, so they can
develop their full potential and build their own hopes and dreams for the
future.
I cognize that Florida's diverse wealth of cultural
and historical resources play an important role in enhancing the quality of
life in our state. As Floridians, we enjoy great opportunities for a
strong education, economic development and community revitalization.
The programs and services of the Divisions of Cultural Affairs and
Historical Resources stimulate and contribute to the economic engine that
assures a brighter future for all our citizens.
Florida is at a pivotal moment in her history, and
our best days are still ahead. As we enter this new and exciting era,
I look forward to working as "The People's Governor" because the people of
Florida are my boss. I am committed to always listening -- to both the
needs that are important to the people, and to ideas for meeting those
needs. This exchange of ideas is what makes Florida a great
place -- for both today and tomorrow.
GOVERNOR CHARLIE CRIST was elected to serve a
Florida's Governor on November 7, 2006. Charlie Crist was born in 1956
in Altoona, Pennsylvania. His family settled in St. Petersburg,
Florida in 1960. Governor Crist received his undergraduate degree from
Florida State University in 1978, and his law degree from the Cumberland
School of Law in Birmingham, Alabama. He was elected to the Florida
Senate in 1992. In 1999, Governor Jeb Bush appointed him Deputy
Secretary of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
In 2000, Governor Crist became Florida's last elected Commissioner of
Education, and in 2002, Florida's first elected Republican Attorney General.
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