In Farewell, McGreevey Urges End to Divisive Politics

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The New York Sun

TRENTON, N.J. – A contrite Governor McGreevey delivered a farewell address yesterday in which he said he does not apologize “for being a gay American but rather for having let personal feelings impact my decision-making.”


Mr. McGreevey used the speech to list several accomplishments of his administration, but the Democrat also expounded on the soul-searching that has occupied his time since making his stunning, nationally televised resignation announcement three months ago with his wife and parents by his side.


“I am sorry that I have disappointed the citizens of the state of New Jersey who gave me this enormous trust,” said Mr. McGreevey.


He is to step down November 15. He resigned over a gay affair with a man identified as Golan Cipel – hired by the governor in 2002 to head the state’s Homeland Security department. Mr. Cipel has denied any involvement with Mr. McGreevey and has alleged he was sexually harassed by the governor.


Mr. McGreevey highlighted reforms of the state’s child welfare agency, environmental protections, and benefits for domestic partners as some of the top achievements of his administration. But most of the speech focused on what Mr. McGreevey called the nation’s divisive political climate and his inner thoughts about being “an American who just happens to be gay and proud.”


“I don’t look back with bitterness, anger, or sorrow. I look forward to seeking knowledge, a journey of self-discovery,” the governor told a crowd of about 400 people at a museum, at times quoting from philosophers and poets.


The governor also called for an end to partisan politics and blamed himself for contributing to a climate in which “we smile in person and then throw each other under the bus when we leave the room.”


“I’m not seeking to avoid my own contributions at times to this division,” he said. “The history of America is to expand civil liberties in a responsible and civil manner.”


Republicans have criticized Mr. Mc-Greevey for staying in office so long after announcing his intention to resign. The decision to remain in office until November 15 means Senate President Richard Codey, a Democrat, will serve out the final year of Mr. McGreevey’s term. Had Mr. McGreevey stepped down immediately, a special election would have been held. Republicans also say his term was marked by ethical missteps made by both the governor and members of his administration.


“The reality is this governor disgraced himself and the state,” said Assembly Republican leader Alex DeCroce. “The only people who did exceptionally well under his administration were his friends and campaign contributors.”


Mr. McGreevey and his wife plan to move to separate homes.


Excerpts from the Speech


I have to begin today with humility by simply saying I am sorry – so, so sorry that mistakes in my judgment made this day necessary for all of us. … To be clear, I am not apologizing for being a gay American, but rather, for having let personal feelings impact my decision-making and for not having had the courage to be open about whom I was. …


I look with increasing horror, along with a growing number of other Americans, at the great and bitter division that is taking place in our politics and the cynicism that is the end result of power for power’s sake. We are losing sight of civility in government and politics. Debate and dialogue is taking a back seat to the politics of destruction and anger and control. Dogma has replaced thoughtful discussion between people of differing views. …


The history of America is to expand civil liberties in a responsible and civil manner. We need to remember that our wonderful Democracy with its freedoms has been working. It worked this past week, not to all of our liking, but it worked. The process is in place. But if it is to change for the better, we need people who will stand up and take responsibility for harsh rhetoric and the politics of anger. …


I urge the people of this state to be in the forefront of ending this great division that is taking such a toll on this nation. Demand good and effective government from wise leaders who speak softly with great ideas, who inspire people to work together for a common purpose. … With these thoughts then, I begin my own new journey as an American who just happens to be gay and proud.


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