A Fighter for the Unheard

My fondest memories of the late Gov. Mario Cuomo were in 1977, during the sweltering summer days when our families would get together and work around the clock in our effort to get Cuomo elected as the next mayor of New York City. The countless days spent on his driveway in Holliswood, formulating voter outreach plans, the many meals we shared, discussing anything and everything—those were simply the best days I can remember of us spending time together as neighbors and as a family.

It was apparent why my father, the late Assembly Speaker Saul Weprin, believed Mario Cuomo could one day become the first Italian- American president of the United States. His deeply rooted passion for public service was combined with an incredible ability to articulate thoughts and ideas. Cuomo’s words flew effortlessly and touched all who were listening, making each person feel that they were the most important individual in the room. To us, Mario Cuomo was just a regular guy from Queens wanting to make New York a better place, not just for himself, but for everyone, including the underprivileged and the working class. In essence, he was a true fighter for the unheard voices.

Today, I have the utmost privilege of representing the Assembly district where Cuomo and his family lived, and which my father Saul held. I learned everything I know now from standing on the shoulders of these two giants I call my greatest mentors. I will always be grateful to Cuomo for giving me the opportunity at a young age to serve in his first administration as deputy superintendent of banks.

Mario Cuomo was my mentor, my neighbor and my friend. He constantly helped guide me to be a better public servant. You will always be missed and loved, governor. May you forever rest in peace, and may your memory be a blessing for us all.

David Weprin is a state assemblyman representing the Hollis-Jamaica area in Queens.