On the recordOctober 21, 2015
I thank Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren. I just want to thank her for putting this event together this evening. Tonight, we heard many words described by folks who have known Don Edwards personally in work and part of his life. We are here tonight to honor my friend Congressman Don Edwards. Also, a native San Jose, Don was really a true statesman, the likes of which you don't find often these days. Today, we work to further the modern progressive agenda that he believed in. Our work would not be possible without standing on the shoulders of giants such as Don Edwards who came before us. Don was one of those people that I stood upon his shoulders. When I first ran for Congress, I went to him and I asked for his advice, because I never had the opportunity to work him. I did work with his sons, and one especially, Len Edwards, who was a judge. As a school person, I could see the kind of impact that Don has had on his son, Len Edwards, who was a judge. Len was the kind of guy that extended himself, also, as did his dad. He used to run truancy court in the school site that I was a principal of, which is really unique. And this is the kind of legacy that Don Edwards has left behind, a uniqueness of the kind of person that he was. Don was never afraid to take a stand if he knew it to be right. At every turn, he stood up for what he believed in. When I ran for Congress, I asked him for his advice, and he just very comfortably looked at me and said: Just do the right thing.…
